Nigeria Waives Visas For Kenyans And Seychellois

Nigeria Waives Visas For Kenyans And Seychellois

The Nigerian government has relaxed the visa requirements for citizens of Kenya and Seychelles with effect from February 11, 2011.

Following a directive from President Goodluck Jonathan, visitors from Kenya will from that date, be required to pay a visa fee of twenty-five dollars at the point of entry, rather than go through the usual visa application process at the Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi .

As for nationals of Seychelles , their valid passport admits them directly into Nigeria without any recourse to visa fees.

The waiver follows discussions in Abuja , among the Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho and the ministers of foreign affairs and aviation of the two countries.

Ihenacho said that as soon as all protocols were completed by the Ministry of Aviation, the Kenyan Airways would be granted permission to operate direct flights to and from Kenya to ease logistic problems of travellers who wish to originate and terminate their flights in the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja .

Nigeria 's High Commissioner to Kenya and Seychelles , Dr. Chijioke Wigwe described the policy as a new beginning that would improve the existing relationship between Nigeria and the two countries

PUNCH /Margaret/Yinka