The Federal Government is set to introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system and digital landing/exit cards as part of efforts to enhance national security and streamline entry procedures for travellers.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Keyamo explained that the e-visa platform would allow applicants to submit visa requests and upload necessary documents online, eliminating the need for physical submission.
He also noted that the traditional landing and exit cards currently filled out manually by visitors would be replaced with digital versions, requiring pre-arrival completion before travelling to Nigeria.
“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates,” Keyamo said, highlighting the inter-ministerial collaboration driving the project.
He added that relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), would fully support the initiative.
Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, confirmed that the new digital system would commence on May 1, with the e-visa application process being free of charge.
He emphasised that the initiative is designed to simplify Nigeria’s entry procedures while tightening national security through improved background checks.
Tunji-Ojo revealed that the NCAA would manage the landing and exit card process, which travellers must now complete online prior to boarding.
He also disclosed that a central visa approval centre already operates at immigration headquarters, with trained officers and global criminal record integration to aid screening.
“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he stated.
