Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has commended the South African Government for sending a clear message that Rivers State is safe for business by opening a visa application centre in the state.
Inaugurating the South African Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global in Port Harcourt Thursday, Wike said the state government had taken measures to ensure that businesses operate in a secure environment.
He said: “I wish to commend the South African Government for letting the world know that Rivers State is safe for local and international businesses.
“We will continue to work with the South African Government and other investors to ensure that the business environment is improved. We will continue to improve on the security of the state to attract more investors.”
He urged the South African Government to work towards ensuring that the South African Airways flies to Port Harcourt. He said his administration would work with the federal government to further develop the Port Harcourt International Airport.
He said: “I am happy that the South African Government has shown its willingness to do business with the Rivers State Government. I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to other countries to take advantage of the opportunities in our state.”
Wike promised that the state government would do everything possible to develop the state to the level where it will be the envy of others.
In his remarks, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Lulu Mnguni, called for the development of tourism ties between Nigeria and South Africa. He said such tourism ties would improve relations between the two countries.
He noted that the Visa Application Centre in Port Harcourt would eliminate the distance barrier hitherto experienced by those in Port Harcourt and the South-south states who hitherto travelled to Lagos for their visas.
The High Commissioner said despite the new visa regulations, the embassy would always put into consideration the support Nigeria gave to South Africa in her trying moment.
Also speaking, Consul-General of South Africa in Nigeria, Mokgethi Monaisa, said with the rising number of visa applications in Nigeria, the setting up of the Visa Application Centre in Port Harcourt would be critical station for applicants in Rivers and adjoining states.
