Nigeria, Aug. 8 -- The United States has stated that its decision to reduce the validity of certain non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to three months with single entry is not intended as punishment, but rather as part of a global security review aimed at strengthening immigration controls.

The United States recently revised its visa reciprocity schedule for immigrants in B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) categories.

Speaking at a joint press briefing on Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills stated that the changes were designed to enhance service delivery, tighten vetting, and ensure compliance with US visa laws.

"Before coming to this office, we had engagements with Ambassador Mills, and wh...