By Grace Oakhiena
In response to the recent announcement by Mrs Carol Adepoju, the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), regarding the introduction of Business Trust Visas for foreign investors, the Edo State Government has praised the NIS for its proactive approach and called on the Federal Government to collaborate with sub-national Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to accelerate the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Mr Kelvin Uwaibi, the Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Secretary of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Secretariat echoed the government’s sentiments and emphasized the need for widespread adoption of technology and innovation, particularly at airports, to further stimulate investor interest.
“We commend the NIS for this initiative. There’s a need to go further to ensure that we reduce the multiple security agents from our arrival terminals to meet international best standards. Most countries are using biometrics to screen passengers, so we must prioritize technology to ease the process of travelling. It forms part of the first impression investors would get of us when they come into the country,” stated Uwaibi.
While acknowledging the positive step taken with the introduction of the Business Trust Visa, Uwaibi highlighted the importance of robust reforms to position Nigeria as a serious and business-friendly destination. He suggested that Nigeria can learn from other African countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia, which have successfully implemented eVisa systems and streamlined visa application processes.
He further emphasized the need for enhanced security measures at airports, including the introduction of biometric systems such as automated passport control and biometric boarding gates. These measures would not only bolster security but also reduce processing times and provide a seamless travel experience for visitors, particularly investors.
Improving Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, implementing mobile payment systems, and adopting facial recognition technology for efficient passenger processing and security were also recommended by Uwaibi. He argued that these advancements would position Nigeria’s economy for growth, aligning with the new administration’s target of achieving a 7% annual growth rate.
Mr. Uwaibi raised the issue of accessibility, stating, “Getting into Nigeria is more difficult than you would imagine. I know of development partners that sometimes call ministers to be able to get their visas. Serious countries have Investment Visas, why doesn’t Nigeria?” He proposed that the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission could introduce policies such as granting a 10-year visa to investors who bring in a specified amount of investment capital, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and real estate.
Regarding Mrs. Adepoju’s statement about collaboration between the NIS and security agencies to screen potential business partners, Uwaibi stressed the significance of involving State Investment Promotion Agencies in the process. He explained that these agencies possess valuable data that can help identify legitimate businesses and reduce the processing time for the Business Trust Visa.
“The Federal Government needs to work closely with the IPAs to make this initiative a success. Investment agencies at the sub-national level should be integral to the process for any meaningful improvement to be felt,” Uwaibi emphasized.
The Edo State Government’s commendation and call for collaboration highlight the importance of streamlining processes, adopting innovative technologies, and implementing investor-friendly policies to attract foreign investments and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global business landscape.
