LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to airlines operating in Nigeria, cautioning them against transporting passengers without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards.
The warning came on Friday, May 23, 2025, from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a stakeholder sensitisation programme on the implementation of Nigeria’s new e-Visa system held in Lagos.
“No foreigner shall be allowed entry into Nigeria without a valid visa,” the minister declared, stating that while the government is committed to enhancing access through the e-Visa system, national security will not be compromised.
The warning follows the recent rollout of Nigeria’s 2025 Visa Policy and its digitised visa processing platform, designed to streamline entry procedures while improving border control.
Dr Tunji-Ojo called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure strict adherence by all airlines to the updated immigration protocols.
“Before anybody comes into Nigeria, please see their visas—not just proof of payment or their tickets,” he said.
“It is not acceptable in the U.K., U.S., Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore.”
The e-Visa programme, launched on May 1, has processed 5,814 applications as of May 22, of which 5,671 have been approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried.
The minister said the 48-hour processing time enhances Nigeria’s ability to vet travellers while improving the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) traveller database.
He noted that the visa, landing, and exit cards will carry a barcode with the traveller’s biodata and movement log.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued,” he said.
The new system, according to the government, is intended to promote investment, tourism, and economic growth while ensuring that immigration controls are upheld.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the initiative as a “milestone” for Nigeria’s aviation and border control sectors.
He noted that the e-Visa aligns with global standards under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 9, which focuses on air travel facilitation.
“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices,” Najomo said.
“It is inherently designed to improve the experience of travellers while strengthening our border control mechanisms.”
The Controller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, thanked the ministries of Interior and Aviation, as well as key agencies like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and NCAA for their cooperation.
She stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the effective rollout of the digital visa system.
