The United States has announced new travel restrictions on Nigerians under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The White House said the decision was based on security concerns and problems checking the background of travellers.
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Under the new rules, Nigerians are no longer allowed to enter the US as immigrants or with certain visas.
These include visas for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), combined business and tourism (B-1/B-2), students (F and M), and exchange programmes (J).
The US government said terrorist activities in parts of Nigeria and ongoing insecurity make proper screening difficult. It also said many Nigerians overstay their visas in the US.
US officials added that visa officers have been told to shorten the validity of other visas given to Nigerians where possible.
The restrictions will start on January 1 and will only affect people outside the US who do not already have valid visas.
The ban does not apply to permanent residents, diplomats, athletes attending major events, and some special visa holders.
The US also placed similar restrictions on several other countries and imposed a full travel ban on a few others, citing security and document concerns.