The United States Embassy in Lagos has explained that visas issuance to foreign nationals is based on privilege, not a right.
The US Consulate in Lagos stated this on Thursday in response to the revocation of the visa of Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka.
The consulate said it would not give the details of the particular visa for confidentiality reasons.
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” the Public Diplomacy Officer, US Department of State, US Consulate General, Lagos, Julia McKay, said.
McKay said visas could be revoked at any time at the discretion of the US government, maintaining that they are a privilege.
“Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, can determine who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she said.
On Tuesday in Lagos, Soyinka said his B1/B2 visa has been revoked by the US Embassy.
He told journalists at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, that he should not be expected in the US by anyone, as he currently has no visa.
He told journalistd at the parley titled “Unending Saga: Idi Amin in Whiteface,” that the notice of revocation was communicated to him by the US Consulate General in Lagos, in a letter dated October 23, 2025.
“It is necessary for me to hold this press conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time.
“I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me.”
Soyinka, who is a staunch critic of US President Donald Trump, said he did not know the basis for the revocation of his visa.
Hev said he could not recall any offence by committed by him that could have warranted the decision to revoke his visa.
“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved towards the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he wondered.
