Organisers of Akwaaba Commend Nigerian Immigration for Swift Resolution of Visa Issues Ahead of Event
The organisers of the Akwaaba African Travel Market have lauded the Nigerian Government for its prompt response in resolving visa-related challenges faced by international delegates attending the upcoming event.
The commendation follows swift interventions by key government officials, including the Ministers of Tourism and Interior, as well as the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Ambassador Ikechi Uko, organiser of the renowned travel exhibition, expressed his appreciation in a message shared with tourism stakeholders.
He explained that the visa challenges, which had been a significant concern, were efficiently addressed in time for the 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, scheduled to take place from 22nd to 24th September 2024 at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Lagos.
Uko had previously voiced his frustrations over the difficulties foreign delegates were experiencing with the Nigerian visa system.
He criticised the high cost of the online Visa on Arrival programme and highlighted that Nigerian embassies in East African nations were not issuing visas, forcing applicants to resort to the expensive online option.
“I had made a post about my frustrations with visas for my delegates coming from all over Africa. I complained that the online Visa on Arrival was very expensive, and the Nigerian embassies in East Africa were not issuing visas, leaving everyone to apply online,” Uko shared.
He further explained that his post was brought to the attention of the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, who personally contacted him to gather more details on the matter.
Following their conversation, Ade-John engaged with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, leading to the resolution of the issues.
“I am happy to say that between the Ministers of Interior, Tourism, and the Comptroller General of Immigration, they resolved the issues.
“My first delegates are arriving now, and I’m pleased to note that the resolution is not just for my event but will be applied across the board to all African visitors to Nigeria,” Uko confirmed.
The organisers of Akwaaba also emphasised the significance of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) tourism, arguing that MICE activities, unlike leisure travel, are essential for economic growth and should receive greater government support.
Despite Akwaaba being the largest travel expo in West Africa, previous editions have not benefitted from government assistance in areas such as venue access and the facilitation of hosted buyer programmes.
This recent intervention by the Minister of Tourism marks a notable shift in government support for the event.
The Nigerian government is reportedly reviewing its visa policies, with new measures expected to be announced soon.
This comes in response to widespread complaints about the cost of the Visa on Arrival programme and the lack of visa stickers at Nigerian embassies in some African countries.
The 20th edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market is expected to draw participation from close to 20 countries, further cementing its status as a premier event for the African travel and tourism industry.
