The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for visa-free access and simplified visa procedures between Nigeria and Algeria to deepen bilateral trade, research collaboration, and people-to-people relations.
Tajudeen made the appeal during a meeting with Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, in Algiers. The details were contained in a statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker.
Pushing for a Nigeria–Algeria visa facilitation framework
According to the statement, Speaker Abbas proposed that both countries’ parliaments work together to develop a bilateral visa facilitation framework. This, he said, should include visa-free access for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and simplified visa processes for business executives, students, researchers, and tourists.
He stressed that easing movement between both nations would strengthen cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), remove barriers to trade, and promote regional economic growth.
Strengthening bilateral relations
Recalling earlier discussions between Algeria’s foreign minister and Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Tajudeen emphasized the need to revive the Nigeria–Algeria Binational Commission to serve as a platform for sustained strategic engagement.
“Our parliaments must take the lead in restoring the Binational Commission to ensure continuity and structure in our bilateral cooperation,” he said.
Tajudeen also highlighted the ongoing construction of a new Nigerian Embassy chancery in Algiers as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to improving diplomatic relations and providing better consular services to its citizens.
Support for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project
The Speaker reaffirmed Nigeria’s legislative backing for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline Project (TSGP) and pledged to mobilize support from other West African parliaments participating in the initiative.
He noted that the project represents a critical step toward enhancing Africa’s energy security and expanding gas exports to Europe.
Algeria welcomes deeper cooperation
According to Algerian media outlet Al24, the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review existing areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities in trade, energy, and parliamentary diplomacy.
Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the engagement as part of efforts to give “greater momentum” to Algeria–Nigeria relations, emphasizing the role of legislative collaboration in supporting regional integration and strategic projects.
Background: Strengthening energy and economic ties
The meeting follows Nigeria’s signing of a tripartite agreement with Algeria and Niger Republic in February 2025 to advance the TSGP. The project aims to transport up to one trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually through a 2,565-mile pipeline linking Nigeria’s Warri hydrocarbon fields to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel hub on the Mediterranean coast.
By advocating for visa-free access and parliamentary cooperation, Speaker Abbas aims to position Nigeria and Algeria as stronger economic and strategic partners within Africa and beyond.
