A group, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), has called on the federal government to urgently intervene in the alleged denial of visas to 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.
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.
During 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.
„The potential impact on New Age‘s business operations in Nigeria, risking the livelihoods of over 2,000 citizens who depend on the company for employment. This, in turn, could escalate unemployment rates and negatively impact the country‘s economy.
„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.“
The NCSCN urged people to carefully consider the implications of this injustice, emphasizing the need to stand against such practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.