In a groundbreaking move to modernize and streamline its immigration process, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a fully digital e-visa system, eliminating the need for manual visa applications and paper-based entry and exit procedures at all ports of entry.
The announcement was made on Friday, May 3, by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a press briefing in Abuja. According to the minister, the new system is designed to ease the travel experience for both tourists and business travelers while enhancing national security through digital surveillance and recordkeeping.
As part of the reform, the government has scrapped manual landing and exit forms, which were previously mandatory for international travelers arriving or departing from Nigeria. Immigration officials will now rely solely on an automated digital system that collects travelers’ information electronically and in real time.
“This is part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and we are matching words with action,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo. “Our goal is to eliminate delays, reduce corruption, and bring Nigeria’s immigration system in line with global best practices.”
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Travelers can now apply for and obtain Nigerian visas entirely online before departure. Once approved, they will receive a digital visa linked to their passport. Upon arrival, immigration officers will scan their passport and biometrics, eliminating paperwork and long queues.
The system also incorporates real-time data synchronization with security agencies to monitor entries and exits more effectively and combat illegal immigration, human trafficking, and terrorism.
With this development, Nigeria joins the ranks of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, which have already gone fully digital with their immigration procedures. Experts believe the shift will improve Nigeria’s international reputation, boost tourism, and encourage more foreign investment.
Business traveler Fatima Yusuf, who arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Saturday, said the new process was “fast and impressive.” She added, “I applied online, got my visa in two days, and everything at the airport took less than 10 minutes. Nigeria is finally catching up.”
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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deployed new biometric capture systems across all international airports to support the e-visa rollout. NIS Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, assured the public that all data will be securely stored and encrypted in compliance with global data protection laws.
Travel agencies, airlines, and tech stakeholders have praised the reform, calling it a major win for the country’s digital infrastructure and travel industry.
The Interior Ministry says it will monitor the system for efficiency and plans to extend similar digital services to land borders in the coming months. Officials have also hinted at plans to integrate AI-based risk assessment tools to further enhance security.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring smooth implementation and user education to minimize confusion among travelers unfamiliar with the new process.
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