The federal government has unveiled plans to introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system by May 1, 2025, as part of its efforts to update Nigeria’s immigration procedures.

This program, a joint undertaking by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development along with the Ministry of Interior, aims to enhance border security while streamlining travel processes for tourists.

At a press briefing in Abuja regarding the enforcement of immigration guidelines under the Migration Visa Policy (MVP) 2025, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo highlighted the extensive advantages of the updated framework.

He stated that the e-visa system, along with the automation of landing and exit procedures, would enhance background verification and prevent unauthorized access to the nation.

Tunji-Ojo disclosed that with the introduction of the e-visa, applications will now be handled online, and a centralized visa approval center is already up and running at the Immigration headquarters.

Law enforcement officers have received training and tools linked to worldwide criminal databases like Interpol, allowing comprehensive background screenings for every arriving traveler.

The updated protocol requires passengers to fill out an online arrival and departure form prior to boarding their aircraft.

This data will be verified across different airlines working together with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

As stated by the minister, this integration guarantees that individuals who try to enter or leave Nigeria without appropriate authorization will be detected right away.

“The task of overseeing and validating this procedure falls upon the NCAA. Like each one of us, they are dedicated to protecting our country’s borders and maintaining our sovereignty,” he stated.

The partnership between these government departments has produced significant outcomes via programs such as the EPIC Solution, a sophisticated passenger data system that has resulted in the apprehension of people listed by Interpol at Nigeria’s border checkpoints.

Additionally, electronic gates have been set up at major terminals in Lagos and Abuja airports to facilitate automated, efficient, and secure passenger processing.

Tunji-Ojo has stated that over the next few weeks, the NCAA along with the NIS will collaborate to set up a specialized task force aimed at completing the development of an implementation framework, regulatory directives, and procedures specifically designed for airlines.

“This is not a responsibility solely for one agency; it demands a collaborative approach across multiple ministries with flawless coordination,” he stressed.

Mr. Festus Keyamo,SAN, who serves as the Minister of Aviation, characterized the partnership as an exemplary form of successful government cooperation. He emphasized that both the electronic visa service and the automated arrival and departure card system will be provided at no cost, thereby promoting ease of access alongside enhanced safety measures.

Keyamo elaborated more about how the new system works, mentioning that travelers must fill out an electronic entry form prior to arriving.

The digital system will keep track of their information, such as visa category, arrival date, and allowed length of stay. When departing, travelers are required to show their exit forms at the airline counter, where the NCAA procedures will be implemented.

“As you get ready to depart from Nigeria, the initial stop will be at the airline’s check-in counter,” Keyamo clarified.

If you’re a foreign traveler, they’ll request your exit card. If you don’t have one, you won’t receive a boarding pass.

This procedure initiates an automated verification process: after the traveler inputs their passport number, the system fetches their entry information along with the length of their stay.

Should any irregularities arise—such as overstaying a visa – the airline, following NCAA protocol, will refuse to board the passenger and refer them to immigration authorities.

“When interacting with immigration officials, they will be able to see your entire travel record and legal standing. The consequences for violations could include fines, visa cancellations, or restrictions from entering the country again for as long as ten years,” according to Keyamo.

The two ministers emphasized that their primary objective is to boost Nigeria’s national security, combat illegal migration, and provide a smooth, digitized travel process.

Using this updated strategy, the nation seeks to conform to international standards while keeping its autonomy intact.

With preparations progressing towards the official launch date, officials remain hopeful that the new electronic visa system will enhance efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s image as a safe and hospitable location for genuine visitors.