The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a significant step forward in modernizing the nation�s immigration and border management system with the planned introduction of an electronic visa (e-visa) application platform and the digitalization of landing and exit cards. This initiative is aimed at improving national security, enhancing the ease of travel, and aligning Nigeria�s immigration procedures with global best practices.
This development was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The visit, according to Keyamo, reflects the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to foster collaboration between ministries and agencies with interrelated mandates in order to deliver efficient and citizen-focused services.
Speaking at the meeting, Keyamo underscored the strategic importance of the new e-visa and digital entry/exit systems, explaining that the measures will streamline visa processing, reinforce national security mechanisms, and significantly reduce manual paperwork at points of entry.
�The introduction of the e-visa platform marks a critical milestone in our efforts to modernize and secure our borders,� he said. �Applicants will soon be able to submit visa applications online, upload all necessary documentation electronically, and receive approvals without the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates. In addition, we are eliminating the outdated system of physical landing and exit cards, which will now be completed digitally prior to arrival in Nigeria.�
Keyamo highlighted the significance of seamless collaboration among ministries, noting that the Ministry of Interior has the primary responsibility for immigration matters, while agencies under the Aviation Ministry�including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)�will play key roles in implementation.
�This is a classic example of inter-ministerial synergy. The Ministry of Interior is leading the charge, and we, at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, are fully aligned with and supportive of this initiative. All relevant stakeholders, including the NCAA, FAAN, and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), will be working together to ensure a smooth rollout.�
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, further elaborated on the initiative, revealing that the automation system is scheduled to go live on May 1st, 2025. He explained that the primary goal is to make the visa process easier, faster, and more transparent�without compromising Nigeria�s internal security.
�From May 1st, visa applications to Nigeria will be completely online. The process is designed to be user-friendly, free of unnecessary bureaucracy, and fully secure. The e-visa platform will provide pre-screening and background checks as part of the application process, thereby strengthening our security infrastructure,� Tunji-Ojo stated.
He also revealed that a central visa approval center, located at the Immigration Headquarters in Abuja, has already been established. The center is staffed by trained personnel and equipped with advanced tools to conduct global criminal record checks and verify the authenticity of submitted documents.
�By automating the system, we are eliminating middlemen and corrupt practices that have often plagued manual visa processing. We now have the capacity to conduct more thorough and reliable background checks on all visitors entering Nigeria. This development aligns with our vision of facilitating legitimate travel while safeguarding the nation against threats.�
On the matter of digital landing and exit cards, the Interior Minister explained that the NCAA will oversee the regulation and enforcement of the requirement for travelers to pre-fill their arrival and departure details online before boarding flights to or from Nigeria. This measure is expected to reduce delays at airports and allow authorities to process incoming and outgoing passengers more efficiently.
�Airlines will be required to enforce compliance, as the NCAA will issue clear directives. Travellers must fill out their information online before departure. This is now a global best practice, and Nigeria is moving in that direction,� he said.
Both ministers reiterated the government�s unwavering commitment to facilitating ease of travel and positioning Nigeria as a globally competitive destination�economically, diplomatically, and in terms of tourism�while maintaining robust security protocols.
The announcement marks a major stride in the Federal Government�s broader digital transformation agenda and its vision to create a smarter, safer, and more accessible Nigeria for citizens, investors, and international visitors alike.
