By Samuel Adeola
The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to airlines, cautioning them against bringing passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards. Offending carriers, it said, will face strict sanctions.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, delivered the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday in Lagos.
He emphasized that “Nigeria is not a dumping ground,” and that no foreign national should be allowed entry without proper documentation.
Introducing the newly launched E-Visa system, Tunji-Ojo stressed that while the government is committed to facilitating easier access to Nigeria, it will not do so at the expense of national security.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce compliance with the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
“Business should never come before national interest and security,” the minister stated, adding that proof of a valid visa is more important than flight tickets or payment receipts. “It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore.”
He revealed that since the launch of the E-Visa system on May 1, over 5,800 applications have been received, with the majority approved and only a few either rejected or queried.
The system also includes barcoded Landing and Exit Cards designed to enhance tracking and data security for travelers.
Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the E-Visa initiative as a “milestone” for Nigeria’s aviation and border control, noting that it aligns with global best practices and significantly shortens the visa processing time to under 48 hours.
Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, commended the initiative and called for strengthened inter-agency collaboration to ensure smooth and effective implementation.
