The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has introduced a ‘Trust Visa’ to encourage international investment in Nigeria.
The NIS, led by acting comptroller general Carol Wura-Ola Adepoju, launched the ‘Trust Visa,’ a new initiative to protect the interests of foreign investors entering the nation for business objectives.
According to Adepoju, the fundamental goal of this campaign is to prevent unscrupulous individuals acting as business people from taking advantage of international investors looking for partnerships with Nigerians.
The trust visa scheme also provides foreign investors involved in Nigerian partnerships with assurances of genuineness.
During her visit to Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), where the Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) lounge was inaugurated, she emphasized the importance of this effort in drawing more foreign direct investments to Nigeria.
Adepoju said “By implementing the trust visa system, the NIS aims to foster a secure and conducive environment for foreign investors, ensuring their confidence in engaging in business partnerships within Nigeria.”
“Because of the prevalence of international crime, especially the ones that are done online, when you have a lot of fictitious business offers, but some of them are afraid, they do not know the calibre of the people they are dealing with, you know sometimes you will need partners here.
“When investors obtain the necessary thrust visa, we will work closely with agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security organisations responsible for safeguarding the country.
“If you are an investor seeking to partner with someone in Nigeria, we will provide you with a dossier and a security report on that person. This will enable us to determine their trustworthiness, and once we confirm their credibility, we assure you that your investment in partnership with them will be successful.”
The VOA facility, according to the acting CGIS, aims to ease the bureaucratic processes associated with getting a business visa. The number of international investors eager to come and invest in Nigeria is projected to rise as these procedures are simplified.
This enhanced user experience raises the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination and stimulates more foreign direct investment.
She said: “According to our records, a significant number of VOA visas were issued at the MMIA in 2022, totaling 55,644. Considering that these individuals are high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), this figure holds significant economic importance.
“The renovation and expansion of the VOA lounges speak to the commitment of the Service and the Nation to welcoming High Business Network Investors willing to come for business purposes. Lagos being a centre of excellence requires a befitting reception for this calibre of investors”.
“By providing travellers with the convenience of having their visa processed in a comfortable space and in a timely manner upon arrival, the NIS is showing its commitment to ease of doing business and hostmanship, the art of making people welcome, which has become our brand signature”.
