The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has pushed back against the proposed scrapping of Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, warning that such a move could harm the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment.
This follows a recent statement by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced plans to discontinue VoA, citing security risks and sustainability concerns. The minister revealed that new regulations would require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol and other background check agencies before foreigners can travel to Nigeria.
Reacting to the announcement, PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Audu, acknowledged the concerns but assured stakeholders that discussions were ongoing to find a balanced solution.
“We understand the anxiety this has caused among the foreign community and would like to assure all stakeholders that PEBEC is actively engaging with the minister to find a solution,” she said.
Audu emphasized that while security concerns must be addressed, the VoA policy has played a crucial role in boosting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria. She highlighted PEBEC’s efforts to simplify procedures and remove bottlenecks to make Nigeria more business-friendly.
PEBEC insists that a secure and efficient VoA process can be achieved without completely abandoning the policy. The council is calling for dialogue and collaboration to ensure that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for business and investment while maintaining national security.
For now, the future of VoA remains uncertain, but PEBEC’s intervention suggests that a compromise may be reached. Investors and business travelers will be watching closely as discussions continue.
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