Akwaaba hails FG for visa hiccup resolution, tourism, travel Expo begins Sept 22

The Organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market have commended the Nigerian Government for supporting and promptly resolving the Visa Issues for its foreign delegates.

In a WhatsApp message to tourism stakeholders,  the organiser Amb. Ikechi Uko shared his relief that the difficult issue of the Nigerian Visa was speedily settled.

He explained that he had posted about his frustrations with Visa for delegates from all over Africa. He complained that the online visa on arrival was very expensive, accusing the Nigerian Embassies in East Africa for not issuing visas, and forcing everyone to go online.

He stated that some people shared his post with the Minister of Tourism and called him to find out the details.

After explaining the situation to her, he said the Minister promised to engage her colleague,  the Minister of Interior.

“ I am happy to say that between the Ministers of Interior,  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John and the Comptroller General of Immigration Kemi Nanna Nandap, they resolved the issues. My first delegates are arriving now and I am happy that the resolution is not just for my event. The new measures will be applied across the board to all African Visitors to Nigeria.”

He said he was of the view that Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events MICE are more obligatory than optional leisure travel, with Nigeria standing to benefit more by supporting MICE.

He however expressed disappointment that  ‘Akwaaba’ which is the biggest Travel Expo in West Africa has not been supported by the government in access, venue and hosted buyer programmes, adding that the Minister of Tourism’s intervention was much appreciated.

“The Government of Nigeria has been on a review of its Visa Processes and the new Measures will soon be announced. There have been complaints from most travellers to Nigeria about the expensive visa-on-arrival procedures.  Nigerian Embassies in Some African Countries do not have visa stickers.

Akwaaba African Travel Market starts on the 22nd of September 22, 2024, at Eko Hotels Convention Centre.  This is the 20th Edition of the Tourism Exhibition.  Close to 20 countries will be represented at the event this year.

Wole Shadare