The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior, is set to implement the Immigration Protocol beginning May 1, 2025.
This step is to be taken as a significant move to enhance easy Visa issuance in Nigeria and improve security at Nigerian airports,
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo announced that the two ministries have agreed to modernize the country’s visa issuance process by transitioning to an electronic visa (E-Visa) system during a Press Briefing with Journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The initiative will also include the introduction of automated landing procedures for aircraft and the implementation of an exit card system.
Minister of Interior Dr. Tunji Ojo emphasized the importance of digitalizing the visa issuance process, enabling many travelers to obtain their visa permits electronically and with greater ease.
“The E-Visa will allow travelers to submit their applications online, providing the necessary documents and information, Nigerian Immigration authorities will then process and approve the applications, which travelers will present to immigration officials upon their arrival in the country.”
“A centralized visa approval center has been established at the immigration Headquarters in Abuja the nation’s capital”
“Our Immigration Officers have received extensive training and are equipped with integrated solutions connected to major global criminal record systems, including Interpol; this development will facilitate improved background checks for individuals entering Nigeria, contributing to the overall safety and security of the nation across its airports and land borders.
“We are also looking at removing bottlenecks and also making sure people can get visas to Nigeria without lobbying anybody to come into Nigeria.
The Interior Minister emphasizes that they want to open Nigerian borders without compromising national security for people to come and explore the beauty of the land called Nigeria, so as the Ministry of Interior, we have our role to play.
“Most importantly, the Ministry of Aviation, too, has a major role to play as the coordinator and regulator of all airlines coming into and out of Nigeria and we decided to work together to ensure that there is only one interest that will be protected, and that is the Nigerian interest”. The interior Minister said.
Dr Ojo added that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Immigration Service have agreed that both will set up a mini-team to work together in terms of the implementation framework for the regulation and protocols.
