Beyond being excessive, Seychelles’ recent ban on Nigerian passports highlights the weaknesses in Nigeria’s foreign diplomacy and the inconsistencies in Africa’s supposed vision of continent-wide integration.
In July 2023 information circulated online of a ban Seychelles had placed on Nigerian travellers. Seychelles had not officially announced the ban before implementing it and so people only realized what was happening after their applications had been rejected. The ban specifically affects Nigerians who wish to enter Seychelles as tourists or new immigrants, not those with diplomatic passports or residential permits. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, luxury accommodations catering to different budgets and a range of fun activities, Seychelles is a top travel destination within Africa, popular with as many Africans as foreign nationals. It is one of those paradises that people rave about going to or hope to be able to visit as soon as the money is right.
Before the ban, Nigeria had a visa-free agreement with Seychelles and as of December 2022, both countries had signed a pact to allow direct flights between them. However, the new ban effectively changed this reality overnight for several Nigerians, according to comments on online platforms...
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