New US Visa Policy Could Affect Nigeria’s $24bn Remittances

A former top Nigerian diplomat, Joe Keshi, has warned that Nigeria could face serious economic pressure if a new U.S. immigration crackdown ends up choking the flow of money Nigerians abroad send home every year.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Keshi said Nigeria should not treat the development as ordinary politics. He argued that Abuja needs a clear, organised strategy for engaging Washington and understanding what is driving the decision, because the damage could land on households, not just on government.

Keshi noted that Nigeria receives over $24 billion annually in remittances from citizens abroad, and said any policy that reduces legal migration pathways could weaken those inflows over time. In his view, if families that depend on monthly support from relatives abroad lose that lifeline, more Nigerians could slip into poverty.

He also pushed back against claims he attributed to President Donald Trump, including an allegation that “30 percent of Nigerians are living off the state.” Keshi said many Nigerians in the U.S. are hardworking and often hold multiple jobs, and he urged Nigerian authorities to respond with facts and diplomacy rather than silence.

A crackdown linked to “public charge” concerns

Keshi’s comments come amid reports that the U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Nigeria. The policy is presented by U.S. officials as a move to curb abuse of the system and tighten screening.

The justification, as described in the report, is tied to the idea of preventing people from becoming a “public charge”,meaning authorities may deny entry to applicants judged likely to rely on welfare or public benefits.

What the restrictions could cover

The reported details suggest the freeze is expected to take effect on January 21 and focuses on immigrant visas. That means visas tied to permanent relocation could be affected, while non-immigrant visas such as temporary business and tourist travel were described as currently unaffected.

The report also says the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has ordered a pause to reassess vetting procedures to prevent what the administration calls exploitation of America’s social support systems.

Why Nigeria is watching closely

For Nigeria, the fear is less about headlines and more about economics. Remittances support rent, school fees, health bills, and daily living in many homes. Any long-term drop can also reduce the amount of foreign currency entering the country through private channels.

Keshi’s message is simple: Nigeria should not wait for the impact to show up in family budgets before reacting. He says the government must engage early, clarify Nigeria’s position, and protect a financial pipeline that many households depend on.