Nigeria to Abolish Visa on Arrival Policy, Introduces Stricter Immigration Measures

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 The Nigerian Federal Government has announced plans to cancel its visa-on-arrival policy, a move aimed at strengthening national security and improving immigration processes. The announcement was made 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 training is part of broader efforts to enhance the documentation and monitoring of all visitors entering the country.

Introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the visa-on-arrival policy allowed short-stay visas to be issued at the point of entry. However, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for a more secure and efficient system, stating that the government would replace the policy with pre-filled landing and exit cards for prospective visitors. This change aims to ensure that authorities are aware of who is entering the country before their arrival.

The minister also highlighted the importance of harmonizing Nigeria’s immigration data center to create an integrated system for migration-related decisions. This system would require real-time clearance from Interpol, criminal records databases, and other background-checking agencies before approvals are granted. Tunji-Ojo stressed that security measures must be 100% accurate, as even a minor lapse could have significant consequences. 

“Security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9 percent correct. You just have to be 100 percent,” he said. “We believe that it is better for us to take decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity.”

The proposed changes reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring that immigration processes are more transparent and efficient. By eliminating the visa-on-arrival policy and implementing stricter pre-arrival checks, Nigeria aims to better monitor and control the movement of individuals into the country, reducing potential security risks. This move aligns with global trends toward tighter border controls and more robust immigration systems.

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