Jul 10, 2026

OIS Rejects Disengagement Claims: Nigeria US Visa Services Remain Unaffected

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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LAGOS/ABUJA, Nigeria — In a swift rebuttal that has eased concerns for thousands of travellers, OIS Services (Online Integrated Solutions) has firmly stated it has not been disengaged as Nigeria’s visa service provider in the United States.

The clarification comes after the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the termination of the partnership, directing applicants to submit documents directly at Nigerian missions.

The development, which unfolded rapidly in early July 2026, highlights ongoing complexities in Nigeria’s international visa processing ecosystem and has sparked confusion among Nigerians in the Diaspora and other prospective visitors.

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the NIS issued a public notice declaring that OIS Services had been disengaged effective immediately.

Travellers in the US were instructed to submit visa applications directly to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC, or the Consulates in New York and Atlanta until further notice.

The NIS assured applicants that adequate arrangements had been made for seamless processing.

However, OIS Services pushed back strongly, maintaining its role remains intact and denying any formal termination.

The company’s position has brought temporary relief to many who rely on its centres for document submission, biometrics, and related services, especially those planning urgent travel to Nigeria.

The back-and-forth has created practical challenges for Nigerians in the US and other foreign nationals seeking entry visas.

Many applicants had already booked appointments through OIS centres, only to face shifting instructions. The e-Visa portal continues to operate, but physical submission requirements have left some travellers uncertain about the fastest route forward.

This episode occurs against a backdrop of broader efforts to streamline Nigeria’s immigration and visa processes.

The partnership with OIS was designed to make applications more convenient by handling logistics outside the embassies and consulates. Its status has now become a point of public contention.

- For applicants in the US: Monitor official communications from both OIS and Nigerian missions. Direct submissions to embassies/consulates appear to be the fallback position, but OIS’s denial suggests possible negotiations or clarifications behind the scenes.

- No disruption to e-Visa: Online applications remain available, though supporting documents may still require physical handling.

- Travel planning advice: Those with imminent needs should contact the nearest Nigerian mission directly for the latest guidance to avoid delays.

The report underscores the need for clear, coordinated communication from government agencies to prevent confusion in critical services like visa processing, which directly affect Nigeria’s international image, Diaspora relations, and tourism/economic ties with the United States.

As the situation develops, stakeholders expect swift resolution to restore predictability.

For millions of Nigerians abroad and global partners, reliable visa services are more than administrative formalities — they represent connections to home, business opportunities, and family reunions.

This clarification from OIS Services may signal an ongoing review rather than outright termination, but travellers are urged to stay updated through verified channels to navigate any transitional hurdles effectively.