‘Why This Shege Pro Max?’ – CNN Journalist Criticizes Nigeria’s $215 Visa Charge

CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has criticized the $215 single entry visa fee for Nigeria, labeling it as exorbitant.

Madowo expressed his views on his LinkedIn profile on Monday.

He noted that although he holds a Kenyan passport, which grants visa-free entry to several African nations such as Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, Nigeria still levies a substantial $215 fee for a single-entry visa.

He challenged the justification for the $170 biometric fee charged each time, given that fingerprints do not change.

Madowo highlighted how such fees are an obstacle to the vision of a borderless Africa and the goals of the AfCFTA.

While professing his affection for Nigeria, he described the visa policy as onerous and questioned its underlying reasons.

Madowo wrote, “Nigeria just charged me $215 for a one-month, single-entry visa. Again. I was here three weeks ago – paid the same $215. This is my third time in Nigeria this year, so they made $645 from me in 2024 alone.

“The visa costs $25, but Nigeria charges a $ 20′ processing fee’ and $170 for biometrics every time. My fingerprints haven’t changed since I was here three weeks ago. Why am I paying $170 to take them and pose for a picture each time I visit? Isn’t that a standard part of admitting someone into a country?

“How can we achieve a borderless Africa, or the promise of the AfCFTA, if we charge Africans $215 for a single-entry visa?

“In the three weeks since I was last in Lagos, I went to Uganda, South Africa, and Ghana, where I don’t need a visa with a Kenyan passport. I’ve also been to South Africa three times this year. It cost me $0, like the ancestors intended.

“Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival system is similar to the ‘visa-free’ delusion of Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation – you apply in advance, submit some documents, and wait for approval. It can take up to five business days. If you know someone, you can pay them $50 or more to facilitate faster approval.

“I love Nigeria, but the visa situation is showing me shege. It’s too much oo! Why this Shege Pro Max?”