LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has warned that airlines airlifting passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, Landing and Exit cards, would be penalised.

Tunji-Ojo made the remarks at a stakeholders sensitisation programme, on the implementation of the e-Visa, landing and exit cards on Friday in Lagos.

According to the minister, Nigeria is not a testing ground and no foreigner shall be allowed entry without a visa.

He noted that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the e-Visa, it would not compromise on national security.

He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight functions as a regulator, to ensure that airlines adhered to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

Tunji-Ojo tasked airlines on national security, stating that the e-Visa was of national interest to improve border security, tourism and sustainable economic growth.

“I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the NCAA.

“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business, but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security.

“Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not a prove of payment or their tickets.

“It is not acceptable in the U.K, U.S., Canada and other climes and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria any more,” he added.

Speaking on the ease of applying for the e-Visa, landing and exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.

He disclosed that as at May 22, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66 and queried 62, since the introduction of e-Visa on May 1.

According to him, the e-Visa process will improve the data base of the NIS with information of travelers, with a processing time of 48 hours.

He explained the features of the e-Visa, landing and exit cards, with a barcode to reveal the bio data and travel log of passengers.

“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 added.

The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo in his welcome address, said that the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated landing and exit card systems, was a milestone.

Najomo said that the new process was Nigeria’s journey toward enhancing air travel facilitation, while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.

“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.

“It is, inherently designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms.

“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasised in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems, without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.

“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect,” he stated.

According to him, it will showcase Nigeria as an investor-and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.

The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap in her closing remarks, expressed her appreciation to the ministers of Interior, Aviation and Aerospace Development.

She also lauded the NCAA director general, the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the NIS team.

The NIS boss however called for more inter-agency collaborations, to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, landing and exit cards innovation.

The minister also disclosed that there are now 13 different visa classes as against only 2 visa classes before the implementation of the e-Visa initiative.