Nigerians Face N19bn Loss from Schengen Visa Rejections

Nigerians spend an estimated N75 billion yearly on visa application expenses, with rejected Schengen visa applications costing about N19 billion in 2025. This financial burden is exacerbated by non-refundable visa fees, as only one in four applications was approved during the period.

The total cost for an unsuccessful application can range from N350,000 to N1.2 million, depending on various factors. Countries such as Canada, Belgium, Spain, the UK, and the US present significant visa hurdles for Nigerians, alongside Japan and some African nations with rising fees.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for verification of these figures, but its spokesman was unavailable. An anonymous source within the ministry indicated a need for renegotiation of visa agreements to prevent exploitation of Nigerian citizens.

The federal government's response focuses on strengthening bilateral engagement, expanding citizen support, and advocating for equitable global mobility.