The Federal Government has called for a more liberal visa regime to support Nigerian businesses seeking to expand internationally. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the appeal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while representing President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government.
The Minister also addressed concerns over Ethiopia’s recent cancellation of e-visa and visa-on-arrival options for Nigerian travelers. He assured that the issue would be escalated to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic resolution, emphasizing the importance of fostering stronger bilateral ties and easing travel restrictions for Nigerians.
During the meeting, Alhaji Idris highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including securing $1.07 billion in foreign direct investment for pharmaceutical manufacturing, disbursing N32 billion under the Students Loan Scheme, and making significant strides in national security, such as clearing criminal elements from the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.
The President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Muideen Alimi, urged Nigeria to support the establishment of the African Central Bank and enhance intra-African trade to strengthen economic integration across the continent.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Director General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerians abroad.
