General
Steps to Getting A US Visa in Lagos
Obtaining a US visa can be daunting, especially for first-time applicants. For Nigerians seeking to travel to the United States, the visa application process requires patience, attention to detail, and adequate preparation. The US Consulate in Lagos handles visa applications for Nigerians in the country’s southern region.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on obtaining a US visa in Lagos, Nigeria, highlighting the necessary documents, fees, and procedures involved.
Determine the type of visa you need
This is a crucial step as it determines the purpose of your travel and the visa category you will apply for. There are various types of visas available for Nigerians, such as tourist, business, student, and work visas.
Learn more about the U.S. options for Nigerian citizens in this article.
Tourist visas are for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for tourism, vacation, or to visit family and friends. Business visas are for individuals who wish to travel to the United States for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations. Student visas are for individuals who wish to study in the United States, while work visas are for individuals who wish to work or engage in employment-related activities in the United States.
It is essential to determine the appropriate visa category that aligns with your purpose of travel to avoid delays or denials in the visa application process.
Complete the online application form
The second step in obtaining a US visa in Lagos, Nigeria, is to complete the online application form, in most cases, the DS-160. The DS-160 is a mandatory form that all applicants must complete for a US nonimmigrant visa.
The form collects biographical information, including an identifying photo, travel details, and other relevant information about the applicant. It is essential to provide accurate and truthful information on the form as the US consulate uses it to determine the applicant’s eligibility for a visa.
The DS-160 is an electronic form that is completed and submitted online. After submitting the form, applicants will receive a confirmation page that must be printed and presented during the visa interview.
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is a non-refundable fee that must be paid before the visa interview. The fee varies depending on the type of visa being applied for and can be paid online or at designated banks. In Nigeria’s case, the bank is GTBank. The fee for most nonimmigrant visas is $160.
It is important to keep the visa fee receipt as proof of payment, as it will be required during the visa interview.
In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional fees for certain visa categories, such as the SEVIS fee for F and M student visas or the petition-based visa fee for certain employment-based visas. These fees must also be paid before the visa interview.
It is important to note that payment of the visa fee does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
Schedule and prepare yourself for the interview
After paying the visa fee, you must schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the US Consulate in Lagos.
2 Walter Carrington Crescent,
Victoria Island, Lagos
Telephone: (234)-1- 460-3400
Fax: (+234)-1-460-3717
Preparing for a US visa interview is essential in the visa application process. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a US visa interview:
- Review the application and gather necessary documents: Before the interview, review your visa application and ensure that all the information provided is accurate and up-to-date;
- Research the visa category and interview process. This will help you prepare adequately and be confident during the interview;
- Practice answering interview questions. Common interview questions include your purpose of travel, your job or school, your ties to your home country, and your financial situation.
Attend your interview
Attending a US visa interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but proper preparation can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to help you ace your US visa interview:
- Be on time: Arrive at the consulate early to allow enough time for security checks and other formalities. Being punctual shows that you are responsible and take the interview process seriously;
- Dress appropriately: Dress in business or business-casual attire to create a positive impression;
- Be polite and respectful: During the interview, be polite and respectful to the consular officer. Use polite language and avoid interrupting or arguing with the officer. Remember that the officer is there to determine your eligibility for a visa, so it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and be cooperative;
- Be prepared to provide detailed information about your purpose of travel. If you’re traveling for business, be specific about your business’s nature and intended activities. If you’re traveling for tourism, explain your itinerary and the places you plan to visit. It’s crucial to show that you have a legitimate reason for traveling to the US;
- Provide accurate and truthful information during the interview. If you provide false information, it may result in the denial of your visa application;
- Be prepared for additional screening: In some cases, additional screening may be required after the interview. If this happens, be patient and provide all necessary information to the consulate.
Wait for decision
After the interview, you will be informed of the visa decision. If your visa application is approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you within a few days. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial.
Obtaining a US visa can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience. Understanding the visa application requirements is essential, as researching your visa category and preparing adequately for the interview.
Following the tips outlined in this article can increase your chances of a successful visa application and have a stress-free interview experience. Remember to stay calm, be confident, and provide accurate and truthful information during the interview. With proper preparation, you can achieve your dream of traveling to the US.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Ebonyi State Police Command has insisted on conducting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death of Miss Mary Habila, a physiotherapist who died at the residence of the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The demise of the deceased, which occurred in late June, recently became public and has sparked calls for a probe from many quarters.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has approached the court to stop the autopsy, but experts tell Business Post that the family has no authority to file an affidavit, as this is a case of suspected murder against the state and not the family.
Mr Umahi has also called for a probe.
The Ebonyi Police Command said the autopsy was necessary to establish the cause of death and support its ongoing investigation, despite objections from the deceased’s family.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, stating that the police had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Habila’s death.
Mr Ukandu said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased and a colleague were members of the medical team attached to the Minister of Works and had accompanied him to his hometown in Uburu, where she later died in a room within the compound of his residence.
According to him, detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) have visited the scene, documented relevant evidence and obtained statements from persons connected to the incident.
He added that the command had concluded arrangements to engage a qualified pathologist to carry out a post-mortem examination, which it considers crucial to determining the actual cause of death.
Mr Ukandu explained that the police became involved in the matter after receiving a distress call on June 27, 2026, from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ohaozara Division, informing the command of a medical emergency involving Habila and requesting his presence at the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu.
“On arrival, the DPO was informed by hospital authorities that Miss Mary Habila had been brought in dead.
He immediately briefed the Commissioner of Police, who directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson disclosed that while the family of the deceased had opposed the conduct of an autopsy, the command considered the procedure necessary in view of the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Command therefore awaits the attendance of the family or their duly appointed representative, as their presence is essential to the conduct of the post-mortem examination,” Mr Ukandu said, assuring the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without bias, stressing that every necessary step would be taken to uncover the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.
Mr Ukandu further assured that the command would continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Family Seeks to Stop Autopsy
The family of the deceased, who is a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and was seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works, formally requested the withdrawal of further investigation into her death and declined an autopsy.
In an affidavit titled Affidavit of Withdrawal of Case filed before the High Court of Justice of Ebonyi State, her father, Tanko Habila Wisdom, said the family was not alleging any foul play in her death and wished to proceed with her burial.
According to the affidavit, Mary Habila died on June 27, 2026, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The deponent stated that before her death, Habila was a staff member of the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences and had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, where she served in the Office of the Minister of Works for about three years.
By Adedapo Adesanya
A Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja, has ordered the final forfeiture of billions of Naira worth of assets linked to businesswoman and socialite, Ms Aisha Achimugu, to the federal government.
Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), directing the permanent forfeiture of jewellery valued at N4.645 billion, 11 exotic vehicles worth N4.293 billion, $50,000 and N30 million in cash.
The ruling followed the EFCC’s request for the final forfeiture of the assets, which the commission said were linked to Ms Achimugu.
The forfeited assets include: Jewellery valued at N4,645,170,294.90; 11 exotic vehicles worth N4,293,000,000; $50,000 in cash; and N30,000,000 in cash.
The court’s judgment vests ownership of the assets in the federal government, bringing the forfeiture proceedings to a close.
In March, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirmed the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to the Lagos socialite. However, in an interview in April, she denied that $13 million was discovered by the EFCC in her residence, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
Justice Nwite had, on August 22, 2025, granted the anti-graft agency’s motion ex parte for an interim order forfeiting the sum of $13 million linked to Oceangate Ltd to the federal government over allegations that the fund was proceeds of unlawful activity.
The judge had then directed the commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested people to show cause within 14 days why the fund should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.
In 2024, the businesswoman gained significant media attention for a seven-day birthday celebration in Grenada, which was attended by high-profile guests, reportedly including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The socialite also defended her widely publicised birthday celebration, noting that it had been “planned for 10 years” and was not funded with any money under investigation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
To boost fertiliser production, strengthen food security and advance Nigeria’s domestic gas utilisation agenda, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has signed a 16-year Gas Sale Agreement (GSA) with Indorama Fertiliser FZE for the supply of up to 60 million standard cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Assa North Ohaji South (ANOH) Gas Processing Facility.
The agreement was signed by the chief executive of Renaissance, Mr Tony Attah, and Indorama’s counterpart, Mr Manish Mundra, with both executives describing the deal as a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s domestic gas utilisation agenda, industrial development, and agricultural growth aspirations.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to unlocking the value of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources through partnerships that create real and lasting impact,” Mr Attah said, adding: “By supplying natural gas to a major fertiliser producer such as Indorama, we are supporting a value chain that is critical to food security, agricultural productivity, industrial growth, and economic development.”
The agreement will provide Indorama Fertiliser with a secure and reliable source of natural gas to support uninterrupted production and enable the company to meet growing domestic and regional demand for fertiliser products.
The resulting increase in fertiliser availability is expected to contribute to improved crop yields, enhanced agricultural productivity, and strengthened food security across Nigeria and Africa.
Commenting on the agreement, Mr Mundra said the deal was an important milestone for the company in its ambition of supporting Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“Reliable access to natural gas is fundamental to fertiliser production, and this long-term arrangement provides a strong foundation for sustainable operations and future growth,” Mr Mundra said. “We appreciate the partnership with Renaissance and look forward to leveraging this collaboration.”
The transaction aligns closely with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative and further demonstrates the strategic role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, supporting manufacturing, enhancing energy security, and enabling economic diversification.
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