PEBEC Allays Fears On Cancellation Of Visa-On-Arrival Policy

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has allayed fears over the Federal Government’s cancellation of the visa-on-arrival policy.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the interior minister of Nigeria, recently stated that the government intends to end the “unsustainable” policy.

But PEBEC’s Director-General Zahrah Audu says the Council is working to “find a solution” to the decision.

She stated in a statement on Monday that “we understand the anxiety this has caused the foreign community” and would like to reassure all parties that PEBEC is actively working with the Interior Minister to find a solution.

“We have a top priority to maintain the policy that has helped to promote travel, trade, and investment in Nigeria while maintaining the security around the VOA process. We think we can resolve the security issues identified through dialogue and co-operation, creating a secure and effective VOA process that benefits all parties involved.

READ ALSO:]VIDEO] FG Announces Plans To End Visa-On-Arrival Policy

Zahrah reiterated PEBEC’s commitment to improve “the ease of doing business in Nigeria.”

“We have implemented various initiatives to simplify procedures, reduce bottlenecks, and create a more conducive atmosphere for businesses to thrive”.

While the minister’s comment has caused concerns in several quarters, the PEBEC DG is calling for calm, expressing the Council’s commitment to “resolve this matter”.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for investors, tourists, and businesses alike”, she said.

Tunji-Ojo in announcing the plan said it was a security measure. According to him, the decision was taken based on “objectivity rather than subjectivity”.

You can’t afford to be 99.9% accurate in any industry, not in security. You just have to be 100 percent. We believe that it is better for us to take decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity”, Tunji-Ojo said.

“And of course, that will cause the visa-on-arrival process to be canceled because, as we understand it, the visa-on-arrival system doesn’t work because I don’t want you to just enter my country without me knowing that you are.

” No, it is never done anywhere, and of course, we are also introducing what we call the landing and exit card.

Source: Channels TV