Nigeria govt replaces visa-on-arrival with pre-arrival clearance measures

The Federal Government has announced plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy, calling it “unsustainable” and a potential security risk.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for 100 Nigeria Immigration Service officers who just completed a five-day specialized training on using Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record data for national security Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo detailed the shift toward a more data-driven visa system.

“We believe it is better to make decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity,” Tunji-Ojo explained, adding that the current visa-on-arrival process simply does not work.

“I don’t expect you to come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. That’s never been done anywhere.” Under the new system, API will be implemented at land borders, and travellers will require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other real-time background-check agencies.

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of flawless security, remarking, “When it comes to security, life will never remember us for the 99% we get right, but for the 1% we do wrong.

n this sector, we must be 100% accurate.” The reforms, set to begin between March 1 and April 1, 2025, aim to protect Nigerians and fulfill international security obligations. “We must be responsible in the comity of nations,” he stated, vowing to defend even the most vulnerable Nigerians with his last drop of blood.

The visa-on-arrival policy was originally introduced to simplify entry for eligible foreign nationals—boosting investment and tourism by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. However, experts have warned that the system can lead to security lapses, as it makes thorough vetting of travellers difficult.

By replacing the current system with stricter pre-arrival clearances and more rigorous screening, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria will better track travellers and safeguard its borders. He also urged the new cohort of immigration officers to put their training to good use, noting, “We have over 10,000 immigration officers, and you are part of a privileged 100. You are our biggest assets. If a person of interest enters our country, it could affect you and your family. Please implement these measures with utmost patriotism.”

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, added that the training stemmed from discussions with a United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism delegation at the seventh Border Management and Identity Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, in December 2024. “Over the past five days, we have successfully trained 100 immigration officers from key units, and I urge them to apply their skills diligently,” she said.

Paola Pace of the International Organisation for Migration noted that while the training marks the end of one phase, it lays the foundation for ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s border management. “This is just the beginning—our work must now continue through sustained action and enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing,” she stated.

Programme Management Specialists Robert Musgrave and Dennis Hands also expressed satisfaction with the training’s impact on participants across all ranks. The ceremony concluded with Minister Tunji-Ojo presenting certificates to the officers, marking a significant step toward Nigeria’s revamped, data-driven approach to visa and border security management.