Nigeria Pushes For Fair Visa Policies To Strengthen Global Trade
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for a more balanced and fair visa policy to support Nigerian businesses expanding internationally.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal while representing President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with the Nigerian community in Ethiopia.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 38th Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government Summit, Idris emphasised the need for reciprocity in visa policies.
He highlighted that while over 50 Indonesian companies operate in Nigeria, fewer than five Nigerian businesses have a presence in Indonesia, largely due to restrictive visa policies.
“If we allow foreign investors easy access to Nigeria, it is only fair that our entrepreneurs receive the same treatment abroad,” Idris said.
He assured Nigerians in Ethiopia that concerns over the cancellation of e-visas and Visa-on-Arrival options for Nigerian travelers would be escalated to the Foreign Affairs Ministry for diplomatic intervention.
Beyond visa issues, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s economic progress, including securing $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the disbursement of N32 billion in student loans, and significant security improvements.
He revealed that 8,000 terrorists have been neutralised, 8,000 kidnapped victims rescued, and 11,600 arrests made in 2024 alone.
The President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Muideen Alimi, called for Nigeria’s stronger involvement in intra-African trade and the establishment of an African Central Bank to boost economic development.
The meeting, attended by the DG of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other officials, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to supporting its citizens and businesses on the global stage.
