SWAN President Benjamin Reveals Visa Costs for Commonwealth Games

Comrade Isaiah Benjamin, the President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), disclosed that he and another national official each paid approximately N1.5 million to secure their United Kingdom visas for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. During his visit to the Bayelsa State chapter of SWAN in Yenagoa, he lamented the financial strain and limited opportunities faced by Nigerian sports journalists at international events.

Benjamin stated that the association received only two media accreditation slots for the Games, which were allocated to him and one other official. He noted the challenges in obtaining a visa, which necessitated the use of the United Nations priority visa service due to short notice, resulting in significant costs.

Furthermore, he raised concerns about the operational challenges faced by the Bayelsa chapter, specifically the absence of a vehicle for effective sports coverage. Benjamin pledged to engage with the State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, and other stakeholders to seek mobility support for the chapter.