The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has sought to ease growing concerns over the Ministry of Interior’s decision to discontinue the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy, which has sparked mixed reactions among investors and the international community.
The PUNCH reported on Friday that Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, announced the suspension of the VOA policy, calling it “unsustainable” and a potential security risk. Tunji-Ojo made the statement during the graduation of 100 Nigeria Immigration Service officers who completed a specialized five-day training in national security and law enforcement in Abuja.
The minister clarified that new regulations would require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other background-check agencies in real-time.
In response, Princess Zahrah Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, issued a statement on Monday, addressing the anxiety surrounding the decision. She assured stakeholders that PEBEC is actively working with the Ministry of Interior to resolve the matter.
“We understand the concerns raised by the foreign community and want to reassure everyone that we are engaged in ongoing discussions with the Minister of Interior to find a solution,” Audu said. “PEBEC has a strong history of driving reforms to improve Nigeria’s business environment, and we remain committed to finding a balance between security and ease of doing business.”
Audu emphasized that PEBEC’s primary goal is to strengthen security measures around the VOA process while ensuring the policy’s continued role in promoting tourism, trade, and investment. She also highlighted PEBEC’s efforts to streamline procedures and create a more business-friendly environment.
“We are confident that through collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security concerns and establish a VOA process that is both secure and efficient,” she concluded. “We urge the international community to remain calm and trust in our ability to resolve this issue.”
