The Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue the visa-on-arrival policy, a move aimed at strengthening national security and improving immigration processes.
This decision was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity-building training for personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
The visa-on-arrival policy, introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, allowed short-stay visitors to obtain visas at the point of entry.
However, the current administration believes this system lacks the necessary security oversight, making it vulnerable to abuse. Instead, the government plans to implement a more structured approach by introducing landing and exit cards, which visitors will be required to pre-fill before traveling to Nigeria.
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According to Minister Tunji-Ojo, this change aligns with global best practices, ensuring that authorities have prior knowledge of individuals entering the country. “Security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9 percent correct. You just have to be 100 percent,” he emphasized. “It is better to make decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity.”
To support these new measures, the government is focusing on harmonizing immigration data and integrating various security solutions. This will enable real-time verification processes, ensuring that no approvals are granted without clearance from Interpol, the criminal records system, and other relevant background-checking agencies.
Currently, Nigeria employs a manual system for tracking entries and exits, but this will soon be replaced with a digital solution. “This is 2025, not 1825. Technology must take its place,” Tunji-Ojo stated, underscoring the need for modernization.
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For prospective visitors, this policy shift means that all travel documentation must be completed in advance. The visa-on-arrival option will no longer be available, and visitors must ensure they comply with the new landing and exit card system.
While this change may seem like an added step, it is designed to enhance national security, streamline entry processes, and align Nigeria’s immigration policies with global standards.
The cancellation of the visa-on-arrival policy marks a significant transformation in Nigeria’s immigration framework. By leveraging technology and enhancing security protocols, the government aims to create a safer and more efficient system for both visitors and citizens. As these changes take effect, travelers should stay informed and ensure they meet all entry requirements before arriving in the country.
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