- The Federal Government plans to discontinue the visa-on-arrival system by April 1, 2025
- Visitors will now require pre-arrival clearance, including checks with Interpol and other security agencies
- The Advance Passenger Information (API) system will be extended to land borders to track movements more effectively
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to phase out the visa-on-arrival policy, citing security risks and the need for stricter border control measures.
The decision was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the graduation ceremony of 100 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers who completed a specialised training on Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data application in national security and law enforcement.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo described the visa-on-arrival system as "unsustainable" and a loophole that could be exploited for illegal entry.
He emphasised the importance of a pre-arrival clearance system, which will require visitors to undergo rigorous background checks before being allowed into Nigeria.
“We need to base our decisions on objectivity rather than subjectivity.
“It is not acceptable for people to just show up at our borders without prior clearance. That is not how immigration works anywhere in the world,” the minister stated.
As part of the reforms, the government will introduce strict pre-screening measures, including real-time clearance from Interpol, criminal record databases, and other security agencies before visas are granted.
The changes are expected to take effect between March 1 and April 1, 2025.
Strengthening border security
The minister further disclosed that API systems, which have already been deployed at five international airports, will soon be extended to Nigeria’s land borders.
The move aims to prevent individuals from bypassing airport security checks by entering the country through land crossings.
“We have observed a pattern where individuals leave the country by air but return through land borders,”
“With API, such movements will be tracked more effectively, ensuring that security agencies have real-time intelligence on who is entering Nigeria,” he explained.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for absolute accuracy in border security, stating, “Security is not a field where we can afford to be 99.9% accurate. It has to be 100%. One mistake could have devastating consequences.”
End of a tourism-driven policy
Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival policy was initially introduced to ease entry for business and tourism purposes, reducing bureaucratic barriers for eligible visitors.
Under the policy, travellers could receive a visa at the point of entry if they met all documentation and fee requirements.
However, security experts have long criticised the system for its potential loopholes, arguing that it allows individuals to enter the country with minimal vetting.
The upcoming reforms will replace this system with a more structured visa application process that enhances national security while maintaining Nigeria’s international obligations.
The minister urged the newly trained immigration officers to apply their knowledge diligently, emphasising their role in safeguarding national security.
“You are among the privileged 100 officers trained in this advanced system. The entire country relies on your competence,” he told them.
The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, revealed that the training program was initiated following discussions with the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism at a border management conference held in Bangkok in December 2024.
International partners, including the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), praised Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its border security.
IOM’s representative, Paola Pace, urged the officers to translate their training into effective action, enhancing intelligence-sharing and border management efficiency.
The graduation ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the trained officers by the Minister of Interior, marking a significant step toward the implementation of Nigeria’s new immigration policies.
US Embassy in Nigeria announces changes to visa process starting January 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria revealed changes to its immigration visa procedures, set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
As a result, applicants with scheduled interviews must now visit the Consulate General in Lagos twice during the application process.