By Dauda Ismail
Director General, DG of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has admonished the foreign community to remain calm on the cancellation of Visa on Arrival, VOA, while her office works to resolve the issue.
She made her position known in a press statement issued on Monday, February 24, and made available to this medium.
“Our primary objective is to strengthen security around the VOA process while maintaining the policy, which has been instrumental in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria. We believe that with collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security issues identified and achieve a secure and efficient VOA process that benefits all parties involved.
“PEBEC has a proven track record of driving reforms to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. We have implemented various initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
“We urge the foreign community to remain calm and confident in our ability to resolve this matter. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and businesses alike,” the statement read.
Recall that Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, had cancelled the Visa on Arrival,.VOA policy where nationals of other West African countries were issued a visa upon their arrival into the country.
The Minister had cited insecurity which has continued almost unabated despite the efforts of the Federal Government.
But Princess Audu assured that her agency understands the anxiety this has caused among the foreign community, and assured all stakeholders that PEBEC is actively engaging with the Minister of Interior to find a solution.
