By Our Correspondent
A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has written an open letter to United States President Donald J. Trump, advising to him to remove the stringent visa restrictions currently affecting Nigerians who wish to travel to the US.
In the strongly worded letter made available to journalists on Tuesday, Ajadi noted that Nigerians have long enjoyed cordial relations with the United States, and that the imposition of harsh visa rules undermines people-to-people ties, business collaborations, and educational opportunities.
According to him, many law-abiding Nigerians are unfairly denied access to the US due to policies that stereotype the country’s citizens, despite Nigeria’s significant contributions to global development and the large Nigerian diaspora community in America.
“Mr. President, Nigeria is a nation of hardworking and resourceful people,” Ajadi wrote. “Our citizens contribute positively to the US economy, academia, technology, medicine, and culture. It is therefore unfair to subject them to unnecessary bottlenecks and humiliating visa processes. I respectfully urge you to consider a review of these rules in the spirit of fairness, justice, and mutual respect.”
Ajadi, who is also a businessman and social activist, emphasized that easing visa restrictions would not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also create opportunities for trade, cultural exchange, and bilateral cooperation.
He called for fairer treatment of Nigerian travelers, while assuring that the government and people of Nigeria remain committed to international peace and collaboration.
He further argued that many young Nigerians look up to the US as a destination for higher education and innovation, stressing that rigid visa hurdles discourage intellectual growth and international partnerships.
Ajadi concluded his letter by expressing optimism that President Trump, known for his bold decisions, would give fair consideration to the plight of millions of Nigerians who seek legitimate entry into the United States for studies, tourism, business, and family reunification.
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The NNPP chieftain’s appeal adds to growing voices from civil society, political leaders, and the Nigerian diaspora calling for a review of immigration policies that affect the movement of Nigerians to the United States.
