As Nigerians face growing travel restrictions by countries like the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the U.S., cultural advocates and operators have called for a renewed focus on domestic and regional travel across Africa.

These countries, among others, have introduced stricter visa restrictions against Nigerians as part of their immigration crackdown.

Michael Balogun, the general secretary of the National Association of Tour Operators, stated during an interview on Sunday in Lagos that the visa restrictions imposed on Nigeria could result in stunted inbound tourism, loss of revenue, and hinder intra-African mobility.

He added that the travel restrictions were currently negatively impacting both inbound and outbound tourism, as well as demotivating local operators.

Mr Balogun, who is also the Chief Operating Officer of Tour2Nigeria, said the three-month single-entry visa policy, instead of the previous five-year multiple-entry policy by the U.S., would deter individuals from travelling.

“These measures deter Nigerians abroad from hosting friends or families, and discourage foreign tourists concerned about harsh reciprocal policies or travel uncertainties.

“Though Nigeria is part of ECOWAS, passport power and visa rejections still impede movement across many African countries. This undermines cultural exchange and intra-African tourism, despite wide recognition that regional tourism could thrive with more liberal visa regimes,” he said.

Mr Balogun, however, said that with automated visa platforms, regional agreements, regulatory reforms for agencies, and infrastructure development, Nigeria could unlock its talent potential.

He recommended expanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more African countries.

“Build standard accommodations – three, four, and five-star – to support upscale tourism, especially during events like Calabar Carnival and during Detty December. Provide transparent client education about visa realities and limitations,” he said.

Co-founder of Goge Africa, Nneka Isaac-Moses, called on Nigerians to rediscover the nation’s rich cultural and natural assets.

Ms Isaac-Moses said the situation with the growing bans and restrictions on the country by nations including the UAE, the UK, and the U.S. was a wake-up call for Nigerians to reimagine travel.

She said travel should not be seen as an escape, but as an opportunity to explore local and regional treasures that are often overlooked.

“For decades, we’ve romanticised travel outside our shores, yearning for destinations that barely welcome us while overlooking the rich, untapped beauty of our own land and region. Yet, right here in Nigeria and across West Africa lies a goldmine of culture, history, adventure, and soul. Africa has everything, except the long embassy queues and denied visa stamps,” she said.

Citing examples such as the Idanre hills, Osun’s sacred groves, Cape Verde’s vibrant streets, Gambia beaches, and East African safaris, Isaac-Moses said Africa offered a compelling alternative to overseas trips.

She urged stakeholders to redirect travel goals inward and regionally.

“For operators, this is a chance to craft compelling Afrocentric experiences. For policymakers, an urgent call to invest in tourism infrastructure and safety. For travellers, a bold invitation to see the beauty of home with new eyes,” she said.

She said that Goge Africa was leveraging its Destination West Africa to champion a movement for increased continental connectivity through cultural tourism. She said the initiative promotes a visa-free travel experience that encourages deeper exploration of African stories, heritage, and pride. 

(NAN)