Bashir Ahmad Links U.S. Visa Policy Shift to Tinubu’s BRICS Engagement

Bashir Ahmad, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has suggested that the United States’ recent visa restriction on Nigerian citizens is tied to President Bola Tinubu’s participation in the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil, rather than simply a matter of reciprocity.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the U.S. government announced a significant change to its visa policy for Nigerians. Effective immediately, most non-immigrant visas—including those for tourism and business—will now be issued as single-entry and valid for only three months. This replaces the previous arrangement, which allowed five-year, multiple-entry visas. The U.S. noted the move was a reciprocal measure reflecting Nigeria’s visa policies for American citizens. Visas issued before the change will remain valid.

However, reacting to the policy via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ahmad suggested the move may have deeper geopolitical motivations.

“I am of the opinion that the recent review of U.S. visa policy on Nigeria, reducing the 5-year multiple entry visa to just 3 months single entry, is not solely about reciprocity,” he wrote.

“Rather, it appears to reflect growing U.S. discomfort with Nigeria’s increasing global realignment, particularly the warm reception we are receiving from the BRICS.

Nigeria is charting its course, forging strategic partnerships that serve our national interest. Our President, Bola Tinubu’s successful outing at the BRICS Summit in Brazil sent a strong message.

We are Nigeria and we will be alright.”

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President Tinubu’s attendance at the BRICS Summit, which includes emerging global powers such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has sparked discussions about Nigeria’s evolving foreign policy and its potential interest in deeper cooperation with the bloc.

The U.S. visa decision comes at a time of increased geopolitical tension and shifting alliances, with many observers closely watching how Nigeria balances its traditional Western partnerships with new strategic alignments.