The Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy, citing security concerns and the need for more stringent immigration controls. In its place, the government will introduce landing and exit cards, which visitors must complete prior to entering and departing the country.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity-building training for personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja. The training focused on the implementation of Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems to enhance national security and law enforcement.
The visa-on-arrival policy, introduced in 2020, aimed to facilitate entry for high-net-worth investors and visitors from countries lacking Nigerian embassies. However, Minister Tunji-Ojo criticized the policy as flawed, expressing concerns over scenarios where individuals could enter Nigeria undetected and untraceable. He emphasized the necessity for a more objective and automated visa process to effectively manage migration and bolster security.
To address these issues, the government plans to implement an e-visa system by March 1, 2025, or by April 1 at the latest. This system will replace the current visa-on-arrival process, requiring prospective visitors to obtain visas prior to their arrival in Nigeria. The introduction of landing and exit cards will further enhance the monitoring of individuals entering and leaving the country, ensuring comprehensive tracking and data collection.
These reforms aim to align Nigeria’s immigration policies with international best practices, ensuring that the country has better control over its borders and the individuals who cross them. The integration of API and PNR systems is expected to facilitate pre-screening of travelers, thereby reducing reliance on manual and subjective decision-making by immigration officials.
The Federal Government believes that these measures will enhance national security and provide a more efficient and secure process for managing migration into and out of Nigeria.
