By our Reporter
The Federal Government is planning to scrap the Visa-on-Arrival policy, emphasizing that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for criminals.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior announced the decision, stating that the policy had proven ineffective. He revealed that authorities had observed a trend where travelers bypassed direct entry into Nigeria by air, opting instead to arrive through neighboring countries via land borders. He described this as unacceptable and disclosed that by March or April, the government would introduce a comprehensive solution to address loopholes in the country’s entry and exit processes.
In place of the Visa-on-Arrival system, Nigeria will implement landing and exit cards, which will be integrated into a new automated travel framework for incoming visitors.
Introduced in 2020, the Visa-on-Arrival policy allowed short-stay entry at Nigerian ports, but Tunji-Ojo argued that it fell short of global standards and best practices.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a five-day training on the Advanced Passenger Information-Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) system for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers, the minister stressed that visas are more than just travel approvals—they are crucial tools for migration and security management.
“The current system is too subjective, which is why we are fully automating the process,” Tunji-Ojo said. “By March or, at the latest, April, our e-visa solution will go live. Travelers will apply online, and the system will be integrated with Interpol and criminal record databases to enhance security screening.”
He further emphasized that Nigeria will no longer issue visas through foreign attachés and will tighten controls to prevent criminals from gaining entry.
“This country cannot be a refuge for wanted criminals. Nigeria is not a safe haven for criminals—and it never will be,” he declared.
