Stakeholders in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector are urging the government to review its visa policies to boost the industry’s growth. At a summit organized by Vertiline Synergy Limited in Lagos, they highlighted the challenges faced by experts in acquiring visas, which has contributed to the sector’s decline. They emphasized that tourism could be a vital alternative source of income for the government.
Keynote speaker Sally Okpo, Founder of Suffy Travels Limited, identified infrastructure deficits, economic issues, and stringent visa policies as major challenges facing the sector. She also noted that negative perceptions about Nigeria, often perpetuated by Nigerians themselves, hinder tourism development. Okpo advocated for infrastructure improvements, global perception changes, and relaxed visa policies to unlock the sector’s potential.
Sharon Ashinze, Managing Partner of Vertiline Synergy Limited, echoed Okpo’s sentiments, stressing the need for simplified visa processes to remove bottlenecks and promote tourism. She suggested online applications and efficient processing to attract visitors.
In response, the Minister for Tourism, Lola Ade-John, represented by her Special Adviser on Media, Elizabeth Ofili, acknowledged the need for visa policy reforms. She assured stakeholders that the ministry is working with the Ministry of Interior to review the policies and urged collaboration to harness the sector’s potential.
