Two African countries, Seychelles and Ethiopia, have exempted Nigeria from their visa-free travel programs.
The visa-free program, which aims to promote tourism and enhance diplomatic relations, has been embraced by many countries across the continent.
However, the exclusion of Nigeria, one of Africa’s most populous and influential nations, has raised several questions.
Reasons behind the exclusion
The decision by Seychelles and Ethiopia to exempt Nigeria from their visa-free programs has been attributed to several factors.
One of the primary reasons cited is the concern over security and immigration control. Both countries have expressed apprehensions about the potential influx of undocumented immigrants and the challenges associated with managing such movements.
Additionally, there are concerns about the integrity of travel documents and the ease with which they can be falsified.
Economic and diplomatic implications
The exclusion of Nigeria from the visa-free program is expected to have significant economic and diplomatic implications.
For Nigerian travellers, this means additional financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles in securing visas for travel to Seychelles and Ethiopia. Tourism, a crucial economic sector for both countries, may also be impacted as potential Nigerian tourists may opt for destinations with less restrictive entry requirements.
Diplomatically, this decision could strain relations between Nigeria and the two countries. Nigeria has historically played a significant role in promoting regional integration and cooperation within Africa.
The exclusion from the visa-free program could be perceived as a step back in these efforts, leading to diplomatic dialogues to address and potentially resolve the concerns raised.
Broader impact on regional integration
The visa-free program is a crucial component of the African Union’s vision for greater regional integration and the free movement of people across the continent.
Ghana’s visa-free policy for Africans
Legit.ng reported that Ghana has recently announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for African countries, allowing anyone with an African passport to visit Ghana without a visa.
This initiative, announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo during his final state-of-the-nation address, is set to begin in January 2025.
This policy is seen as a significant step towards promoting pan-African values and enhancing economic cooperation within the continent.
