The Federal Government of Nigeria will introduce automated visitor landing and exit cards, thereby scrapping the Visa-on-Arrival policy.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior who announced this on Friday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) training for Immigration officers, explained that the Visa-on-Arrival system is no longer effective.
He added that it allows visitors to enter Nigeria without prior screening. Instead, the government is automating the visa process to ensure security checks are done in real-time before entry.
“The new system, expected to launch between March 1 and April 1, will be linked to Interpol databases and criminal record systems, making it impossible for visas to be issued without proper background checks.
“Nigeria will not be a haven for criminals. Visitors must fill out digital landing cards before arriving, and the process will be fully integrated with immigration and security systems worldwide,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said.
Meanwhile, NIS Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nandap has confirmed that over 100 immigration officers have been trained in preparation for the transition, emphasizing the importance of capacity building to maximize this new security initiative.
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