The Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has declared that airlines flying passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards will face sanctions,
Addressing aviation stakeholders in Lagos on Friday during a sensitisation event on the new digital entry system, Tunji-Ojo stressed that no foreign national will be allowed into the country without proper documentation.
He said the introduction of e-visas aims to simplify entry processes, but warned that national security would not be compromised in the process.
Tunji-Ojo urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strictly enforce the upcoming 2025 visa policy, warning that commercial interests must not supersede Nigeria’s national security.
“Airlines must verify that passengers have valid Nigerian visas before boarding—not just payment receipts or tickets,” he said. “It’s unacceptable in the U.S., UK, or Canada, and it won’t be tolerated here either.”
The minister highlighted the e-visa system as a strategic tool to boost border security, tourism, and economic growth. He called on the NCAA, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and airlines to collaborate closely for its effective implementation.
As of May 22, the NIS has processed 5,814 e-visa applications since the system launched on May 1—approving 5,671, rejecting 66, and querying 62. The application is processed within 48 hours, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
According to Tunji-Ojo, each e-visa and associated landing and exit card includes a barcode containing passengers’ biodata and travel history. He stressed that visa applications are not guaranteed approvals—applicants must meet eligibility criteria.
NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo hailed the system as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey to modernise air travel and align with global aviation standards, especially those set out in ICAO’s Annex 9.
Najomo said the initiative will streamline traveller processing while reinforcing border control, security, and inter-agency coordination.
NIS Controller-General Kemi Nandap also called for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure smooth and secure implementation of the digital travel system.
