US embassy: No ban on Nigerians

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria says there's no need for Nigerians to cancel travel plans to the United States and says suggestions of a policy change negatively affecting Nigerians are incorrect.

Spokesman Russell K. Brooks responded to an Associated Press request for comment after a Nigerian government statement Monday said some Nigerians with valid multiple-entry U.S. visas have been barred entry and put on the next plane home.

Earlier Tuesday, Nigeria's Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project said Nigeria's government "must stand up to Trump and defend Nigerians' internationally recognized right to freedom of movement."

Possessing a visa has never automatically guaranteed entry, Brooks notes, but "Nigerians with a valid visa and a legitimate purpose are certainly welcome to visit the United States."

He says "we encourage all visitors to be clear and consistent about their purpose and cooperate fully with U.S. immigration authorities."

Nigeria is not part of President Donald Trump's revised travel ban. Half its 170 million citizens are Muslims and it's battling Boko Haram's Islamic uprising in the northeast.

AP