ITUC-Africa Urges Nigeria to Abolish Biometric Fees for African Travellers, Citing Regional Integration Concerns
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a strong appeal to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, calling for the immediate abolition of biometric capture fees levied on African travellers. The organisation contends that these charges act as a significant barrier to seamless regional integration and equitable mobility across the African continent.
In a formal open letter, signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, the Pan-African labour confederation, representing a bloc of over 18 million workers, acknowledged Nigeria’s “longstanding leadership in advancing Pan-African solidarity and regional cooperation.” However, the organisation urged the Nigerian government to adopt more decisive measures to promote visa openness, aligning with the current trajectory of continental development and evolving realities.
ITUC-Africa highlighted Nigeria’s historical significance in shaping Africa’s political and economic integration agenda. It stressed that at a time when the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is rapidly gaining traction, the unimpeded movement of people—encompassing workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals—is paramount for bolstering intra-African trade, investment, and the exchange of knowledge.
The labour organisation pointed to a growing trend across the continent where several nations have proactively facilitated travel for African citizens. Countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Benin, and The Gambia have been cited as examples of those that have successfully implemented visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for fellow Africans.
According to ITUC-Africa, these initiatives have demonstrably enhanced business travel, boosted tourism, and fostered greater economic cooperation. Crucially, these advancements have been achieved without compromising national security, illustrating that visa openness can serve as a catalyst for economic growth while simultaneously strengthening regional collaboration.
Against this backdrop, ITUC-Africa respectfully encouraged Nigeria to explore opportunities for further enhancing visa openness for African citizens. Such a move, the organisation believes, would resonate with Nigeria’s historical commitment to African unity and provide a tangible reinforcement to the practical implementation of the AfCFTA.
A central point of contention raised by ITUC-Africa is the financial strain imposed on travellers by separate biometric capture fees. While acknowledging the importance of biometric systems for effective border management, the union argues that levying these charges independently creates an undue financial burden on African travellers. The organisation noted that in many international contexts, including Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, biometric costs are indeed charged separately. However, ITUC-Africa proposed that Nigeria could consider adopting a reciprocal arrangement with these foreign nations.
The organisation’s primary concern, however, remains with intra-African travel. It underscored that the majority of African countries do not impose biometric fees on other African travellers, including Nigerians. Therefore, ITUC-Africa implored Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior to remove this fee for African nationals. Furthermore, the letter clarified that in most African nations requiring entry visas, biometric capture costs are typically integrated into the overall visa fee, making them more manageable. Examples such as Uganda and Zambia were provided, where biometric and other associated fees are included within the actual visa cost, rendering it a more bearable expense.
The principle of reciprocity and African solidarity, ITUC-Africa emphasized, has long been a guiding force in interstate relations within Africa. Kenya, for instance, was cited as an example of a nation that has embraced visa-free entry for all African citizens, including Nigerians. The organisation expressed an expectation that Nigeria would extend similar reciprocal treatment to Kenyan citizens, mirroring the visa-free policy that Nigeria reportedly offers to Rwandans, whose country has adopted a visa-free approach for Africans and global citizens alike.
Describing the current biometric capture fees as excessive, ITUC-Africa urged Nigeria to abolish these charges, which they deem exorbitant, often amounting to USD 100 or more, in addition to the standard visa fee. The organisation also drew attention to operational challenges, noting that online visa applicants continue to encounter difficulties with the Nigerian online visa application portal. They urged that any existing hitches be swiftly rectified.
The labour body asserted that implementing visa openness and facilitating easier mobility are crucial for strengthening trade, investment, tourism, and labour mobility across the continent. The economic potential of Africa was underscored by referencing prominent business leaders, and as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to champion reforms that promote the movement of people and advance the broader objectives of the AfCFTA.
Reiterating its appeal, ITUC-Africa concluded by urging Nigeria to “do the needful.” The organisation expressed confidence in the Ministry of Interior’s receptiveness to the concerns raised and conveyed its highest consideration.
