Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has emphasized on the need for an effective and efficient Visa policy in Nigeria saying that a lot of countries that have achieved industrialization were those that have revolutionized their Visa policy to enable development and their economic stability.
Tunji-Ojo made this known at the Ministry of Interior’s Stakeholders Consultative Meeting held in Abuja, that gathered all key players in the sector to rob minds together for achieving a common goal of efficiency.
He said that effective visa access and national security were very delicate in matters of investment, but once tightened up, will lead to huge investment promotion in the nation.
According to the Minister, proper Visa access administration in Nigeria was the basic foundation for investment promotion, foreign investment directives and job creation amongst others.
He also restated the Government’s commitment to providing effective and efficient Visa policy that will boost the nation’s economy and enable development in the sector.
“The renewed hope of the present administration is about the ease of doing business, securing our borders for inclusivity, for economic growth without compromising national security. It is a delicate balance. And we know the lead role the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, plays when it comes to securing the borders and border control.
“There is lots of confusion at the nation’s entry points a critical look at the nation’s Visa Application policy, especially for a short term application there is no reason why one should not be given access to this Visa in less than Seventy two hours of its application,” he said has called for an ideal Visa policy.
Also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako said that the meeting on the visa policy underscored the significance of collective efforts in shaping the visa regulations and procedures that has a profound impact on individuals, businesses and the nation as a whole.
Ndayako encouraged the Stakeholders in the sector saying, “Our shared goal is to ensure that the Nigerian Visa policy aligns with the evolving needs of the society, economy and global landscape by working together collectively to address challenges, leverage on opportunities and foster a Visa framework that will facilitate legitimate travel, promote economic growth and uphold the principles of openness as well as inclusivity.”
