The United States Consulate in Lagos has responded to reports surrounding the cancellation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s U.S. visa, emphasising that visas granted to foreign nationals are not rights but privileges extended at the discretion of the American government.
In comments sent to The Punch, the U.S. Mission said it could not disclose details of Soyinka’s case due to confidentiality obligations governing all visa records.
“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” the Mission stated.
The U.S. Mission added that visas may be withdrawn at any time based on government assessment. “Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, can determine who enters its borders,” the response read.
Soyinka, 91, revealed during a media engagement in Lagos that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked. He told journalists he received the notification in a letter dated October 23, 2025, from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
He said he made the public announcement to alert event organisers in the United States who may have been expecting his attendance at upcoming engagements.
Soyinka also maintained he has not been informed of any reason for the revocation and said he was unaware of any action or conduct that could have triggered the decision.
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Source:Africa Publicity
