Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has said that the United States, under former President Donald Trump, imposed visa restrictions on Nigeria because of the country’s failure to decisively tackle terrorism and its financiers.

Frank, in a statement on Friday, explained that the U.S. policy targets terrorism financiers and sympathizers in Nigeria, aiming to pressure the nation into more transparent and decisive action against insecurity.

He commended the U.S. administration and Congress for the measures, describing them as “a welcome development” and a demonstration of the U.S. commitment to global security.

“The visa restrictions are significant international pressure compelling Nigerian authorities to revisit longstanding concerns about terror financing,” Frank said.

He criticized the Nigerian government for failing to publicly release the names of terror financiers previously identified by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and argued that political interference has hindered prosecutions and accountability.

Frank also stated that corruption and political interests have weakened Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity, despite the country having the capacity to address these challenges effectively.

He urged the U.S. to exercise caution in sharing intelligence with Nigerian authorities until full public disclosure of identified terror sponsors and guarantees of accountability are provided.

“Let it be clearly stated: if President Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be looking the other way,” Frank said. “Their intervention has exposed what our leaders have refused to confront and given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end.”