By Gabriel Agbeja
FG to introduce e-visa, commences automation May 1
An e-visa system that will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically is to be launched by the Federal government. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, who made this known on Wednesday, in Abuja, when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noted that the digital landing/exit cards will enhance national security.
He added that the manual landing and exit cards would require visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.
“What we are doing reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.
“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system,” he said.
Keyamo emphasised that there was no objection to the programme, which falls under the Interior Ministry.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior stated that the automation system will commence on May 1.
He noted that the e-visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.
Explaining in details, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Tunji-Ojo noted that his agency will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.
“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He revealed a central visa approval centre already exists at Immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks.
“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.
“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he said.
