The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to international airlines operating within its airspace: any airline found transporting passengers into the country without valid entry visas, landing cards, and exit cards will face sanctions. This decisive stance, articulated by the Minister for Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening border security and regulating the influx of foreign nationals. The Minister emphasized that Nigeria is not a “dumping ground” and will no longer tolerate lax enforcement of immigration protocols. While the newly implemented E-Visa system aims to streamline the entry process for legitimate travelers, it will not come at the expense of national security.
This declaration comes amidst the rollout of Nigeria’s new E-Visa system, designed to modernize and expedite visa applications while simultaneously bolstering border control measures. The Minister stressed that the introduction of the E-Visa does not imply a relaxation of entry requirements. All foreign nationals seeking entry into Nigeria must possess a valid visa, and airlines bear the responsibility of verifying these documents prior to boarding passengers bound for Nigeria. He drew parallels with the stringent entry requirements of countries like the UK, US, and Canada, emphasizing that Nigeria will adopt a similarly firm approach. This responsibility placed on airlines is considered a crucial aspect of national security and a shared responsibility between the government and the aviation industry.
The Minister specifically called upon the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify its oversight role and ensure strict adherence to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy. The NCAA is tasked with educating airlines about the new regulations and enforcing compliance. This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the NCAA is intended to create a unified front in securing Nigeria’s borders and facilitating legitimate travel. The Minister urged all stakeholders to prioritize national security and cooperate in implementing the new visa regime. This collaborative approach is deemed critical for the success of the E-Visa program and for safeguarding national interests.
The transition to the E-Visa system, along with the electronic landing and exit cards, is part of a broader strategy to open Nigeria’s borders to legitimate investors and tourists while maintaining robust security protocols. The Minister highlighted the significant progress made since the system’s launch on May 1, 2025, revealing that thousands of applications have been processed. This digital transformation not only streamlines the application process but also enhances the NIS’s database, providing valuable information about travelers. The Minister reassured stakeholders that the E-Visa system is designed to facilitate genuine travel while simultaneously strengthening Nigeria’s security apparatus.
The E-Visa process incorporates several security features, including barcodes on the landing and exit cards, to enhance tracking and verification. While the system aims to expedite visa processing, typically within 48 hours, applicants must still meet specific criteria to be granted a visa. The Minister emphasized that applying for a visa does not guarantee approval, and each application will undergo thorough scrutiny. This ensures that only individuals who meet the stipulated requirements are granted entry into the country, maintaining a balance between facilitating travel and safeguarding national interests.
The rollout of the E-Visa system has been lauded as a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international best practices, particularly those outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Capt. Chris Najomo, the Director-General of the NCAA, emphasized that the system enhances air travel facilitation while upholding the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency. It is expected to significantly improve the traveler experience, reduce processing times, and project Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, ultimately contributing to economic growth. The Controller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring the successful implementation of the new system. The collective effort of various government agencies is paramount in ensuring the effectiveness and long-term success of this initiative.
