The initiation of a novel electronic visa (e-Visa) system is slated to commence on May 1st, 2025, as declared by the federal government.
Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, along with his colleague in Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, conveyed this information in Abuja during a conference addressing the execution and enforcement of immigration protocols.
An electronic visa constitutes a digital representation of a visa that enables travelers to secure travel authorization via online platforms, thereby obviating the necessity for a physical visit to an embassy or consulate. This innovation facilitates the visa application process, rendering it more efficient and expedient.
The e-visa can be either printed or electronically stored for display upon entry into the destination country, with travelers typically completing an online application form, uploading requisite documents (such as a passport), remitting the visa fee, and subsequently receiving the e-visa through email correspondence.
Numerous countries have adopted e-visas, which are generally issued for various purposes, including tourism, business, or transit. They enhance the travel experience by minimizing bureaucratic procedures and reducing waiting periods.
Tunji Ojo elucidated that a centralized visa approval center is already operational at the immigration headquarters, assuring that personnel have received training, are well-equipped, and have been integrated with all significant global criminal record systems, including Interpol, to facilitate more thorough background checks on individuals entering Nigeria.
According to him, “We are also looking at removing bottlenecks and making sure people can get visas to Nigeria without lobbying anyone to come into Nigeria.”
He further explained that they want to open their borders without compromising national security, allowing people to come and explore the beauty of the land called Nigeria.
The Minister stated that they had decided to work together to ensure that there is only one interest to be protected: the Nigerian interest, stressing that the NCAA and the NIS have agreed to set up a mini-team to work together on the implementation framework, regulations, and protocols
