The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially terminated its Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, signaling a major overhaul of the country’s immigration framework to enhance security and curb unchecked entry. The announcement, made by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during a capacity-building event for Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) personnel in Abuja on Friday, underscores the government’s stance: “Nigeria is not a destination for criminals, and it will never be.”
The VoA policy, introduced in 2020 to facilitate short-stay visits for business travelers and African Union nationals, allowed eligible foreigners to obtain visas at ports of entry. Initially hailed as a boost to tourism and investment under the Ease of Doing Business initiative, the policy faced criticism for its perceived laxity. Tunji-Ojo, who assumed office in 2023 and previously adjusted the policy to hinge on reciprocity, now deems it unsustainable. “I don’t expect you to just come into my country without me knowing you’re coming,” he said. “That’s not done anywhere in the world.”
In its place, the government is rolling out a fully automated e-Visa system, set to launch between March 1 and April 1, 2025. The new system will integrate with Interpol, criminal records databases, and other global background-checking agencies, ensuring real-time vetting before approvals. “Security demands 100% accuracy, not 99.9%,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized, highlighting the shift from subjective, manual processes to objective, technology-driven screening. Alongside the e-Visa, the government will introduce landing and exit cards, requiring pre-filled documentation from all visitors—a measure aimed at tracking arrivals and departures more effectively.
The decision reflects mounting concerns over untraceable entrants and immigration abuses. “A scenario where someone enters Nigeria, disappears, and becomes untraceable is unacceptable,” the Minister stated. He cited instances of foreigners lingering for months to regularize residency as evidence of systemic flaws the reforms aim to address. The NIS, under Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, has already trained over 100 officers in Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) systems to support these changes, following discussions with the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism in Bangkok in 2024.
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Business groups, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, warn that scrapping VoA could deter investors and tourists, especially high-net-worth individuals who relied on its flexibility. “This could slow economic momentum at a time when we need foreign exchange inflows,” said an LCCI spokesperson. Conversely, security analysts applaud the policy shift, arguing it aligns Nigeria with international best practices. “Countries like the U.S. and U.K. don’t issue visas on arrival without prior vetting,” noted security consultant Adebayo Ogunleye. “This is long overdue.”
Tunji-Ojo framed the reforms as part of Nigeria’s responsibility within the global community. “We’re safeguarding our people and contributing our quota to international peace,” he said. The e-Visa system, he added, will harmonize immigration data, addressing gaps that once made it difficult for NIS to track foreign entrants—a situation he called “unacceptable.”
The policy shift builds on earlier efforts to tighten border control. In 2023, Tunji-Ojo introduced reciprocity-based VoA restrictions, limiting access to nationals of countries offering similar privileges to Nigerians. Now, with its complete abolition, the government aims to close loopholes exploited by potential threats. “Nigeria cannot be a safe haven for wanted criminals,” the Minister reiterated, signaling a zero-tolerance approach.
As the March-April rollout nears, the NIS is preparing to expand API/PNR coverage beyond Nigeria’s five international airports to land borders, where evasion has reportedly increased. The reforms, while ambitious, face logistical challenges, including ensuring seamless integration of new systems and addressing public awareness. For now, prospective visitors must brace for stricter pre-travel requirements—a trade-off the government deems essential for national security.
