Market News

By Eugene Agha, Lagos

The federal government has started the process of reviewing all visa application processes of foreign nationals seeking to travel to Nigeria for business.

Also, the government is reviewing business permits and border control at the air, seaports, as well as land borders.

The move is to streamline the business environment to make it more conducive for foreign investors to operate.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the disclosure in Lagos after having a closed-door meeting with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

Briefing newsmen after the closed-door session, Tunji-Ojo explained that issues discussed revolved around government reforms that bordered on the combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), expatriate quota, business permit, and border control among others.

According to him, “the meeting resolved to set up a committee that would work behind the scenes to fine-tune discussions on the issues so far raised.”

He explained that what was disclosed behind closed doors was to make decisions that will not discourage investments but protect the interest of Nigeria.

He further explained that it was agreed that the meeting should not be a one-off thing but be held twice yearly.