The Federal Government has said that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa would be heavily sanctioned henceforth.
FG recently revealed that perpetrators caught airlifting passengers without landing and exit cards would be punished as well.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards in Lagos, the Minister for Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that even if the country has been deliberately making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, it does not intend to compromise on national security in any way.
He appealed to Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to take enforcement of its oversight function more seriously, while making sure the airlines respect the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
Olubunmi further stated that implementing the E-Visa was the right move to enhance border security, aid tourism, and guarantee sustainable economic growth.
“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 in his seat, and that is what is called collaboration.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards in Lagos, the Minister for Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that Nigeria is not a dumping ground, therefore, no foreigner would be allowed to treat it like one.
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 said.
Also reacting to the ease of applying for the E-Visa and Landing, and Exit cards, he revealed that the process is seamless because the plan is to open the country’s frontiers to investors.
Olubunmi shared that as of May 22, 2025, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 applications since the introduction of the E-Visa on May 1.
“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,” Olubunmi said.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, stated that the launch of the E-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems is worthy of celebration because it is a huge step towards improving air travel facilitation, while guaranteeing the highest standards of aviation 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 overemphasized 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,” he added.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
