Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has reassured foreign investors and stakeholders concerned about the recent cancellation of Nigeria’s Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy. The policy, which has been important for high-net-worth investors and frequent travelers unable to secure visas in their home countries, was criticized as unsustainable and a potential security risk by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The announcement has caused some anxiety among the foreign community, particularly investors, who view the VOA as a key benefit for ease of entry into Nigeria. However, PEBEC has expressed a commitment to working with the Ministry of Interior to address the concerns around security and ensure a secure, efficient process moving forward.
It seems PEBEC is aiming for a balanced approach, one that strengthens security while maintaining the positive aspects of the VOA policy, which has been instrumental in attracting tourism, trade, and investment. The proposed replacement of VOA with landing and exit cards, which visitors would fill out before arriving in and leaving the country, could potentially streamline entry while addressing security concerns.
Do you think this adjustment will ultimately benefit the business environment in Nigeria, or could it discourage foreign investment due to the uncertainty around the visa policy?
