The federal government has announced that its new electronic visa (e-Visa) system will officially begin operations on May 1, 2025.
The Minister of Interior, cand the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this during a meeting in Abuja focused on immigration protocol implementation and enforcement.
The e-visa system aims to simplify the visa application process for tourists, business travellers, and other eligible visitors planning short stays in Nigeria.
Keyamo emphasised: “Today’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration between ministries with overlapping mandates. From the outset, the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Interior have prioritised working together, and this cooperation has been seamless.”
He continued: “The two of us, the Minister of Interior and I, have held numerous behind-the-scenes discussions. This is the first time we’re sharing this progress publicly. Many of the issues stalled for years under previous administrations are now resolved efficiently by this government.”
The e-Visa initiative reflects the government’s determination to continue improving collaboration between various ministries and agencies involved in immigration and travel.
Keyamo expressed full support for the project, stating, “We have worked with our agencies, including Immigration, NCAA, and FAAN, and we are fully committed to ensuring the success of this programme.
This is a significant initiative, and we fully endorse it.”
In response, Minister Ojo outlined the features of the new e-Visa platform, which will enable applicants to complete their visa applications online, submit necessary documents (such as passports, return tickets, and hotel bookings), and make secure payments.
He also acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Aviation and highlighted the broader implications for national security, mentioning the collaboration on the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).
“And today, all our terminals in Lagos and the Abuja airport, we have our E-Gate installed and working fine, giving Nigerians comfort and securing our border no more.
Recent advancements in airport security and border management in Nigeria focus on automating the exit and landing card process. Implementing the E-Gate system at Lagos and Abuja airports is a key part of these efforts, providing comfort to travellers while enhancing border security.
He explained that the system would allow passengers to fill out the necessary forms online before departure, which airlines would verify before boarding. This initiative will take effect on May 1, 2025.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the process aims to simplify it, moving from the traditional manual filling out of paper forms to a more modern, digital approach. The new system, free for passengers, will also improve the country’s border security and record-keeping processes.
Ojo said, “We understand. Before now, we have always had the exit and landing card, but you had to fill out a paper form manually.
“Well, we said Nigeria is a country of 230 million brilliant people, and we must lead the pack regarding technology. Given that, we are automating that, and all this will take effect from the 1st of May, 2025.
“So the landing and exit card will be filled online before you board and presented to airlines before you can be boarded. So, the responsibility of coordinating and issuing regulations to the airline, of course, is the NCAA.
“And we know, we have agreed today that NCAA, we do that because they are as committed as all of us to the protection of our country, to border security, and to ensure that our sovereignty as a nation is well respected.”
“It involves collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ensuring a streamlined and secure travel experience. The partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Aviation reflects the government’s commitment to advancing technological solutions in public service.
