Bashir Ahmad Links US Visa Cuts to Nigeria’s BRICS Alignment

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has weighed in on the United States' recent decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian nationals, suggesting it may be a political response to Nigeria’s growing alignment with BRICS nations.

The US announced on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, that most non-immigrant visas for Nigerians, including tourist and business visas, will now be valid for only three months and single entry, effective immediately. Previously, many Nigerians received five-year, multiple-entry visas.

While the US framed the change as a matter of reciprocity, aligning with Nigeria’s own visa policy toward US citizens, Ahmad offered a different take.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria… is not solely about reciprocity.
Rather, it appears to reflect growing US discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.”

Ahmad pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s recent attendance at the BRICS Summit in Brazil as a signal of Nigeria's foreign policy shift.

“Nigeria is charting its course, forging strategic partnerships that serve our national interest,” he wrote.

“Our President’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message.
We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”

This marks the latest in a series of high-level interactions between Nigeria and emerging global powers, potentially indicating a more non-aligned, multipolar approach to diplomacy.

Starting July 8, 2025:

• Most non-immigrant US visas (tourist, business) for Nigerians are now:

  • Single-entry only

  • Valid for 3 months

• Existing visas issued before July 8 remain valid until their stated expiry dates.

While the US State Department says this mirrors Nigeria's visa rules for Americans, critics and analysts alike are exploring whether there's more beneath the surface.