Lagos, Nigeria - Nigerian visa requirements for nationals of Kenya and Seychelles are to be relaxed with effect from 11 Feb. 2011, to reciprocate similar gestures by the countries, the local press reported Wednesday. Starting on that date, visitors from Kenya will be required to pay a visa fee of US$25 at the point of entry, while nationals of Seychelles will be admitted into the West African nation by their valid international passports, without a visa fee.

The report quoted Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Seychelles, Dr. Chijioke Wigwe, as describing the policy as a new beginning that would improve the existing relationship between Nigeria and the two countries.

“I believe other African nations will take a cue from this relationship and explore such diplomatic options that will bring about unity in the continent,” he said.

According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs , Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman, the Nigerian government took the decision to reciprocate the diplomatic gesture extended to her - since May 2009 - by the governments of the two countries.

Pana 03/02/2011