Relax stringent visa conditions, Aregbesola tells Canadian envoy

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has urged the Canadian Government to remove stringent conditions attached to procuring visa for Nigerians.

Aregbesola argued that the removal would ease access to Canada, boost investment and accelerate economic growth between both countries.

The Minister made the appeal when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, alongside his team, visited him in Abuja.

Aregbesola said the Canadian Government should assist Nigeria in sharing technological innovations that would promote installation of facilities to monitor movements across Nigerian borders, especially on high seas, lands, railways and schools.

He said such installations would facilitate quick responses to security issues to fast-track investment opportunities in Nigeria.

The Canadian envoy explained that his visit was meant to seek bilateral cooperation between Canada and Nigeria in the areas of economy, security, technology, education and training of Immigration officers for efficient border monitoring.

Christoff also said the Canadian Government would review some of the conditions attached to its visa approvals to enable Nigerians access Canada without much difficulties.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, noted that the partnership and cooperation would enable both countries to boost internal security, among other benefits.