Nigeria Urged to Relax Visa Policies to Boost Tourism and Business

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to streamline its visa policies and issuance processes for foreigners, thereby positioning the country as a leading tourist and business destination in Africa. 

Experts suggest that Nigeria should adopt strategies similar to those of East African nations, which have relaxed visa requirements to stimulate economic growth.

Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, shared this perspective during an interview in Lagos, ahead of the PartnerPlus Connect (PPC) Live event scheduled for September 26, 2025, in Port Harcourt. He highlighted the success of countries like Rwanda, which has attracted significant business and tourism activity by easing visa restrictions.

Ikotun noted that Rwanda has become a model for economic openness by allowing visa-free travel for many visitors, fostering an environment conducive to business and tourism. Similarly, Kenya implemented the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in 2024, which was replaced within two months by a more efficient visa-free policy, allowing travellers to stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Kenya’s appeal as a destination has significantly increased as a result.

READ MORE:

• South Africa Leads G20’s Charge to Reform Global Tourism with Tech, Equity, & Green Strategies

• Air Tanzania CEO Reveals Business & Tourism Potential of Lagos to Dar es Salaam Route

• Lagos State Commits to Developing Beachfront Tourism Market

Ikotun emphasised that aviation is a critical enabler for economic growth, facilitating connectivity for tourists and businesses. He acknowledged that each country faces unique challenges but stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment to attract international visitors and investors.

“The airline industry is very capital-intensive. Some countries actually start their own airlines because they want to provide linkages for people to travel from one point to another. Let me give you an example of Rwanda. When Rwanda first started, the mission was to provide and open up Rwanda as a tourist and business destination.

“They brought up a formula by which you can register a company with ease. Now, Rwanda has opened up as a business destination. The government addressed these problems by relaxing the visa rules. Rwanda is one of the African countries where you can travel without a visa. “And what have other East African countries like Kenya done? Kenya introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) last year, and about two months ago, the government removed it.

Abiola Bakare, B2B Manager at Finchglow Travels, spoke about the upcoming PPC Live event in Port Harcourt, describing it as part of the company’s commitment to empowering trade partners and fostering industry relationships. He noted that previous PPC Live events have attracted professionals, partners, and industry leaders nationwide, with over 25 new trade partners registering to collaborate with Finchglow Travels. Bakare added that the final PPC Live event of 2025 will take place in Abuja in December, marking the second time the event will be held in the Federal Capital Territory this year.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers

Why is Nigeria being urged to relax its visa policies?

Relaxing visa policies can position Nigeria as a competitive tourist and business destination, following the successful models of East African countries like Rwanda and Kenya, which have boosted their economies through visa-free or simplified entry processes.

What examples were given to support easing visa restrictions?

Rwanda has implemented visa-free travel to attract tourists and businesses. At the same time, Kenya has replaced its 2024 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) with a visa-free policy, allowing stays of up to 90 days, thereby enhancing its appeal as a destination.

How does aviation contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth?

Aviation facilitates connectivity, enabling easier access for tourists and business travellers, which is critical for economic development, as highlighted by Ezekiel Ikotun of Finchglow Travels.

What is the PartnerPlus Connect (PPC) Live event?

PPC Live is an initiative by Finchglow Travels to empower trade partners and strengthen industry relationships, with events held across Nigeria, including the upcoming Port Harcourt event on September 26, 2025, and a final event in Abuja in December 2025.

How have previous PPC Live events impacted the travel industry?

Previous events have brought together professionals and industry leaders, with over 25 new trade partners registering to collaborate with Finchglow Travels, fostering growth and networking in the sector.