The United States Embassy in Lagos has clarified reports surrounding the revocation of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa, stating that U.S. visas are privileges that may be withdrawn at any time.
The clarification followed Soyinka’s recent revelation that his B1/B2 visa had been cancelled by the U.S. Consulate. Addressing the issue, the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Officer, Julia McKay, said privacy laws prevent them from discussing individual visa cases, including that of the renowned writer.
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” McKay said in a statement. She added that “visas are a privilege, not a right,” and may be revoked whenever the U.S. government deems it necessary.
Soyinka, 91, disclosed the visa cancellation during a media briefing in Lagos, saying he received a letter from the Consulate dated October 23, 2025, notifying him of the decision. The letter cited U.S. regulation 22 CFR 41.122, which allows visa revocation based on new information obtained after issuance.
The literary icon said he could not identify any recent misconduct that may have prompted the action, though he recalled two minor past incidents involving airport procedures and a disagreement with American police officers. “The only crime I can think of was being fined for carrying undeclared peppers,” he quipped.
Soyinka, a longtime critic of former U.S. President Donald Trump, said he would not challenge the Consulate’s decision but described the development as “curious.” He also noted that the letter requested he return the visa for physical cancellation — a request he laughed off, jokingly asking if anyone would volunteer to deliver it.
The Embassy’s move has fueled widespread debate online, particularly amid growing concerns among Nigerians about increasing visa denials and heightened travel scrutiny under U.S. immigration policy.
