Nigeria's Visa Barriers Threaten AfCFTA Economic Gains, ITUC-Africa Warns
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a stark warning that Nigeria's current visa policies risk denying the country the substantial economic advantages promised by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In an open letter addressed to Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Joel Odigie, urged the Federal Government to urgently dismantle barriers such as restrictive visa regimes and exorbitant travel costs that hinder intra-African mobility.
Visa Policies as Non-Tariff Obstacles
ITUC-Africa described Nigeria's visa requirements as non-tariff obstacles that could significantly slow down trade, investment, and labour movement across the continent. While AfCFTA is widely regarded as the world's largest free trade zone by participating countries, aiming to boost intra-African trade through tariff reductions and regulatory harmonisation, the organisation emphasised that restricting people's movement remains a critical missing link. "Trade is not conducted in abstraction. It is driven by people—traders, workers, investors and entrepreneurs whose ability to move across borders determines how effectively markets function," stated ITUC-Africa.
High Costs and Limited Participation
The regional labour body highlighted that despite tariff reductions under AfCFTA, visa restrictions, lengthy application processes, and additional charges continue to limit participation, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises and informal traders. ITUC-Africa specifically decried Nigeria's biometric visa fee, which exceeds $100 and is imposed separately from standard visa charges. Such costs disproportionately affect African travellers and small-scale traders, many of whom operate on thin margins, the organisation argued.
Contrast with Progressive African Nations
On a positive note, ITUC-Africa pointed to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Benin, and The Gambia, which have adopted visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for African citizens. These measures have reportedly helped boost tourism, business travel, and regional commerce. Additionally, Uganda and Zambia have streamlined their visa processes by integrating biometric costs into a single, more affordable fee structure, setting an example for others to follow.
Impact on Informal Trade Sector
ITUC-Africa warned that Africa's vast informal trade sector, dominated by women and cross-border micro traders, stands to lose the most from restrictive mobility policies. Cumbersome visa requirements often force traders to rely on informal routes, exposing them to exploitation while depriving governments of potential revenue. As Africa's largest economy, Nigeria could strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and value chains by easing entry requirements, the body noted.
Call for Policy Alignment and Reforms
The regional labour body urged Nigeria to align its visa policies with its long-standing Pan-African commitments and the broader objectives of AfCFTA. It reiterated the call for the abolition of standalone biometric fees for African travellers and a transition towards more open visa regimes that facilitate ease of entry. ITUC-Africa also raised concerns about the functionality of Nigeria's online visa application system, calling for urgent improvements to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
In his letter, Joel Odigie, a Nigerian and the scribe of the labour body, acknowledged Nigeria's leadership status on the continent, appreciating the country's role in peacekeeping operations and regional economic cooperation. However, he stressed that proactive reforms in visa policies are essential to fully harness the benefits of AfCFTA and promote inclusive economic growth across Africa.
