The Nigerian government has decided to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy, citing security concerns and sustainability issues.
Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the announcement during a ceremony marking the graduation of 100 officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday. The officers had completed an intensive five-day training program focused on utilizing Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to improve national security and law enforcement.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the need for a visa system that relies on concrete data, stating, “We believe that decisions should be based on objectivity rather than subjectivity.” He emphasized that allowing travellers to enter without prior approval was no longer acceptable, adding, “I don’t expect you to just come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. No, it’s never done anywhere.”
He also revealed plans to extend API systems to Nigeria’s land borders and introduce stricter pre-entry clearance requirements through agencies such as Interpol and criminal record databases. “We’ve established API systems at five international airports. Now we will adapt this to land borders, as we’ve observed a trend of individuals flying out and re-entering via land routes,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
According to the minister, future immigration approvals will require immediate verification through Interpol and criminal record checks. He stressed the importance of flawless security measures, warning that even a small lapse could have serious consequences. “When it comes to security,” he explained, “history will remember us for the 1 percent we do wrong. And in security, you cannot afford to be 99.9 percent accurate; you must be 100 percent.”
The new system is set to be enforced between March 1 and April 1, 2025, with the primary objective of strengthening national security and aligning with international safety standards.
Nigeria had initially introduced the visa-on-arrival system to simplify entry procedures for business and tourism visitors. The policy allowed travellers to obtain entry clearance upon arrival, provided they met the necessary conditions. However, critics argued that insufficient background checks at entry points posed security risks.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that the revised system, expected to be operational by April 1, 2025, will introduce more stringent pre-entry requirements and comprehensive screening methods to improve border security and monitor traveller movements. “We are implementing these significant reforms to protect our citizens,” he stated. “Our goal is to be responsible in the international community and contribute our fair share to our global partners.”
