Visa on Arrival cancellation: Council assures of solution

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has assured the international community and Nigerians who have foreign business partners of its determination to finding a solution to the cancellation of the Visa on Arrival policy by the Minister of Interior. The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had last Friday announced plans to cancel its […]

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has assured the international community and Nigerians who have foreign business partners of its determination to finding a solution to the cancellation of the Visa on Arrival policy by the Minister of Interior.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had last Friday announced plans to cancel its visa-on-arrival policy and introduce landing and exit cards, which prospective visitors will pre-fill before coming into and leaving the country.

Reacting to the announcement in a press release on Monday, and signed by its Director General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the PEBEC said it will address the concerns trailing the minister’s pronouncement.

“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 of Interior to find a solution.

“Our primary objective is to strengthen security around the VOA process while maintaining the policy, which has been instrumental in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria. We believe that with collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security issues identified and achieve a secure and efficient VOA process that benefits all parties involved,” the statement read in part.

The DG added that PEBEC has a proven track record of driving reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and has implemented various initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.

She further said, “We urge the foreign community to remain calm and confident in our ability to resolve this matter. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and businesses alike.”