No mobility, no real benefits — policy expert says trade pacts must work for Nigerians, not just capital
The Founder of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Victor Oluwafemi, is urging the Federal Government to make visa reciprocity a non-negotiable part of Nigeria’s trade and economic agreements.
In a statement from Abuja, Oluwafemi argued that deals that move capital freely but lock out Nigerian travellers weaken economic diplomacy and frustrate citizens meant to turn policies into jobs, exports and investment.
“Nigeria deserves reciprocity. If our borders are open through cooperation frameworks, partner countries must open theirs to legitimate Nigerians,” he said, warning that silence on mobility only fuels public frustration and makes trade deals look elitist.
He called on the President to treat mobility as a core pillar of economic statecraft, proposing standard visa clauses in all trade, aviation and partnership agreements — complete with clear timelines, multi-entry options and measurable delivery targets.
Oluwafemi also outlined a three-track mobility framework: fast-track visas for official missions, verified multi-entry access for business leaders and exporters, and sector-specific lanes for professionals, creatives and technical experts.
According to him, Nigeria has signed many agreements — but the real test is whether ordinary Nigerians can access, use and profit from them.
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