•Visitors query why coming to Nigeria should be more tedious than going to UK, USA
First impressions, they say, are always crucial. Whether for tourism or socio-economic/investment adventure, the impact of a first impression on a visitor to a country may make or mar future interactions. ADEOLA OGUNLADE in this piece catalogues the varying experiences of some visiting foreign nationals.
IDUBWI’S Journey of frustration and hope
When Dr. Jackie Lidubwi, a renowned journalist and media trainer from Kenya, embarked on her journey to Nigeria, her heart was filled with excitement and anticipation. She was eager to reconnect with her Nigerian brothers and sisters, to immerse herself in the vibrant culture, and to contribute to the Clean Air Africa initiative organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with AirQo. However, her enthusiasm was soon dampened by an unexpected arduous visa application process that left her questioning why Africans have to face such barriers travelling within their own continent.
Recounting her experience to The Nation recently at the sideline of the recently concluded Clean Air Africa 2024 in Lagos, her frustration was palpable. “I was so excited about coming to Nigeria to see my ‘oga’ brothers and sisters,” she began. “But I was somehow disappointed with the visa process. It was very long and tiring. It’s like you are going to the US. Besides, even the US is not so expensive.”
Dr. Lidubwi’s visa experience reflects broader concerns about intra-African travel and the barriers that still exist despite efforts towards continental integration.
She said: “We shouldn’t have to try so hard to come and meet our brothers in other parts of Africa? I had to apply for a visa three times. It was on the third occasion that I got the visa. And every time you applied, you know you have to pay. So it was a very expensive trip coming to Nigeria. I had to pay five times the cost of obtaining visa from Kenya to Nigeria. And I know so many of my colleagues had the same problem”.
So for the renowned journalist, the bureaucratic hurdles were not just an inconvenience; they represented a deeper issue.
“As an African, why should I pay a visa to come to another African country? And why should it be that difficult for me, an African, to come to another African country?” she questioned. Her sentiments echoed a growing concern among many Africans who find themselves entangled in red tape and high costs when travelling within the continent.
Now she contrasts her experience with other African countries like Ghana and Zambia, where the processes are much simpler and she does not even need a visa.
“For the first time I had a challenge in applying for a visa. Can you imagine? Because I trained journalists around Africa. I was in Ghana in April; I was in Zambia in February. In fact, in Zambia and Ghana, you just wake up and you go. There’s no visa, you just enter. So why should we have a problem coming to Nigeria? I mean, Ghana was seamless. There is no visa in Ghana, you just walk in. All the way from Kenya? Yes, you just walk in”.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Lidubwi’s dedication to her work and her commitment to the cause of clean air did not waver. Her participation in the Clean Air Africa initiative underscored her resolve to make a difference, even in the face of adversity. The event, which aimed to address air quality issues across Africa, brought together experts, policymakers, and activists to develop sustainable solutions for the continent’s pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Lidubwi’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of individuals who strive to foster unity and progress in Africa. Her experience also highlights the need for policy reforms that facilitate easier movement and collaboration among African nations. As the continent continues to grapple with various socio-economic and environmental issues, the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation cannot be overstated.
Her tale serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for African leaders to break down the barriers that hinder the free movement of people and ideas across the continent. For Dr. Lidubwi and many others like her, the dream of a united and prosperous Africa remains alive, fuelled by hope and the relentless pursuit of a better future.
A troubled journey
The enthusiasm with which Dr. George Mwaniki, Head of Air Quality for World Resources Institutes, Africa, a Kenyan national, embarked on his second trip to Nigeria was quickly overshadowed by a series of unexpected and frustrating events. As he recounts his experience, it becomes clear that the administrative hurdles and ineptitudes he encountered were not only disappointing but also indicative of deeper systemic issues.
Mwaniki troubles began long before he even set foot in Nigeria. Despite having visited Abuja in 2019, when obtaining a visa on arrival was a relatively straightforward process, his most recent trip was fraught with complications. “This time coming, I was stuck in the airport for four hours, doing nothing,” he recalls. “It was a total disaster.”
In Nairobi, he was informed that visa stickers were unavailable, necessitating a visa on arrival in Nigeria—a service that cost nearly $250. This hefty fee, coupled with an inefficient manual process, left Mwaniki questioning the country’s approach to tourism and international relations. “Who will come and visit this country if that is the kind of money you are charging for people to come just see?” he asks.
“Even after paying all that, you end up spending four hours at the airport. And the whole process is manual. Maybe there is a reason why the government does that. The government might decide to do manual because they are afraid of private data or that people can hack in the system. I can understand that, but having one gentleman writing the names on a book for two flights! And they were small flights. These were flights that had like 150 people. Supposing you have one of those big jets that come with 750 people. If you have two, three jets of those; that means you spend a day or two days or even a week”.
Mwaniki noted: “My experience was horrible. It is the worst by far. I don’t think I have gone to any country and spent more than five minutes to get a visa. Most other countries I go to are commercial countries. Kenya is part of commercial countries. You are admitted for 30 days. No visa requirement. I have been to non-commercial countries. You also get visa on arrival. And it is quite a smooth process.
“I think coming to Nigeria again will be a long call. Who wants to sit in an airport for four hours? For example, I won’t come back here for a workshop or a conference. If somebody invites me for a workshop or a conference or a passive kind of meeting, there is no way I am going to expose myself to that kind of services. And in the real sense, if we come here, if we bring people here and we stay here for a week; we are spending money in the economy. And this is good for Nigeria.”
Tarnished reputation
Mwaniki’s disillusionment only deepens as he reflects on his experience compared to visits to other African nations.
“I have been to 36 countries in Africa,” he says, noting that his Nigerian experience was by far the worst. “I don’t think I have gone to any country and spent more than five minutes to get a visa.”
“Even in Somalia, often considered a failed state, the visa process was faster and more efficient than in Nigeria. The poorest country in the world is Burundi. I have been to Burundi. The experience is fantastic. You interact with people. Clearance is fantastic.”
This stark contrast raises significant concerns about Nigeria’s immigration procedures and their impact on the country’s reputation.
The Broader Implications
Mwaniki’s experience is not just an isolated incident but a symptom of broader systemic issues. “When you have serious challenges in an outward-facing institution like immigration, what about the institutions that are internal? If this is what I’m experiencing as a foreigner, first time; what does an average Nigerian experience every day in an inward-facing institution?”
As the most populous country in Africa with the largest economy, Nigeria should be leading the way in efficient and welcoming international relations. Instead, as Mwaniki notes, “it is leading the way in the reverse, in the wrong direction.”
He therefore calls for immediate and significant reforms, emphasising that the current state of affairs not only deters visitors but also hampers potential economic opportunities.
A Call for Change
Mwaniki ‘s story underscores a critical need for change in Nigeria’s immigration policies and practices. The inefficiencies he encountered are a microcosm of larger issues that, if left unaddressed, could hinder the country’s growth and development.
“For Nigeria to truly thrive, it must streamline its processes, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and create a more welcoming environment for visitors and investors alike. Only then can it fulfill its potential as a leader in Africa and on the global stage”, Mwaniki said.
‘I paid four times the price on the website’
Hilina Bayew, an Ethiopian air quality researcher at New York University in Abu Dhabi recently embarked on a journey that was as challenging as it was enlightening. From navigating the intricate visa process to experiencing the rich culture of Nigeria, Hilina’s story is one of resilience, cultural exploration, and a desire to see beyond first impressions.
Bayew’s journey began with what should have been a straightforward task: obtaining a visa to Nigeria. As an Ethiopian, she expected the process to be relatively smooth. However, it turned out to be one of the most stressful experiences of her life.
“The stress was real,” she recalls. “There was a price indicated on the website, but I ended up paying four times that amount. There were additional fees that were not listed online, and the logistical issues were far from ideal.”
Despite the hurdles, Bayew persevered. She paid the unexpected fees, including some in cash at the embassy, and navigated the maze of requirements.
“I asked, what is this fee? They are like, oh, this is our agency fee. You need to have a servicing fee. They made me pay in cash, which was very odd. You had to pay cash at the embassy. I think if I had gotten my visa on arrival, it would have been a bit better, but just the number of requirements that they have; it didn’t make that much sense to me. It was a little challenging”, Bayew said.
The experience left her questioning the efficiency of the system but also strengthened her resolve to see Nigeria for herself.
First impressions and cultural insights
Upon arriving in Nigeria, Hilina attended a conference, which limited her initial interactions with the local culture. However, she remained open-minded.
“I don’t want to have a biased view,” she says. “I think there’s a mixture of experiences—some good, some not so good—but that’s with every place. I want to give this place more of a chance.”
Initially, her impressions of Nigeria were mixed. The first few days were challenging, but as she spent more time exploring, her perspective began to shift. “The first day, I would have said no. The second day, no. Now, we’re at a maybe. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll say yes. It’s getting better.”
Comparisons and culinary adventures
Having travelled to Ghana previously, Hilina couldn’t help but compare her experiences in the two West African countries. She had fallen in love with Accra from the beginning, captivated by its history, culture, and food. The visa process for Ghana was straightforward, and she enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly the jollof rice.
“My friends are like, no, you have to go to Lagos first and try it. But I can confidently say that Ghanaian jollof is better,” she laughs.
In Nigeria, Hilina made an effort to embrace the local cuisine, trying various dishes including “swallow” foods. Although she was familiar with Ethiopian cuisine, she found the Nigerian flavours and food culture unique and intriguing.
As her time in Nigeria drew to a close, she reflected on her journey. With a few days left, she hoped to explore more and immerse herself further in the local culture. Her experience had its ups and downs, but it was ultimately enriching.
“I still have two full days. Maybe tomorrow I’ll explore and get a better experience. I want to see more of the culture,” she says with optimism.
Hilina Bayew’s story is a testament to the complexities and rewards of international travel. Despite the initial challenges, her openness to new experiences and cultures shines through, offering a reminder that first impressions are just the beginning of a much richer journey.
Hilina’s journey from Ethiopia to Nigeria, marked by bureaucratic hurdles and cultural discoveries, highlights the resilience and curiosity of a dedicated researcher. Her story encourages us to look beyond initial frustrations and embrace the richness that new experiences bring.
Discovering Nigeria: An Expat’s Delightful Journey-Serrão Pires
Evanilton Edgar Serrão Pires, Engineering Department, Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa Tundavala (CEPT), Instituto Superior Politécnico Tundavala (ISPT), Lubango, Huíla-Angola.
When Serrão Pires first landed in Nigeria, he was brimming with anticipation. “Actually, I was impressed,” he recalled with a smile. Despite the initial delay at the airport due to long lines and less-than-optimal processes, he was unfazed. “It is normal when you have a lot of people on the line and the processes may not be so optimised. It was good and I enjoy knowing the country,” he said.
Serrão Pires was quickly captivated by Nigeria’s vibrant culture and welcoming people. “You have such fine people here and the culture is amazing,” he said. “Like most parts of Africa, we have really good food.”
When asked what aspects of Nigeria captivated him the most, Serrão Pires didn’t hesitate. “The food, the hospitality; Africans are really very friendly,” he said. The warmth and friendliness he encountered made his experience even more enjoyable.
One culinary experience stood out for him – the creamy soups. “You have a lot of soups here that are milky and they are the best,” he enthused.
However, not all Nigerian dishes suited his palate. “I am not very fond of spicy food. So, spicy food was unbearable for me,” he admitted with a laugh. Despite his aversion to spice, Serrão Pires was curious about the local cuisine. “I have been asking some people how you like so much spice. I would like to see where they are cooking it and probably have a taste. That was really hard for me,” he shared.
Serrão Pires’s visit to Nigeria was not just about exploring a new country; it was about reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. “Yes, I will [like to come back],” he affirmed. “I have a lot of friends that I worked with. I have worked with a lot of Nigerians for years now. It was an amazing opportunity to get to know the country firsthand.”
Reflecting on how Africans could be more united, Serrão Pires emphasised the importance of community and communication. “We need to increase the amount of gathering and the communication and the sharing.”
Serrão Pires journey to Nigeria was filled with new experiences, delicious food, and heart-warming connections. It was a testament to the country’s rich culture and the hospitality of its people, leaving him eager for his next visit.
