|By Adejumo Adekunle
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, former Ogun State governorship candidate and chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of running what he described as a “fraudulent, exploitative, and non-transparent” visa application system.
Ajadi, who was denied a US visa at the embassy in Abuja, addressed journalists on Monday, expressing outrage over the current process. He said the embassy unjustly collects full visa fees from Nigerians without any guarantee of fair evaluation or clear reasons for rejection.
“The American Embassy collects full visa application fees from Nigerians without providing any opportunity for appeal,” Ajadi said. “They just issue a generic piece of paper to deny applicants, and it’s filled with legal jargon. We’re not lawyers. Every applicant deserves a specific reason for denial. This is not transparency. It’s institutional deception.”
Ajadi said the lack of clarity in rejection letters—often citing Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act—robs applicants of the right to understand or challenge the decision. The section implies that applicants failed to demonstrate strong ties to Nigeria that would compel their return after a US visit.
“My name is unique, like every applicant’s is. Each person deserves an individual letter stating clearly why they were denied. The questions I was asked during the interview didn’t even align with the law they’re citing,” he said.
Ajadi insisted his application was based on legitimate business grounds. He disclosed plans to invest in US real estate through his company, Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, which also operates in entertainment, hospitality, and sports promotion.
“I did not apply for a visa as a joke,” he said. “I have business commitments. Many Nigerians spend hundreds of dollars only to be rejected without proper justification. When the UK denies you, they give you specific reasons. The US doesn’t—and they keep your money.”
Ajadi also criticised the increasing difficulty of securing visa interview appointments, alleging that the process has been hijacked by third-party agents who now act as middlemen.
“Ordinary Nigerians can’t book appointments directly anymore. Agents charge outrageous fees to access interview slots. It’s a broken, corrupt system.”
In an open appeal, Ajadi called on former US President Donald Trump—whom he supports—to push for new visa policies that protect applicants from financial exploitation.
“President Trump, please champion a law that mandates US embassies to only collect a small administrative fee, say ₦50,000, from applicants. Full fees should only be paid if the visa is approved.”
He also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and protect Nigerians from exploitative practices by foreign missions.
“Mr. President, we need a new visa policy. Make it law that only successful applicants pay the full fee. Unsuccessful ones should pay a minimal charge. It’s unfair to ask Nigerians to spend up to ₦1 million for a visa that will be denied.”
Ajadi, who leads the All Youths Reoriented Initiative of Nigeria (AYRION), further called on civil society groups and non-governmental organisations to rally for urgent reforms.
“NGOs must rise and demand fairness from these embassies. If America can fix this, others will follow. We are a democratic country. We deserve transparency.”
Currently, US non-immigrant visa fees in Nigeria range between $185 and $265. By law, US consular officers are not obligated to give detailed explanations for refusals—one of the most controversial aspects of the system, especially in developing nations.
As at press time, the United States Embassy in Abuja had not issued a response to Ajadi’s claims.
