In a bold and unapologetic stance, former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani has called on President Bola Tinubu to reciprocate any future travel ban imposed on Nigerians by former U.S. President Donald Trump with an equally firm response—by banning Americans from entering Nigeria.
Sani, known for his outspoken political commentary, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle to deliver his trademark punch of wit and diplomacy, stating:
> “The US should not ban Nigerians from travelling to their country. There is no reason to do that. We don’t fall into the category of those countries they consider as threats. But if they eventually ban us, our country should respond with similar gesture.”
Sani, ever the nationalist, added with poetic defiance:
> “There are those of us who appreciate the peace and dignity of our villages and mud houses more than going to live in places where we are not welcomed.”
His comments came on the heels of a developing story indicating that the Trump-led Republican team—eyeing a return to power—was actively considering sweeping travel restrictions targeting 36 countries, including Nigeria.
According to SaharaReporters, the controversial move stems from a memo allegedly signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The document was circulated to American diplomats across the globe and outlines a 60-day deadline for countries on the list to meet stringent benchmarks around national security, identity documentation, and immigration cooperation.
The memo cited a range of reasons for the proposed restrictions, including:
Lack of reliable civil documentation systems
Rampant government corruption and fraud
Security concerns related to terrorism and visa overstays
Citizenship-for-cash schemes without residency requirements
Reports of anti-American and antisemitic sentiments
The internal directive gives the listed nations until 8 a.m. Wednesday to submit preliminary action plans demonstrating willingness to align with U.S. immigration enforcement protocols. Countries that fail to comply could face immediate and severe entry bans.
If implemented, the restrictions would echo Trump’s controversial first-term “Muslim ban,” which drew global condemnation for disproportionately targeting African and Muslim-majority nations. This new list, however, is even broader, with countries such as Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, and Nigeria named among others.
Trump, defending the policy during a national address, justified it as a necessary step to safeguard American lives.
> “Very simply, we cannot allow open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those seeking to enter the United States,” he declared.
He further cited a recent violent attack in Boulder, Colorado, where 12 people were injured during a gathering in support of Israeli hostages, linking it to foreign visa overstayers.
> “In the 21st century, we’ve seen one terror attack after another carried out by foreign visa overstayers from dangerous places all over the world,” Trump asserted. “We don’t want them here.”
The Trump administration’s revived immigration stance reportedly seeks not just temporary measures, but binding bilateral agreements, including “safe third country” pacts and readiness to accept deported nationals.
At the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not issued any official response to the looming threat of a U.S. travel ban. However, with Shehu Sani’s voice ringing loud in the digital public square, the heat is on for the Tinubu administration to assert Nigeria’s dignity on the global stage.
Bottom line?
If Trump shuts the gates on Nigerians, Shehu Sani wants Nigeria to slam the door right back—no holds barred.
PIONEER NEWS 