The Nigerian government has announced plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy by April 2025, citing security concerns and the need for more efficient immigration processes.
This decision was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a graduation ceremony for 100 Nigeria Immigration Service officers in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said that the current visa-on-arrival process is unsustainable and poses potential security risks.
He stated that allowing foreign nationals to enter the country without thorough background checks and advances knowledge of their arrival is a practice that cannot continue.
“We believe it is better to make decisions based on objectivity, not subjectivity,” the minister said.
He further explained that the new immigration process will focus on pre-arrival clearance, with real-time background checks from agencies such as Interpol and criminal record systems.
The visa-on-arrival policy, introduced to simplify entry procedures for eligible foreign nationals visiting for business or tourism, will be replaced by a more stringent system that requires approval before arrival.
This change is expected to enhance the ability to track travelers and reduce potential security breaches.
The reforms will include deploying the Advance Passenger Information (API) system to land borders, which will allow for better monitoring of individuals entering and exiting the country.
Tunji-Ojo outlined that the reforms, which will start between March and April 2025, aim to strengthen Nigeria’s security measures and meet international security obligations.
He urged immigration officers to apply their training to enhance national security and border control, stating the critical role they play in protecting the country.
“We must be responsible in the comity of nations,” Tunji-Ojo stated, adding that the changes are necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s citizens.
Tunji-Ojo also reiterated the importance of full cooperation between security agencies to ensure the country’s borders are secure.
The policy shift comes after several concerns were raised by security experts regarding the vulnerability of the visa-on-arrival process.
Critics argued that it makes it difficult to thoroughly vet entrants, increasing the risk of criminal activities and terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, noted that the reforms are in line with recommendations made during a border management conference in Thailand.
She also commended the newly trained officers for their role in enhancing border management and intelligence sharing.
The International Organization for Migration also expressed support for the initiative, urging the officers to apply their newly acquired skills to improve Nigeria’s border security and immigration systems.
The federal government has committed to ensuring that these changes will safeguard the nation and fulfill Nigeria’s international obligations, including the protection of its citizens and security interests.
