The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that it will officially roll out its electronic visa (e-Visa) system starting from May 1, 2025. This development was announced during a high-level immigration meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, which focused on the enforcement of immigration protocols. The meeting saw the participation of key government officials, including the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
With the new e-Visa platform, applicants will be able to process their travel authorizations completely online. The process, which includes submitting necessary documents like passports and paying required fees through a dedicated web portal, will allow travellers to obtain their visas without the need to visit Nigerian embassies or consulates abroad. This marks a major shift in how Nigeria handles visa applications, making it more convenient and efficient for those seeking to visit the country.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the initiative as a significant step forward in improving the country’s visa system, noting that the Nigerian immigration headquarters has set up a centralized visa approval center to streamline the process. He also revealed that immigration officers have undergone advanced training to better facilitate the implementation of the e-Visa platform. These officers now have integrated access to international criminal databases, including those of Interpol, to strengthen background checks and ensure a thorough vetting process for visa applicants.
The new system is designed to reduce bureaucratic delays, prevent corruption, and eliminate the need for applicants to navigate complex and sometimes costly processes, including facing extortion from intermediaries. Tunji-Ojo assured that while the platform will ease access for genuine visitors, it will also ensure that national security is not compromised. The project’s implementation will be supervised by a joint task force comprising officials from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This reform is expected to improve the efficiency of the country’s visa issuance process, offering smoother entry for legitimate travellers while safeguarding against potential security threats.
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