In 2024, over 50,000 Nigerian applicants saw their Schengen visa requests rejected, resulting in a collective loss of nearly ₦8 billion (about €4.5 million) in non-refundable fees, with rejection rates reaching a record high of 45.9%. The increased denials stem from stricter European immigration controls and financial scrutiny, impacting mainly middle-class Nigerians seeking education and business opportunities.

Applicants often face high costs beyond visa fees, including third-party agents and travel deposits, with denied entries causing significant emotional and economic distress. The tightening of European border policies, including new biometric checks and the elimination of some appeal mechanisms, further reduces accessibility for Nigerians and other Africans.

Experts and officials highlight financial transparency and credible documentation as critical to visa approvals, warning against reliance on fraudulent agents. Criticism also arises regarding the fairness of the current global visa system, with calls for reforms to address disparities and support mobility for developing countries.

The trend reflects broader global inequalities where visa acceptance rates remain low for African nations compared to wealthier countries, underscoring the wider consequences on education, commerce, and international engagement.