Addis Ababa: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has called for a more liberal visa regime for Nigerian companies seeking to establish businesses in foreign countries. The minister made this appeal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with executive members of the Nigerian community in Ethiopia.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim, stated in Abuja that the meeting was held on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government. Idris highlighted the importance of reciprocity, urging other nations to provide a conducive environment for Nigerian businesses, similar to the opportunities Nigeria extends to foreign companies.
Idris emphasized the need for fairness in international trade relations, citing the presence of numerous Indonesian companies in Nigeria, contrasted with the limited number of Nigerian businesses operating in Indonesia. He advocated for reciprocal arrangements that would allow Nigerians to enjoy equal opportunities abroad.
Addressing the Ethiopian government’s recent visa restrictions on Nigerian travelers, Idris assured that the issue would be addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs through appropriate diplomatic channels. The minister also underscored the significance of reciprocity in visa policies between nations, advocating for balanced agreements that benefit all parties involved.
Idris encouraged Nigerians living abroad to uphold good conduct and responsible citizenship, as this would enhance Nigeria’s global image. He stated that the current administration had made strides in economic development, infrastructure provision, and improving security, which had restored investor confidence in the country.
Highlighting recent achievements, Idris announced that Nigeria had secured $1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment for pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, marking a step toward reducing import dependency and creating jobs. Additionally, he reported that N32 billion had been disbursed to students through the Students Loan Scheme to ensure access to quality education.
In terms of security, Idris disclosed that security forces had neutralized 8,000 terrorists and bandits, rescued 8,000 kidnapped victims, and made 11,600 arrests in 2024. He noted the successful clearance of criminal elements from the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, enhancing safety for commuters.
The President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, Mr. Muideen Alimi, mentioned an upcoming workshop in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. The workshop aims to boost economic development through intra-African trade and encourages support for establishing the African Central Bank and strengthening the African Remittance Agency.