FG Advocates for Equitable Visa Policies to Boost Nigeria’s Global Trade Expansion
The Nigerian government is advocating for more relaxed and equitable visa policies to support Nigerian businesses in their efforts to expand globally. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, emphasized the importance of mutual visa arrangements during a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 38th African Union Summit. Idris called for countries that benefit from Nigeria’s vast consumer market to reciprocate by easing visa restrictions for Nigerian companies looking to set up operations overseas.
Idris shared concerns over the challenges Nigerian companies face, citing examples from Indonesia and Ethiopia. He noted that while numerous Indonesian businesses thrive in Nigeria, the same opportunities are not available for Nigerian companies in those countries due to restrictive visa policies. He stressed that visa issues were particularly problematic for Nigerian businesses in Ethiopia, especially following the cancellation of e-visa and Visa-on-Arrival options for Nigerian travelers.
The minister expressed that visa policies should be reciprocal, asserting that Nigerian businesses and individuals should be granted similar opportunities in other countries as those offered to foreign investors in Nigeria. He promised that the Nigerian government would address the matter diplomatically with the Ethiopian authorities to ensure a balanced visa policy.
Further, Idris updated the Nigerian community about the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, highlighting significant strides in revamping Nigeria’s economy, improving infrastructure, and enhancing security. He noted that Nigeria had recently secured $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment to establish pharmaceutical industries, marking the beginning of the country’s medical industrialization and efforts to reduce dependency on imports.
Idris also shared progress on the government’s social initiatives, including the disbursement of N32 billion in student loans, ensuring access to education for more Nigerian students. He spoke about the country’s security improvements, citing the neutralization of 8,000 terrorists and bandits in 2024. The meeting also featured discussions on intra-African trade, with the Nigerian community in Ethiopia calling for greater support in setting up an African Central Bank and strengthening the African Remittance Agency.
SOURCE: BUSINESS DAY