The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a stern warning to airlines, stating that carriers transporting passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards will face strict penalties. Speaking during a stakeholder sensitisation programme on the e-Visa, landing, and exit card initiative held Friday in Lagos, the Minister underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to border security. Dr. Tunji-Ojo firmly asserted that Nigeria is not a dumping ground, emphasizing that no foreign national should be allowed entry without the proper documentation. While he acknowledged that the newly introduced e-Visa system was designed to streamline access into the country, he reiterated that national security would not be compromised. He called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to actively enforce its oversight role, urging the agency to ensure full compliance by airlines with Nigeria’s 2025 Visa Policy.
Highlighting the national significance of the e-Visa initiative, the Minister urged airlines to take their role in border security seriously.
“I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the NCAA. I can see the DG of the NCAA on seat and that is what is called collaboration.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security. Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their Visas, not a proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore,” he added.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also explained the ease and benefits of the e-Visa, landing, and exit cards, highlighting their role in opening Nigeria’s borders to investors.
He revealed that as of May 22, the NIS had received 5,814 e-Visa applications, of which 5,671 were approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried since the system launched on May 1.
According to the Minister, the e-Visa platform will enhance the NIS database with improved traveler information and includes features like barcoded landing and exit cards.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa, you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued” he added.
In his welcome address, NCAA Director-General Chris Najomo described the e-Visa and the landing and exit card system as a landmark development in Nigeria’s efforts to improve air travel facilitation, security, and operational efficiency.
“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.
“It is, inherently designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms.
“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasized in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.
“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect. It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.”
In her closing remarks, the Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, expressed gratitude to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA DG, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority, and the NIS team.
She emphasized the importance of continued inter-agency collaboration to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the e-Visa, landing, and exit card systems.