The Nigerian government is calling for more liberal visa policies to help Nigerian businesses expand globally.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal while representing President Bola Tinubu at the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Idris, addressing the Nigerian community in Ethiopia, emphasized the need for reciprocal visa arrangements for Nigerian companies wishing to set up operations in foreign countries. He highlighted that while Nigeria provides a welcoming environment for foreign businesses, similar support should be extended to Nigerian enterprises abroad.
He pointed out a disparity during his visit to Indonesia, where he observed that over 50 Indonesian companies are thriving in Nigeria, yet Nigeria has fewer than five companies operating in Indonesia.
He stated, “If they can come to our country to trade, then there should be reciprocal arrangements for Nigerians as well,” stressing that complex visa processes in countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia impede Nigerian businesses’ international expansion.
In light of Ethiopia’s recent decision to cancel the e-visa and Visa-on-Arrival options for Nigerian travelers, Idris assured that the issue would be escalated for diplomatic discussion with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Acknowledging the reciprocal nature of visa policies, he urged Nigerian citizens abroad to consistently act as ambassadors for the country, helping shape positive perceptions.
“It’s your conduct that ultimately shapes the world’s view of Nigeria,” he said, emphasizing the importance of good citizenship.
Idris also used the opportunity to update the Nigerian community on the administration’s achievements, such as attracting approximately $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment for pharmaceutical manufacturing. This investment, he explained, represents a significant leap toward Nigeria’s medical industrialization, reducing dependency on imported drugs, creating jobs, and strengthening the health sector.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts in providing N32 billion in student loans within 250 days to ensure education remains accessible to all. Additionally, he reported progress in securing the nation, with security forces neutralizing 8,000 terrorists, rescuing 8,000 kidnapping victims, and arresting 11,600 suspects in 2024.
On infrastructure, he mentioned that the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, once a hotspot for criminal activities, has been cleared of bandits, providing much-needed relief to commuters.
The President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Mr. Muideen Alimi, proposed future collaborations with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to foster economic development through intra-African trade and the establishment of the African Central Bank.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other senior government representatives.
