Renowned Pan-Africanist, Prof. PLO Lumumba, has urged the Federal Government to remove visa restrictions for Africans travelling within the continent. Lumumba made the call at the 2026 Delta State Economic and Investment Summit in Asaba.

Lumumba, the former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, stated that visa restrictions undermine regional integration, trade, and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Nigeria, the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, remains one of the most restrictive countries in Africa. As Lumumba noted, 'Your Excellency, the Vice President, Nigeria is the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. I look forward to the day when an investor from Ethiopia can board a plane and arrive in Asaba without visas, landing cards or exit cards.'

Lumumba's remarks follow a call for easier cross-border movement in Africa. The scholar drew a comparison with Europe, where 'today, you can move from Slovakia to Portugal using the same currency and with minimal restrictions.' He stated that Africans should be able to move within their continent without the burden of visa restrictions.

'Today in Africa, moving from one country to another remains unnecessarily difficult.' Lumumba stated. 'We cannot build a competitive economy while remaining so fragmented.'

Lumumba also urged African countries to rely more on homegrown investors instead of depending heavily on foreign capital. He stated that Africans must begin to believe that they 'possess both the intellectual capacity and the financial resources needed to develop their own continent.'

In addition, Lumumba emphasized the importance of energy to industrial development, describing reliable electricity as critical to economic growth. He stated that 'development is impossible without energy. If you do not have energy, you are going nowhere. Energy must remain one of your highest priorities.'

The Pan-Africanist also urged Delta State Government to adopt Norway's model of managing petroleum wealth through long-term investments. He stated that 'Norway has built one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. The question for Delta State is simple: Can you do the same?'

Lumumba further challenged the Delta State Government to harness its abundant resources strategically. He noted that Delta State's economy is already larger than those of several African countries, but stressed that the state's resources must be used wisely.

Key Facts:

  • Nigeria has the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The African Continental Free Trade Area aims to reduce trade barriers and increase regional integration.
  • Lumumba is a renowned Pan-Africanist and former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission.
  • Norway has built one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds through long-term investments.
  • Delta State's economy is larger than those of more than 20 African countries.