Lumumba Urges FG To End Visa Restrictions, Says They Hinder AfCFTA, Investment

Renowned Kenyan scholar and Pan-Africanist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, has urged the federal government to eliminate visa restrictions for Africans, saying the barriers hinder regional integration, investment and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Lumumba made the call on Monday while speaking at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba.

He said Nigeria, as the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, should lead efforts to ease the movement of people and capital across the continent.

“Your Excellency, the Vice President, Nigeria is the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. I look forward to the day when an investor from Ethiopia can board a plane and arrive in Asaba without visas, landing cards or exit cards.

“I look forward to the day when there will be no visa requirements for an African coming into this country,” he said.

Comparing Africa to Europe, Lumumba lamented the continent’s restrictive travel policies.

“Today, you can move from Slovakia to Portugal using the same currency and with minimal restrictions. But here in Africa, moving from one country to another remains unnecessarily difficult. We cannot build a competitive economy while remaining so fragmented,” he added.

The Pan-Africanist also urged African nations to rely more on homegrown capital and expertise rather than looking abroad for development.

“When we think about investment, we still imagine that our investors must come from Malaysia, Brazil or China. That is not the case. The next time this summit is held, I want to see Kenyans here, Ghanaians here, Ethiopians here, Moroccans here and Egyptians here. Africans must begin to believe that they possess both the intellectual capacity and the financial resources needed to develop their own continent,” he said.

Commending the Delta State Government for identifying its economic strengths, Lumumba challenged the state to emulate Norway by prudently managing its oil wealth.

“The governor has reminded us of what Norway has done with its petroleum resources. Today, Norway has built one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. The question for Delta State is simple: Can you do the same? The issue is not simply producing oil; the issue is whether you are using those resources wisely,” he said.

He noted that Delta’s economy was already larger than those of more than 20 African countries but stressed that the state must maximise its vast resources to remain competitive.

“Delta State’s economy is already larger than those of more than 20 African countries. The real question is this: with all the resources you possess—agriculture, minerals, oil, pharmaceuticals and the blue economy—what are you doing that is consistent with the demands of the 21st century?” he asked.

Lumumba further called for increased investment in research, innovation and energy infrastructure, stressing that sustainable industrial growth depends on reliable electricity.

“Development is impossible without energy. If you do not have energy, you are going nowhere. Energy must remain one of your highest priorities,” he said.