The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday announced that airlines flying passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards will face penalties.
He made this declaration during a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on the implementation of the e-visa, landing, and exit cards held in Lagos.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that “Nigeria is not a testing ground” and no foreigner would be allowed entry without proper documentation. While the country is working to simplify entry through the e-visa system, national security will not be compromised, he stated.
“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.”
“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 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 any more,” he warned.
Tunji-Ojo called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy, which he said would improve border security, tourism, and economic growth.
The minister revealed that since the e-visa’s launch on May 1, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had received 5,814 applications, of which 5,671 were approved, 66 were rejected, and 62 were queried.
He highlighted the added security benefits, noting that the new visa process enhances the NIS database and includes 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.”
NCAA: A Milestone in Aviation Security and Efficiency
Speaking at the event, NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo hailed the e-visa and associated landing and exit card systems as a “significant milestone” for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“It is, inherently, designed to improve the experience of travellers while strengthening our border control mechanisms.”
Najomo said the system is in line with Annex 9 of the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation, ensuring international standards in air travel facilitation and security.
“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.”
Immigration Service Seeks Inter-Agency Support
In her closing remarks, NIS Controller General Kemi Nanna Nandap thanked the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA DG, the FAAN MD, and the NIS team for their support.
She stressed the need for continued inter-agency collaboration to ensure seamless implementation of the e-visa system and related technologies.