The Nigerian Government has announced plans to review the nation’s visa policy with the aim of attracting more foreign investments and promoting tourism. The decision came during a stakeholders consultative meeting on Nigeria visa held at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, expressed determination to implement a new framework within the next few weeks to facilitate easier access to the country for people worldwide.
“We are determined to make sure that in the next couple of weeks, by the grace of God, the new implementation framework will be on ground. And people all over the world will start having easy access to the country. We want to welcome investment and people,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
Highlighting the need for the review, Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the current visa policy had limited the influx of foreign visitors to Nigeria, which hindered investment opportunities and foreign exchange inflow.
“Just last year, the number of foreign passengers that came to Nigeria whether Nigerians or non, was just less than two million people. That is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people. It means that we are limiting investment, import of forex among other things,” he explained.
The Minister assured that the revised visa policy would strike a balance between facilitating investments and ensuring national security.
“A seamless access to any country is key for investment promotion, job creation, foreign direct investment. In short is key to whatever a particular country wants to do or achieve to enable it progress,” Tunji-Ojo stressed.
He also stressed the importance of technology in streamlining visa application processes and reducing waiting times, particularly for short stay, business, tourism, and entertainment visas.
Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the significance of visa regulations in shaping the future of the nation, highlighting its impact on individuals, businesses, and overall national development.
The stakeholders meeting concluded with a commitment from the government to implement the revised visa policy effectively, with the aim of making Nigeria’s visa system one of the best in the world.
