The spokesman for the Buhari Media Organisation, Niyi Akinsiju, says once the visa on arrival policy is implemented, foreigners cannot enter Nigeria without having at least $200 (N72, 000).

Akinsiju further stated that if one million persons visit Nigeria in a year, this could have a multiplier effect on the economy.

The BMO Spokesman said this during a programme on NTA titled, ‘Good Morning Nigeria’, on Monday.

He said:

“If we are opening up Nigeria to other African countries, it also means that we are creating traffic. No matter how deficient the liquid cash in the pocket of a traveller is, when you encourage a traveller that has something specific to do, and I am very sure does not refer to people just walking into Nigeria (sic). It refers to people that have specific things to do in Nigeria.

“Entering this country will not be a herculean process. It is a process that is made easy for other citizens to come into Nigeria and you cannot come into Nigeria without holding at least $200. What that tells you is that the $200 will get into our economy. You can imagine if you multiply that by a million people over a 12 month period.”

However, the spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Sunday James, told The PUNCH that the agency was unaware of any provision that states that a foreigner must possess $200 before entering Nigeria.

James said:

“Is the fellow who spoke an official of immigration? We are not aware of any such requirement. He was probably speaking in his own capacity. I will, however, advise that you reach out to the Nigeria Customs Service.”

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesman for the NCS, Mr Joseph Attah, is yet to respond to calls.