By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called for a more liberal visa regime for Nigerian companies seeking to establish businesses and factories abroad.

Idris made the appeal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while representing President Bola Tinubu at a meeting with the executive members of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

He emphasized that while Nigeria continues to provide an enabling environment for foreign investors, it is only fair for other countries to reciprocate by allowing Nigerian businesses easier access to their markets.

“Last year, I was representing Nigeria in Indonesia and found out that about 50 big Indonesian companies are operating in Nigeria, but we do not have five Nigerian companies operating in Indonesia,” Idris said.

“If they want to come to our country to trade because of our population and purchasing power, there should also be a reciprocal arrangement where Nigerians are given the rightful place. The visa issue is a similar problem in Ethiopia and Indonesia—it becomes very complex for Nigerians to obtain visas,” he added.

Responding to concerns about the Ethiopian government’s cancellation of e-visa and Visa-on-Arrival options for Nigerian travelers, Idris promised to escalate the matter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic engagement.

He highlighted that visa policies are often based on reciprocity and stressed the need for balanced, mutually beneficial agreements in international travel and diplomacy.

“If we give them Visa-on-Arrival, there is no reason why they should not give us Visa-on-Arrival,” he insisted.

The Minister also urged Nigerians living abroad to project a positive image of the country through good conduct and responsible citizenship.

“The visit of the President or any minister cannot change perceptions alone—it is those living abroad who can reshape how others see Nigeria,” Idris noted.

During the meeting, the Minister outlined key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including:

$1.07 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for pharmaceutical manufacturing, aimed at reducing drug imports and strengthening local production.

Disbursement of N32 billion under the Students Loan Scheme to ensure access to quality education.

Improved security measures, including the neutralization of 8,000 terrorists and bandits, the rescue of 8,000 kidnapped victims, and 11,600 arrests in 2024.

Clearing of criminal elements along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, restoring safety to a once-dangerous route.

Idris acknowledged the challenges of reform but assured that the government is making steady progress toward delivering on its promise of prosperity for all.

In his remarks, Muideen Alimi, President of the Nigerian Community in Ethiopia, called for Nigeria’s support in establishing the African Central Bank and ensuring a strong presence in the African Remittance Agency.

He also highlighted plans to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to organize a workshop on boosting intra-African trade.

The meeting was attended by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director General of NiDCOM, and other top government officials.