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ADDIS ABABA – Nigeria is calling on foreign governments to offer easier visas to Nigerian businesses expanding overseas. Information Minister Mohammed Idris emphasized this need during a meeting with the Nigerian community in Ethiopia on Sunday.
Idris, representing President Bola Tinubu, stressed that visas policies should be reciprocal. He pointed out that while many Indonesian companies operate in Nigeria, few Nigerian firms have a presence in Indonesia. “Every relationship with other countries is reciprocal,” Idris stated. “So if we give them Visa-on-Arrival, there is no reason why they should not give us Visa-on-Arrival.”
The Minister addressed Ethiopia’s recent cancellation of e-visas and Visa-on-Arrival for Nigerians. He promised to raise the issue with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic resolution.
Idris also highlighted the importance of Nigerians abroad acting as positive ambassadors for the country. He noted that their conduct directly affects Nigeria’s international image.
The Minister shared updates on the Tinubu administration’s progress. He reported that Nigeria secured approximately $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment for pharmaceutical manufacturing. He also stated that the government disbursed N32 billion through the Students Loan Scheme.
On security, Idris said that 8,000 terrorists and bandits were neutralized in 2024. Authorities rescued 8,000 kidnapped victims and made 11,600 arrests.
Mr. Muideen Alimi, President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, requested Nigeria’s support to establish the African Central Bank. He also called for stronger intra-African trade. The meeting included top officials, such as Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
