ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has confirmed that eight foreign nationals were turned back last week for attempting to enter Nigeria without valid visas, as part of a renewed crackdown on immigration violations.
Speaking during a televised interview on TVC News on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the country would no longer tolerate the entry of undocumented individuals, vowing strict enforcement of immigration protocols at ports of entry.
“In the past two weeks, we’ve had multiple cases of people arriving without proper documentation, and that is unacceptable,” Tunji-Ojo stated, adding that the recent cases involved more than six people who were immediately deported upon arrival.
The Minister disclosed that he met on Friday, May 23, 2025, with representatives of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to address enforcement measures related to passenger documentation.
He said airlines that transport undocumented passengers into Nigeria would be held accountable.
“Just as I told the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the era of bringing people into Nigeria without visas is over,” he said.
“Airlines must take responsibility. You can’t travel to the U.S. or the U.K. without a visa—no airline will carry you. Why should Nigeria be any different? This is not a dumping ground.”
Tunji-Ojo clarified that any traveller without a visa would not be granted entry into the country.
“A visa is the authorization to enter Nigeria. Without it, you will not be allowed in,” he emphasised.
He added that offending airlines would be mandated to return passengers they unlawfully brought into the country, underscoring that visa violations would no longer be treated lightly.
The government’s position forms part of broader reforms to secure Nigeria’s borders and modernise immigration control.
The Ministry of Interior has recently rolled out the e-Visa system, along with new exit and landing card protocols, as part of its efforts to enhance national security and data tracking.
The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s sovereignty in enforcing immigration rules and warned that lax enforcement would no longer be condoned: “We will protect our country and enforce our laws. Those who fail to comply will face sanctions.”
