CNN correspondent Larry Madowo criticizes Nigeria’s $215 visa fee, advocating for a more accessible visa system to promote regional integration in Africa.

Larry Madowo, an International Correspondent for Cable News Network (CNN), has raised concerns over the exorbitant visa fees imposed by Nigeria, calling for a more accessible and affordable visa regime to promote the vision of a borderless Africa.

In a statement shared on his LinkedIn account on Monday, Madowo expressed frustration over the hefty $215 visa fee he was required to pay each time he visited Nigeria, despite holding a Kenyan passport which grants visa-free access to several African countries.

According to Madowo, the $215 visa fee comprises a $25 visa cost, a $20 processing fee, and a staggering $170 biometrics capturing fee. He criticized the redundancy of paying for biometrics and processing fees for multiple visits within a short period, questioning the necessity of such charges.

The CNN reporter highlighted the stark contrast between Nigeria’s visa policy and those of other African nations, emphasizing the burden placed on travelers and hindrances to achieving a borderless Africa. He pointed out that while Nigeria imposes hefty visa fees, countries like Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana offer visa-free access to Kenyan passport holders.

Madowo lamented the impact of the high visa fees on travelers and the broader goal of regional integration, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. He argued that the current visa regime undermines efforts to foster economic cooperation and mobility across the continent.