In a significant development to bolster ties between Nigeria and South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced relaxed visa requirements for Nigerian tourists and business travelers. The announcement came during the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), held in Cape Town and attended by President Bola Tinubu.
Highlighting the improved measures, President Ramaphosa revealed that qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can now obtain a five-year multiple-entry visa. Moreover, Nigerian tourists no longer need to submit physical passports during the application process.
“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian business people to travel to South Africa,” Ramaphosa stated. “Qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa.”
He further underscored South Africa’s commitment to fostering investment and addressing challenges faced by companies operating in both countries. “As we mark 30 years of diplomatic relations, our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation,” he said.
President Ramaphosa also praised the Nigerian government for its business reforms aimed at creating a conducive environment for investors, including South African firms. He expressed optimism for increased Nigerian investments in South Africa and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to improving the ease of doing business.
Turning attention to broader international relations, Ramaphosa emphasized Africa’s role in shaping the global agenda, especially with South Africa hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. He affirmed that the meeting would push for support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and inclusive global programs.
The Bi-National Commission served as a platform to reaffirm the importance of bilateral cooperation and mutual growth, as both nations continue to deepen their partnership in various sectors.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, described the relaxed visa measures as a significant step toward fostering economic collaboration and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
