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ANJET says its 2026 conference will examine how Nigeria’s immigration reforms are affecting tourism and the experience of international visitors.
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The association said stakeholders would assess the new visa regime and entry procedures at Nigeria’s borders.
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It said the meeting would also identify areas where further reforms may be needed.
August 28, (THEWILL) — The Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has announced that the impact of Nigeria’s immigration reforms on tourism will be a major focus of its 2026 annual conference, with stakeholders expected to examine how the changes have affected international visitors and tourism businesses.
The one-day conference, scheduled for October at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “Nigerian Tourism Industry and the Nigerian Immigration Service Reforms”. ANJET said the choice of the theme was informed by the close link between immigration policies, visa access and the growth of international tourism.
“We want to use the conference to look beyond the reforms and examine their actual impact on tourism. We will be looking at why the reforms became necessary, whether they have addressed the challenges and whether visitors now find it easier to obtain Nigerian visas and enter the country”, ANJET said.
The association said the discussion would also cover the experience of travellers at Nigeria’s airports, land borders and seaports, as well as the new electronic visa system, digital landing and exit cards and other changes introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
ANJET said the reforms would be assessed from the perspective of both travellers and tourism operators, particularly their effectiveness in reducing delays, simplifying procedures and improving Nigeria’s image as a destination.
“Visa access is an important part of tourism. If visitors find it difficult to obtain visas or navigate our entry points, it can affect their decision to visit Nigeria”, the association said.
Before the reforms, ANJET recalled, visitors often complained about difficulties obtaining visa appointments and Nigerian visas, while the former visa-on-arrival process also presented challenges.
The association said travellers at some entry points had also encountered delays and unclear procedures, adding that such experiences could discourage potential visitors and affect tourism businesses.
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The Federal Government subsequently introduced reforms through the Ministry of Interior and the NIS, including the reduction of visa categories from 79 to 44 and the introduction of digital immigration processes.
The reforms also included an electronic visa system, digital landing and exit cards, as well as digital platforms for expatriate quota and residency applications.
ANJET said its conference would provide an opportunity for tourism stakeholders and immigration officials to review the progress of the reforms and identify areas that still require attention.
Among those expected to discuss the theme are Dr Yinka Folami, President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), alongside officials of the NIS and other industry practitioners.
The conference follows ANJET’s earlier announcement that Radisson and hospitality investor, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, would receive ANJET honours for their contributions to Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
