The Federal Government has announced its decision to discontinue the visa-on-arrival policy for foreign nationals, citing security concerns and the need for stricter border control measures. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known during a stakeholder meeting on immigration reforms in Abuja.
According to the minister, the visa-on-arrival policy, which was introduced to boost tourism and foreign investment, has been exploited by criminal elements, leading to national security risks.
“In recent years, we have observed cases where the visa-on-arrival system has been abused. We have intelligence indicating that individuals with questionable backgrounds have gained entry into the country through this process. Therefore, it has become necessary to tighten our borders and introduce a more structured approach,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The new directive will require travelers to obtain visas before arriving in Nigeria, replacing the current practice where foreign nationals from eligible countries could secure a visa upon arrival at Nigerian airports. Additionally, the government plans to introduce mandatory landing and exit cards to monitor the movement of visitors.
This policy shift aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to enhance national security, combat illegal immigration, and ensure that only qualified individuals gain entry into the country. However, some stakeholders, particularly in the tourism and business sectors, have raised concerns that the move could negatively impact foreign investment and international trade.
While the full details of the implementation timeline are yet to be disclosed, the Ministry of Interior has assured that the transition will be handled smoothly to minimize disruptions for travelers and businesses.