A global activist and President of Mater Africa, Alberto Cicala, has called for a review of Rome’s visa policy against Nigerian citizens.

He lamented that Nigerians planning to travel are made to pay as high as 500 Euros per slot, which should be free of charge.

Cicala, who has launched a formal petition over alleged irregularities affecting Nigerian citizens, official delegations and humanitarian cases in the Italian visa process, believed that some officers in Rome are working against the interest of Nigeria as a country.

Cicala, representing Mater Africa, is scheduled to appear before the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to formally present documentation, outline the reported irregularities and request full transparency and accountability in procedures affecting Nigerian citizens and institutions.

Key concerns raised in the petition include alleged unequal and non-transparent visa issuance, Nigerian government delegations reportedly asked to pay for appointments despite travelling with a Note Verbale, official delegations invited by Italian institutions allegedly facing repeated delays, and humanitarian cases said to have been denied without explanation.

There are also concerns within Nigerian ministries and local councils.

The Guardian learnt that the issues are now being treated as a diplomatic matter rather than merely an administrative one.

The petition seeks to ensure transparent and fair procedures, respect for Nigerian institutions and citizens, proper handling of official delegations, protection of humanitarian cases, and balanced bilateral relations.

Speaking on the petition, Cicala said Nigeria deserves respect and clarity in diplomatic processes.

“Nigerian institutions deserve proper diplomatic treatment. Italian parliamentary bodies are now engaged, and the process is moving forward at the highest institutional level,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Rome has expressed deep disappointment over the refusal of the Italian Embassy to grant visas to Nigerian government officials and registered participants for the Rome Business Forum.

Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu described the situation as “unfortunate,” stressing that key Nigerian delegates, including a minister and his team, a senator and his team, as well as several prominent business leaders that registered for the forum, were all denied entry.

“I can categorically say that nobody who registered for this event and applied for a visa was able to attend. We will take the issue up at the appropriate quarters,” Chigbolu lamented.

He emphasised that the absence of these high-level participants not only undermined the objectives of the forum but also raised serious concerns about Italy’s commitment to fostering business and diplomatic cooperation with Nigeria.

Despite the setback, the forum drew participation from the President of NIDOE Italy Chapter, members of the Nigerian community, Italian business leaders, and the press, who all witnessed the presentations and discussions aimed at deepening economic ties.

The forum rounded off its second and final day on Friday with a series of technical sessions led by the DT2 Consulting Italy team, headed by Dr Mario Viglianese.

The sessions focused on strengthening bilateral investment opportunities and advancing business cooperation between Nigeria and Italy.

The Nigerian Embassy in Rome was represented by Mr Pelumi Temitope and Mrs Maria Tony-Bisong from the Embassy’s Trade and Economic Desk, who participated actively in the forum’s closing engagements.

However, organisers expressed optimism that the outcomes of the technical sessions, coupled with the issues raised by the Nigerian delegation, would shape future engagements and strengthen business relations between both countries. (The Guardian)