The Nigerian government is actively working to resolve the suspension of the drop box service for US visa renewals. Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, assured that diplomatic efforts are underway to address the issue.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Oke stated that he would engage with US officials in Washington after his meetings in New York. He emphasized that the drop box service, which previously allowed eligible applicants to renew their visas without in-person interviews, was a convenience extended by the US but not a guaranteed right.

Recently, reports surfaced that the US had discontinued the drop box option for Nigerian visa renewals, requiring all applicants to undergo in-person interviews. The change comes amid stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has intensified efforts to deport undocumented migrants.

Oke downplayed the development, noting that Nigeria does not offer a similar service to Americans renewing their Nigerian visas. He highlighted the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, explaining that visa policies are at the discretion of each country. He also revealed that Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, had not received any official communication from the US regarding the suspension.

The lawmaker expressed confidence that Nigeria's significance on the global stage would ensure a favorable resolution. He also suggested that the Trump administration might reconsider its stance on immigration policies in response to international concerns.

As of 2015, approximately 376,000 Nigerians were living in the US, making Nigeria the largest source of African immigration to the country. The US remains a top destination for Nigerian professionals and students, with remittances from the diaspora contributing over $20 billion annually to Nigeria’s economy.