Nigeria and South Africa sign Agreement to issue 10-year visas to Businessmen, Academics

Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa
Photo credit: The Punch

Nigeria and South Africa have signed a bilateral agreement to issue 10-year visas to citizens of both countries, notably businessmen, academics and frequent travelers to both countries.

This development is the latest to come out of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which was elevated to a summit of heads of state of both countries. The summit was just concluded at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa.

The Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria's President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said the agreement was reached during a meeting co-chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. He said the decision was reached in order "to encourage more people-to-people contacts among  citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations."

Speaking further, he also said that "the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security."

Recall that there has been a recent spate of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa. The Nigerian President had ordered the immediate evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa in the face of the unabating crises at the time after receiving the report of a special envoy he had sent to assess the situation.

Tensions and distrust between citizens of both countries have been high, particularly since the most recent attacks. It remains to be seen how this laudable move will impact relations between both nations.