By Salif Atojoko

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has announced that Nigerian tourists can now apply for visas without the need to submit their passports.

He made this declaration on Tuesday during the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu.

Ramaphosa stated that South Africa has simplified its visa processes to encourage travel for Nigerian businesspeople and tourists.

Among the measures introduced is the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, revealed this in a statement.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include the simplification of visa processes for Nigerian businesspeople travelling to South Africa.

“Qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can now obtain five-year multiple-entry visas,” Ramaphosa said.

He further pledged South Africa’s commitment to addressing the barriers to greater investment and resolving challenges faced by businesses in both nations.

“As we commemorate 30 years of diplomatic relations, we envision a bright future for our partnership. The strong bonds of friendship between our countries form a solid foundation for deeper economic cooperation.

“Nigeria hosts several South African companies, and South Africa remains open to Nigerian businesses, as demonstrated by the significant investments and operations established here.

“However, more work needs to be done. We must eliminate the remaining barriers to increased investment and address the challenges that companies have encountered,” he said.

President Ramaphosa also recognised the Nigerian government’s reforms aimed at enhancing a business-friendly environment and providing greater assurance to investors, including those from South Africa.

“Our government continues to work on improving the ease of doing business in South Africa. We aim to enable investors to operate, trade, and pursue opportunities across various sectors.

“We look forward to welcoming more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he added.

The South African President also noted Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries in the Global South as priorities for the G20 agenda.

“For the first time, the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be hosted on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as we advance an inclusive global agenda.

“For South Africa, it is crucial that global discussions and programmes are designed to ensure no one in our societies is left behind,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola