The organisers of the Akwaaba African Travel Market have praised the Nigerian government for its swift and effective resolution of visa issues faced by foreign delegates attending the event. Ambassador Ikechi Uko, the organiser, expressed his gratitude in a WhatsApp message shared with tourism stakeholders, highlighting the government’s prompt support in resolving the visa challenges.
Ambassador Uko had previously voiced his concerns on social media about the high cost of Nigeria’s online visa on arrival and the difficulties faced by delegates from East Africa in obtaining visas, as Nigerian embassies in the region were not issuing them, forcing applicants to rely on the expensive online process. After his post was shared, Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John contacted Uko directly to discuss the matter. Following their conversation, she assured him she would involve her colleague, the Minister of Interior, to address the issue.
“I am pleased to announce that the Ministers of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Tourism, Lola Ade-John, alongside Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, worked together to resolve the visa problem,” Uko said. “Our first delegates have already arrived, and I am delighted that these new measures will benefit all African visitors to Nigeria, not just those attending Akwaaba.”
The organisers of Akwaaba emphasized that supporting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) is crucial for Nigeria’s tourism industry, as these events are more obligatory than leisure travel, which is often optional. Akwaaba, the largest travel expo in West Africa, has long operated without significant government support in areas such as visa access, venue allocation, and hosted buyers programs. This recent intervention by the Minister of Tourism is the first of its kind and is greatly appreciated.
Nigeria is currently reviewing its overall visa processes, with new policies expected to be announced soon. Travellers have frequently complained about the high costs associated with the visa-on-arrival program, as some Nigerian embassies in African countries no longer issue visa stickers.
The 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market will be held from September 22nd to 24th at the Eko Hotels Convention Centre, with nearly 20 countries expected to participate in this year’s event.
