By Esther Oyema
A civil society group, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), decried the denial of visa to a nigerian businessman, calling on the federal government to urgently probe the alleged denial.
Recall that Mr Kingsley Okpala, the chief executive officer and founder of New Age Mobile Concepts Limited, who has been conducting business with Chinese partners for several years has being repeatedly denied visa by the Chinese embassy rising concern that he is being deliberately targeted for unfair business practices.
The NCSCN also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Chinese Embassy, urging them to satisfactorily address the matter or face possible picketing of the Chinese Embassy and all Chinese business premises across Nigeria.
They group stated this at a press conference in Abuja, Blessing Akinlosotu, the executive director of NCSCN, questioned the Chinese Embassy‘s authority to authenticate a Nigerian passport when the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Immigration Service have not done so.
“We draw the attention of the Nigerian government, the government of the Republic of China, and the international community to a high-level injustice and business conspiracy against Kingsley,“ Akinlosotu stated.
He highlighted Mr Okpala‘s significant contributions to the trade of producing and manufacturing phone accessories in partnership with Chinese companies, emphasizing that the persistent visa denials based on accusations of using a fake passport are unjust
„These visa denials have not only impeded the company‘s business but have also caused emotional distress, loss of opportunities, and financial hardship for Mr. Okpala.
She stated, noting that the action of the Chinese embassy is costing the jobs of over 2000 Nigerians.
“We call on Nigerians and relevant authorities, both nationally and internationally, to address this business conspiracy against a Nigerian and the nation as a whole.“
