AFRO-NETS> British Visa to Nigerians: Food for economic thought

[A Odutola <chpss_abo@yahoo.com>]

British Visa to Nigerians: Food for economic thought
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1. According to fresh reports, 100,000 visas were issued to Nigerians 
desiring to travel to Britain during 2002 (The Guardian. 03/17/03. 
http://odili.net/news/source/2003/mar/17/26.html). This translates to 
an estimated average full year earning to the British government of 
about 5 million pound and a drain of nearly one billion Naira from 
the Nigerian economy. Put in perspective, this amount represents 
nearly 10% of the total fiscal budget for Nassarawa State and close 
to 100% of the health budget of most Nigerian states during fiscal 
year 2002.

2. Assuming that at least 50% of the visa recipients travelled to the 
UK by air only once during the period and took with them the allow-
able basic travel allowance (BTA) of $2,000 (approx. 1,200 British 
pound), a further drain on the Nigerian economy totalling approxi-
mately N2.5 billion Naira on air travel in addition to 60 million 
pounds in forex outflow is estimated as further accruing to Britain.

Obviously visa issuance and tourism promotion are highly lucrative 
businesses to Britain in Nigeria. Conceivably better estimates are 
available from others. Please share.

A. Odutola
Centre for Health Policy & Strategic Studies
mailto:chpss_abo@yahoo.com

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