PEBEC’s Director General, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, reassures foreign investors that concerns over the cancellation of Nigeria’s Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) policy will be addressed, with efforts underway to balance security and investment interests
The Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, has assured foreign investors that the Nigerian government is working to address concerns raised by the recent decision to discontinue the Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) policy.
The announcement to phase out the VOA policy was made over the weekend by Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who described the policy as “unsustainable” and a potential security risk.
The decision has sparked apprehension among current and prospective investors who have relied on the VOA option, especially those from countries without Nigerian embassies or missions.
In a statement released on Monday, Princess Audu acknowledged these concerns and assured the international community that PEBEC is actively engaging with the Ministry of Interior to find a balanced and effective solution.
**“We understand the anxiety this has caused among the foreign community and would like to assure all stakeholders that PEBEC is actively engaging with the Minister of Interior to find a solution,”** she stated.
Princess Audu emphasized that the VOA policy has played a vital role in promoting tourism, trade, and foreign investment in Nigeria.
She expressed optimism that through dialogue and collaboration, the security issues raised could be resolved without compromising the ease of doing business in the country.
**“Our primary objective is to strengthen security around the VOA process while maintaining the policy, which has been instrumental in promoting tourism, trade, and investment in Nigeria.
We believe that with collaboration and dialogue, we can address the security issues identified and achieve a secured and efficient VOA process that benefits all parties involved,”** she added.
PEBEC, known for driving reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s business environment, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for investors and tourists.
The council has been at the forefront of simplifying business procedures and reducing bottlenecks, making it easier for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior had announced plans to replace the VOA policy with a system of landing and exit cards, which visitors would be required to pre-fill before arriving in or departing from Nigeria.
However, PEBEC’s intervention suggests that a more collaborative approach is being considered to balance security and investor-friendly policies.
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