The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended the operations of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), which runs Nigeria’s visa application centres in the United States.
The suspension, effective July 1, means Nigerians in the U.S. and prospective travellers must now process their visas directly through Nigerian embassies and consulates.
Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Akinsola Akinlabi, explained in Abuja on Thursday that visa applicants should submit their applications at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or at the Consulate General in New York and Atlanta.
He stressed that the suspension applies only to visa centres in the U.S. and does not affect Nigeria’s electronic visa (e‑Visa) system. “Applicants can continue to apply for e‑Visas through the official online portal,” he said.
Akinlabi assured Nigerians that measures have been put in place to ensure visa applications are processed smoothly despite the suspension.
He urged applicants to rely on official communication channels of the NIS and Nigerian missions in the U.S. for updates.
Expressing appreciation for applicants’ patience, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery.
For many Nigerians abroad, the announcement means adjusting to new procedures, but the NIS insists the changes are necessary to strengthen trust and streamline visa processing.
