The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on the Algerian government to consider granting visa-free access to Nigerian citizens, as part of efforts to deepen trade, education, and research cooperation between the two countries.
Abbas made the appeal when he received the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Latli, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday. He said easing travel restrictions between Nigeria and Algeria would not only enhance people-to-people relations but also strengthen economic and diplomatic ties across Africa.
According to the Speaker, both nations share long-standing relations within the African Union (AU) and the Non-Aligned Movement, but there is still room for greater collaboration, especially in commerce, science, and higher education.
“We need to make it easier for our people to move freely between Nigeria and Algeria. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access will encourage more trade missions, research exchanges, and cultural partnerships,” Abbas said. “Africa must look inward for growth, and stronger bilateral cooperation is key.”
He commended Algeria’s role in promoting peace and stability in North Africa and expressed optimism that both countries could work together in tackling security challenges, including terrorism and cross-border crimes.
Ambassador Latli, in his response, welcomed the proposal and assured that his government remains committed to improving diplomatic and economic relations with Nigeria. He noted that Algeria values Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and is open to discussions that will promote mutual growth, energy cooperation, and education exchange.
“Nigeria and Algeria are natural partners. We share similar visions for Africa’s future and can achieve more through open dialogue, shared innovation, and stronger institutional links,” Latli stated.
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The Speaker also urged both nations to expand collaboration between universities and research institutions, particularly in technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. He emphasized that removing travel barriers would facilitate academic mobility and innovation partnerships critical to Africa’s sustainable development goals.
Political analysts say the call aligns with Nigeria’s broader diplomatic agenda of promoting intra-African trade and regional integration, especially under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
If actualized, a visa-free agreement between Nigeria and Algeria would mark a significant milestone in continental mobility and cooperation, enhancing cross-border trade and knowledge sharing between West and North Africa.
Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s readiness to support legislative frameworks that promote stronger bilateral and regional ties, stressing that “African unity begins with access, collaboration, and trust.”