The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council on Monday played down the recent decision of the Ministry of Interior to scrap the Visa-on-Arrival policy, which seems to be generating mixed reactions among investors and the international community.
Recall that, on Friday the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed plans to discontinue the policy, describing it as “unsustainable” and a potential security risk.
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Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of 100 officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service who underwent a five-day specialised training in national security and law enforcement at the service headquarters in Abuja.
According to the minister, new regulations would require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems and other background-check agencies in real-time.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah Audu addressed the fear that arose from the decision and further assured stakeholders that the council is actively engaging with the minister to find a solution.
She said, “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 to find a solution. PEBEC has a proven track record of driving reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“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 have implemented various initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
“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. We urge the foreign community to remain calm and confident in our ability to resolve this matter.”