Organisers of the Akwaaba African Travel Market have commended the Federal Government for resolving the visa challenges with which its foreign delegates confronted.

Founding Partner at Ikechi Uko & Co, Mr Ikechi Uko, said when he voiced concerns through a WhatsApp message about what could hinder delegates from showing up at the upcoming Akwaaba African Travel Market, the Minister of Tourism and Minister of Interior immediately found solutions.

Uko said: “I had made a post about my frustrations with visas for my delegates coming from all over Africa. I had complained that the online visa on arrival was very expensive and the Nigerian embassies in East Africa were not giving visas, forcing everyone to go online. Some people shared my post with the Minister of Tourism.

“She called me to find out the details. After explaining the situation to her, she promised to engage her colleague, the Minister of Interior. I am happy to say that between the Minister 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 resolution is not just for my event. The new measures will be applied across the board to all African visitors to Nigeria.”

Uko said meetings, incentives, conferences and events, MICE, were more obligatory than leisure travel which is optional.

According to him, Nigeria would benefit more from supporting MICE.

“Akwaaba as the biggest Travel Expo in West Africa has not been Supported by the Government in Access,Venue and Hosted Buyers programmes so this intervention by the Minister of Tourism is the First and is Much Appreciated.

“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 programme as Nigerian embassies in some African countries do not have visa stickers.

“Akwaaba African Travel Market starts on September 22 to 24 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,” he added.