By Kabiru Abdulrauf.
In a major step towards modernizing its travel infrastructure, Nigeria will introduce an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system starting May 1, 2025. This new initiative, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Ministry of Interior, aims to simplify visa issuance, enhance security at Nigerian airports, and improve overall travel efficiency.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that the E-Visa system will allow travelers to apply for their visas online, submitting required documents and information. Nigerian immigration authorities will then process the applications, and approved travelers will present their E-Visa upon arrival. This move is designed to streamline the visa process and eliminate long-standing bottlenecks, allowing smoother entry into the country.
The new system will also incorporate automated landing procedures for aircraft and an exit card system, further modernizing the country’s immigration protocols. Dr. Tunji Ojo, Minister of Interior, emphasized the importance of digitalizing visa issuance, which will enable travelers to obtain their visa permits electronically with ease.
A centralized visa approval center has been established at the Immigration Headquarters in Abuja, and Nigerian immigration officers have been extensively trained in using integrated solutions linked to global criminal record systems, including Interpol. This will enhance security by facilitating improved background checks for visitors.
The Nigerian government aims to open its borders to more visitors while ensuring national security. Both ministries stressed the importance of working together to protect Nigeria’s interests, with the Ministry of Aviation ensuring effective regulation of airlines and the Ministry of Interior focusing on border security and visa processes.
This E-Visa system is set to mark a new era in Nigerian immigration, boosting the country’s international appeal while safeguarding its borders.
