Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has attributed the difficulty many Nigerians face when applying for foreign visas to the country’s economic condition.
Obi made the comment during a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he discussed his plans for transforming Nigeria if elected president in the 2027 general election.
The former Anambra State governor argued that wealthy countries are generally more cautious about admitting people from poorer countries, linking Nigeria’s economic challenges to the perception of its citizens abroad.
“No rich man will open their door for poor people, that’s why many countries are denying Nigerian visas,” Obi said.
He further expressed confidence that improving Nigeria’s economy would reduce the pressure on citizens to seek opportunities outside the country and could also improve their chances when applying for visas.
“By the time we are done reforming Nigeria, Nigerians won’t like to be travelling outside like now. Even when they apply for a visa, they can easily get it,” he added.
The statement has drawn attention because visa applications are often influenced by several factors, including an applicant’s financial circumstances, travel history, purpose of travel and the immigration requirements of individual countries. Obi’s remarks therefore present his broader economic interpretation of the challenges Nigerians encounter when travelling abroad.
His position also reflects a central theme of his political campaign: strengthening Nigeria’s domestic economy so that citizens have greater opportunities at home rather than being compelled to look overseas for jobs, education and better living conditions.
The comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election intensify, with Obi positioning economic reform and improved living standards as major elements of his campaign message.
Obi previously served as governor of Anambra State and was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He later joined the NDC and was cleared by the party to contest its 2027 presidential primary.
His latest remarks have added visa access and Nigeria’s international economic image to the growing national debate over how the country can create better opportunities for its citizens.
