A global activist and President of Mater Africa, Alberto Cicala, has urged a reassessment of Rome’s visa policy towards Nigerian citizens.
He complained that Nigerians intending to travel are required to pay up to 500 Euros for appointment slots that are ordinarily meant to be free.
Cicala, who has submitted a formal petition over alleged irregularities affecting Nigerian citizens, official delegations and humanitarian cases in the Italian visa process, believes that certain officials in Rome are acting contrary to Nigeria’s national interest.
Cicala, representing Mater Africa, is expected to appear before the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies in Rome to formally present evidence, detail the reported irregularities and demand full transparency and accountability in procedures impacting Nigerian citizens and institutions.
Major concerns highlighted in the petition include alleged unequal and opaque visa issuance, Nigerian government delegations reportedly compelled to pay for appointments despite travelling with a Note Verbale, official delegations invited by Italian institutions allegedly facing repeated postponements, and humanitarian cases said to have been rejected without explanation.
There are also worries within Nigerian ministries and local government councils.
According to media reports, the matter is now being handled as a diplomatic issue rather than merely an administrative concern.
The petition aims to ensure transparent and fair procedures, respect for Nigerian institutions and citizens, proper handling of official delegations, protection of humanitarian cases, and balanced bilateral relations.
Speaking on the petition, Cicala said Nigeria deserves respect and clarity in diplomatic processes.
“Nigerian institutions deserve proper diplomatic treatment. Italian parliamentary bodies are now engaged, and the process is moving forward at the highest institutional level,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Rome has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the refusal of the Italian Embassy to issue visas to Nigerian government officials and registered participants for the Rome Business Forum.
Ambassador Augustine Chigbolu described the situation as “unfortunate,” stressing that key Nigerian delegates, including a minister and his team, a senator and his team, as well as several notable business leaders who registered for the forum, were all denied entry.
“I can categorically say that nobody who registered for this event and applied for a visa was able to attend. We will take the issue up at the appropriate quarters,” Chigbolu lamented.
He emphasised that the absence of these high-level participants not only weakened the objectives of the forum but also raised serious concerns about Italy’s commitment to promoting business and diplomatic cooperation with Nigeria.
Despite the setback, the forum attracted participation from the President of NIDOE Italy Chapter, members of the Nigerian community, Italian business leaders, and the press, who all witnessed the presentations and discussions aimed at deepening economic ties.
The forum concluded its second and final day on Friday with a series of technical sessions led by the DT2 Consulting Italy team, headed by Dr Mario Viglianese.
The sessions centred on strengthening bilateral investment opportunities and advancing business cooperation between Nigeria and Italy.
The Nigerian Embassy in Rome was represented by Mr Pelumi Temitope and Mrs Maria Tony-Bisong from the Embassy’s Trade and Economic Desk, who actively participated in the forum’s closing engagements.
However, organisers expressed optimism that the outcomes of the technical sessions, along with the concerns raised by the Nigerian delegation, would shape future engagements and strengthen business relations between both countries.
