Summary: CNN’s Larry Madowo calls out Nigeria for high visa costs and poor African integration, saying the country is “carrying last” in visa openness despite being Africa’s giant.
The Giant of Africa is catching serious strays from Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo, and honestly, the man has receipts!
The CNN International Correspondent recently voiced his frustration over Nigeria’s visa costs and processes, and his criticism is sparking conversations across social media about our country’s approach to African integration.
The Wahala With Nigerian Visas
According to Madowo, Kenyan passport holders face serious financial burden when trying to visit Nigeria. While the official visa fee is pegged at around $25 (approximately ₦40,000), additional online processing and payment charges push the total cost to about $80 (roughly ₦130,000).
But the matter no end there o! Madowo also revealed that even when applicants specifically request and pay for multiple-entry visas, they sometimes receive only single-entry visas instead. Talk about adding insult to injury!
“You’re Carrying Last in Visa Openness”
The Kenyan media personality didn’t mince words when addressing Nigeria’s position on continental integration. Using Nigerian pidgin to drive home his point, he said: “Giant of Africa, you dey fall my hand.”
He went further to turn our own popular phrase against us: “Nigerians say others ‘carry last’, but you’re the one carrying last in terms of visa openness for other Africans.”
Oya now, that one pain! But is he wrong though?
The Bigger Picture: African Integration
Madowo’s criticism touches on a broader issue that many have raised about Nigeria’s commitment to African unity and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). While we proudly wear the “Giant of Africa” tag, our visa policies seem to contradict the spirit of pan-Africanism.
Countries like Seychelles, Benin Republic, and The Gambia have opened their borders to all African passport holders without visa requirements. Even Rwanda and Kenya have simplified their processes significantly. Yet Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, maintains relatively restrictive visa policies for fellow Africans.
Nigerians React
As expected, Madowo’s comments have sparked heated debates online. While some Nigerians have defended the country’s visa policies citing security concerns, others agree that Nigeria needs to do better in promoting African integration and making the process easier for visitors from the continent.
The conversation also highlights a painful irony: many Nigerians themselves struggle with expensive and difficult visa processes when trying to visit other countries, yet we seem to be doing the same thing to our African brothers and sisters.
Time for a Rethink?
As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria has a responsibility to lead by example in promoting continental integration. Our current visa regime, with its high costs and reported inefficiencies, sends the wrong message to our African neighbors.
Perhaps it’s time for Nigerian authorities to review these policies. After all, if we truly want to be the giant that leads Africa forward, we need to make sure our actions match our words.
What do you think? Is Larry Madowo right to call Nigeria out? Should we simplify our visa processes for other African countries? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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