The Nigerian Private Sector Alliance (NiPSA) urges action to secure compensation from the Egyptian authorities.
Delegates invited to the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) faced visa denials, prompting NiPSA to condemn the Egyptian Embassy’s actions.
NiPSA Executive Director, Barr. Legborsi Nwiabu, highlighted the IATF’s role in fostering connections among African trade players and political figures.
Expressing deep concern over the unjustified visa refusals, he emphasized the detrimental impact on Nigerian businesses that invested in travel, exhibition stands, and related expenses.
Nwiabu emphasized that over 700 Nigerian private sector representatives faced visa rejections without valid justifications.
NiPSA calls on President Tinubu, the Senate President, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to swiftly engage Egyptian authorities for visa approvals and full compensation.
NiPSA’s call for urgent action extends to a letter of protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging an emergency meeting.
The aim is to secure a ministerial directive addressing visa denial issues, particularly with embassies like Egypt and South Africa.
Nwiabu condemned the discriminatory nature of visa denials, terming them a severe violation of movement and travel rights.
He underscored the exploitative visa application process orchestrated by the Egyptian Embassy, demanding accountability for the collected fees.
Expressing shock at the rejection of interventions by government officials, NiPSA demands an explanation from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria.
The fallout has left Nigerian booths deserted, and NiPSA vehemently rejects the selective issuance of visas, stressing its contradiction to the essence of promoting intra-African trade.
NiPSA’s immediate requests include engaging Egyptian authorities, securing visas for affected delegates, and a thorough investigation into the discriminatory visa processes.
The organization advocates for a fair and inclusive IATF that aligns with the spirit of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
