The United States government has restated its commitment to protecting its homeland through strict visa screening protocols, including its latest requirement for Nigerians seeking visas to declare their social media handles.
According to the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, applicants are now obligated to provide usernames used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa form. Officials warned that omissions could disqualify an application.
The Nigerian government, however, has vowed to implement a tit-for-tat policy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made this clear when he said:
“The best we can do is to carry out reciprocal action. Some people from the US might want to apply for a visa, and we will adopt the same measures.”
In a Monday post on X, the U.S. Mission reiterated that the new rule is not punitive but protective:
“The safety and security of the United States is at the heart of every US Visa application and decision process. That’s why prospective applicants undergo careful screening to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. These measures help protect American citizens and communities while supporting secure and responsible travel.”
The move has ignited debates among stakeholders on the balance between national security and individual privacy, with many questioning how such measures may affect freedom of expression and international relations.