• 24 May, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

Nigeria Cautions Airlines Against Boarding Passengers Without Valid Visas.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned international airlines against flying passengers into the country without valid entry visas and required travel documents. The warning was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a meeting in Lagos focused on the implementation of Nigeria’s new electronic visa (E-Visa), as well as Landing and Exit Cards.

Addressing key stakeholders from the aviation and immigration sectors, the minister emphasized that Nigeria would no longer accept undocumented travelers. “Nigeria is not a dumping ground. No foreigner should be allowed in without a valid visa,” Tunji-Ojo said, adding that the E-Visa aims to streamline entry processes without compromising national security.

He urged airlines to verify the validity of a traveler’s visa before boarding and called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enforce compliance strictly. He noted that such practices are standard in countries like the UK, US, and Canada.

The minister reported that since the E-Visa system launched on May 1, over 5,800 applications had been processed, with a high approval rate. He clarified that visa approval does not guarantee entry unless specific criteria are met. The system incorporates barcodes for better data tracking and immigration oversight.

Chris Najomo, Director-General of the NCAA, described the new system as a key advancement in Nigeria’s aviation sector, aligning it with global standards and improving both security and traveler experience. He highlighted that the fully online visa process, with under 48-hour turnaround, could boost tourism and investment.

Controller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, called for continued cooperation among government agencies to ensure the new system’s success.

The policy marks a significant step in modernizing Nigeria’s border control and immigration procedures.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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