Nigeria, June 2 -- The US government is planning to drastically slash the number of American embassies and consulates in Africa that process visas for travellers from over 50 to 20.

This implies that the US government will suspend visa processing at dozens of diplomatic missions across Africa, requiring applicants to seek visas at fewer embassies and consulates.

The Associated Press reports that, under the directive of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US State Department will reduce consular operations at all but 20 "hubs" in Africa in the coming weeks.

This also affects Nigeria. Under this policy, the US would cease visa-processing operations in Abuja and restrict visa services to the Lagos consulate.

The State Department claimed ...