The Uganda Minister of Works and Transport Katumba Wamala has called on the Nigerian government to review the $200 visa regime between the two nations so as to promote Inter-Africa connectivity.
Wamala in his words said “For instance, a Ugandan needs to pay about US$200 to acquire a visa to Nigeria. This on average represents 2-4 bed nights for someone wishing to visit and explore new places in Nigeria”.
He spoke at the inaugural launch of the Nigeria -Uganda Business Forum at the weekend in Abuja adding that without visa fee, this money can still enter our respective economies due to increased travel and business.
He also added that Uganda Airline has commenced direct flight from Uganda into Lagos and Abuja, noting that there is an urgent need to address the huge connectivity gaps that still plague the African continent.
He applauded the Nigerian government for signing up for the Single Africa Air Transport Market, but said the visas are still expensive and represent a significant barrier to travel.
He pointed out that a study on underserved markets that was published recently by Airbus spotlighted West Africa as one of the most underserved markets by air services in Africa.
“In less than five hours, someone will be able to travel from West to East Africa thereby making travel easier for our respective people for business, tourism, and leisure” he said.
The Minister further stressed that that there is need to improve visitor facilitation processes in order to fully harness the potential for travel by Africans within Africa.
Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite in her address noted that the direct flight will unlock the economic potential between the two countries and reduce travel time, increase efficiency.
She said it will also foster greater collaboration between businesses, as well as enable them to tap into new markets, access new customers, and explore new opportunities that are abound in the two countries.
She further noted that the volume of trade between Nigeria and Uganda have been fluctuating over the past few years as in 2022.
In her words: “Nigeria exported $471,000 worth of goods to Uganda such as Soap. Alcohol and synthetic filament while on the other hand, Uganda exported $4.61 million worth of goods to Nigeria including raw tobacco, packaged medicaments, and asbestos fibers”.
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