Visa Charges Undermine AfCFTA Goals, ITUC-Africa Tells FG
Call for Policy Shift on African Mobility
THE International Trade Union Confederation Africa has urged the Nigerian government to abolish visa fees for African travellers, arguing that the current policy constrains regional integration and economic cooperation.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the organisation’s General Secretary, Akhator Odigie, said Nigeria must take a leadership role in dismantling travel barriers across the continent.
Impact on Trade, Tourism and Movement
Odigie noted that high visa and biometric charges discourage intra-African travel, limiting opportunities for trade, tourism, and professional exchange.
“Excessive costs place unnecessary burdens on African travellers and weaken cooperation among countries,” he said, stressing that easier mobility would unlock economic potential across borders.
He added that the free movement of workers, investors, and professionals is essential to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Lessons from Other African Countries
The labour body pointed to countries such as Rwanda and Kenya, which have adopted visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies, resulting in increased business activity and tourism without compromising national security.
According to Odigie, Nigeria—Africa’s largest economy—should align with such models to deepen continental integration.
Concerns Over Additional Charges and System Gaps
ITUC-Africa also criticised the imposition of separate biometric fees, describing them as excessive and out of step with practices in many African countries where such costs are integrated into visa charges.
In addition, the organisation flagged challenges with Nigeria’s online visa platform, calling for urgent reforms to improve accessibility and efficiency.
A Test of Nigeria’s Leadership
Odigie warned that maintaining restrictive visa policies could slow the implementation of AfCFTA and weaken Nigeria’s influence in shaping Africa’s economic future.
He, however, expressed optimism that the Ministry of Interior would review the concerns and take steps that support continental unity and shared prosperity.
