Visa requirements for citizens of Seychelles and Kenya traveling to Nigeria have been relaxed with effect from February 11, following a directive from the President Goodluck Jonathan.
Visitors from the two countries will from that date only be required to pay a visa fee of $25 at the point of entry, rather than go through the hassles of visa application at the Nigerian High Commission in Nairobi as was the case currently.
But for the nationals of Seychelles, their valid passport admits them directly into Nigeria without any recourse to visa fees.
This was the outcome of a meeting between the Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho (retd.) and the ministers of foreign affairs and aviation in Abuja on Tuesday.
Ihenacho said that as soon as all protocols were completed by the Ministry of Aviation, the Kenyan Airways would be granted permission to new frequencies at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja where it could operate direct flights to and from Kenya to ease logistic problems of travelers who wish to originate and terminate their flights in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs , Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman, the Federal Government took the decision to reciprocate the diplomatic gesture extended to her by the governments of the two countries which have been in place since May 2009.
In his remark, 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.
“I believe other African nations will take a cue from this relationship and explore such diplomatic options that will bring about unity in the continent,” he said.
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