Ethiopian Airlines has said it will no longer issue visas on arrival to Nigerian citizens and those of other African countries.

According to a document sent by the airlines and made available to The PUNCH, the aviation company stated as thus, “Please be informed that effective immediately, no more visa on arrival for Nigerian Citizens.”

The circular explained that “passengers are to obtain their visa at the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja before travelling.”

The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed that Ethiopian Airlines emerged a core investor in the Nigerian National Carrier, Nigeria Air, following a bid. Sirika, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, said Ethiopian Airlines won the bid with a consortium and would have 95 controlling shares in the airline.

Speaking on the latest developments, an expert in the industry, Olumide Ohunayo, noted that Ethiopia’s decision was not in fair interest of its partnership process with Nigeria.

“I doubt if Ethiopia has given us some respect. Here is an airline that is trying to partner us as a national carrier, who already has about three points of entry into the country using the Togolese national carrier.” (The PUNCH)