The Federal Government has warned that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards will face sanctions.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing, and Exit Cards in Lagos.
Nigeria is determined to tighten its border security, Tunji-Ojo emphasized, saying, “Nigeria is not a dumping ground, and no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.”
He added, “Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not a proof of payment or their tickets. It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore.”
The minister urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to strengthen its oversight role, stating, “I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the NCAA.”
Highlighting the benefits of the E-Visa system, Tunji-Ojo revealed that as of May 22, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had received 5,814 applications, approving 5,671 while rejecting 66 and querying 62 since the E-Visa’s introduction on May 1.
“The E-Visa process will improve the database of the NIS with information about travellers,” he said. “That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued.”
NCAA Director-General Capt. Chris Najomo welcomed the new system, calling it a “significant milestone” that aligns Nigeria with global best practices and improves air travel facilitation while maintaining aviation security and efficiency.
“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect. It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation,” Najomo said.
The Controller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, also called for continued inter-agency collaboration to strengthen the implementation of the E-Visa and related innovations.
The government’s firm stance underscores its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders while encouraging investment and tourism.
