Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a former Ogun State governorship candidate and chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has publicly accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of operating a visa application process that is exploitative, opaque, and discriminatory toward Nigerian applicants.
Addressing journalists on Monday after being denied a U.S. visa at the embassy in Abuja, Ajadi criticized the process as being unfair and financially burdensome, with no clear explanation for rejections despite the payment of non-refundable fees.
“The U.S. Embassy collects full visa application fees from Nigerians but fails to provide transparent reasons for denials or any avenue for appeal,” Ajadi said.
“Rejection Without Explanation Is Deceptive” — Ajadi
Ajadi described his personal experience as both frustrating and unjust. He stated that after paying the full visa application fee, he received only a generic denial letter, with no specific reasons for the rejection.
“We are not lawyers. A refusal letter filled with vague legal jargon doesn’t help applicants understand why they were rejected. Each applicant deserves a personalized response,” he said.
“This is not transparency. It’s institutional deception. Nigerians deserve better.”
He emphasized that his visa request was for legitimate business purposes, including scheduled meetings and plans to invest in real estate through Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, a multi-sector company operating in real estate, entertainment, manufacturing, and hospitality.
Section 214(b): A Blanket Denial Tool?
Ajadi’s application was reportedly rejected under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which is frequently cited in visa denials. The section implies that the applicant failed to prove sufficient ties to their home country — a judgment that is non-appealable under current U.S. law.
“I challenge the consular officer to show how I failed to meet the criteria. The interview questions didn’t align with the legal grounds cited,” Ajadi added.
Criticism of Fee Structure and Access to Appointments
Ajadi also condemned the high cost and lack of accountability in the application process. He noted that Nigerians pay between $185 and $265 for non-immigrant visas—fees that are non-refundable, even in the case of arbitrary denials.
“When the UK denies a visa, you get a detailed explanation. The U.S. just hands you a generic letter and keeps your money,” he said.
He further alleged that ordinary Nigerians are now unable to book visa appointments without going through third-party agents, who often charge excessive fees for access.
“It’s become a gambling game. The system is broken, and average Nigerians are the ones suffering,” he lamented.
Ajadi Appeals to Trump, Tinubu for Reform
Ajadi made a direct appeal to former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he openly supports, urging him to advocate for policy changes that protect applicants from what he called economic exploitation.
“With due respect, sir, President Trump, please support a law requiring embassies to collect only a small administrative fee—say N50,000—until a visa is approved,” he proposed.
He also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage foreign missions in Nigeria and push for a visa reform policy that ensures fairness and protects Nigerian citizens.
“Only successful applicants should pay the full visa fee. The current system is unfair. Some Nigerians spend up to one million naira just to be rejected with no explanation,” he added.
Call for Civil Society Action
Ajadi, who also leads the All Youths Reoriented Initiative of Nigeria (AYRION), called on civil society organizations, NGOs, and human rights groups to demand transparency and fairness in visa operations by foreign embassies in Nigeria.
“If the U.S.—as the world’s leading democracy—can fix this, others will follow. Nigerians deserve to be treated with dignity,” he concluded.
As of the time of publication, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has not issued an official response to the allegations.
