FG Implements E-Visa Automation on May 1st: Interior & Aviation Ministries Unite for Enhanced National Security
ABUJA The Federal Government, via the Ministry of Interior along with the Ministries of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has established May 1st as the start date for implementing the new policies related to E-Visas, automated landing cards, and departure card systems within the nation.
On Wednesday, during a joint inter-ministerial press conference held in Abuja, both ministers—the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo—revealed that their collaborative efforts, particularly with regard to implementing the Advanced Passenger Information System and e-gate solutions, resulted in the apprehension of several blacklisted foreign nationals who were subsequently turned over to INTERPOL.
Providing clarification, Ojo-Olujimi expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Aviation and stated that both departments have concurred on forming a joint task force. This group will work towards ensuring the successful implementation of the E-Visa system as well as automating the processes for landing and departure cards.
The program commences on May 1, 2025, and we have agreed upon a three-month grace period before the comprehensive enforcement and execution begin on this date.
So an amnesty will be implemented, allowing foreign nationals with visa overstay issues or those who have breached immigration laws to step forward and legalize their status by reporting to the immigration offices.
Following the implementation of the AP solution, we faced another challenge with the E-Gate system. We extend our gratitude to FAAN, who acted as our landlord, for their assistance. Currently, both our terminals located in Lagos and at the Abuja airport feature fully operational E-Gates that provide comfort to Nigerians and enhance security along our borders even further. Today, we gather to discuss what represents the next phase—specifically, the E-Visa initiative alongside an automated process for generating arrival and departure cards.
We recognize that previously, we've used exit and landing cards, which required filling out paper forms manually. However, considering Nigeria as a nation with 230 million exceptional individuals, we must set an example in technological advancement. Therefore, we plan to automate these processes starting from May 1, 2025.
He went on to say that the landing and exit cards, which are complimentary, must be completed online prior to your departure. You'll then present these documents to airline staff who will verify them before allowing you to board the flight.
Beyond this, we plan to implement additional measures that we'll clarify further down the line. We've also concurred that the Electronic Visa will simplify entry into Nigeria by improving national security. Naturally, these applications will be processed online.
There is an established centralized visa approval center located within the Nigerian Immigration Headquarters. The officers working there have undergone training and are fully equipped with integrated solutions connected to global criminal record databases such as Interpol and others. Additionally, more thorough background checks will be conducted for individuals entering Nigeria.
"We are also focusing on eliminating obstacles and ensuring that individuals can obtain visas to enter Nigeria without having to lobby anyone. Our aim is to welcome visitors to Nigeria so they can experience the country’s natural charm, all while maintaining our nation’s safety and security," he emphasized.
Keyamo, for his part, affirmed that the automation process would proceed smoothly.
What the entry and exit card imply, along with what my brother is explaining, is that upon arriving in the country, you fill out an entry form online. This process is fully automated. Therefore, once they enter your passport number into the system, all relevant information appears instantly—such as the date of entry, the kind of visa used for entering, and the duration of stay granted.
The system recognizes it immediately, retrieves it, and proceeds. As you depart from your country, the initial point you reach when exiting is the check-in counter at a private airline. This is where the NCA becomes relevant.
When returning to your home country as a foreigner, they might ask for your exit card. This is their primary requirement. Without it, you won’t receive a boarding pass. Once you complete your exit card and input your passport number, information about your entry into the country appears—details such as when you entered, where you received your stamp, and how long you stayed. If these records indicate an overstay, following the protocols set by the NCAA, the airline will deny you boarding and direct you towards immigration.
What we are accomplishing today serves as an additional proof of this government’s commitment to encouraging collaboration among major ministries with overlapping responsibilities.
"The aviation ministry and the interior ministry, right from the start, opted for collaboration, and we've been maintaining this seamless cooperation," he declared.
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