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 digitization across 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—announced that their collaborative efforts, particularly with regard to 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 clarity, Ojo-Olujimi, expressing gratitude towards the Ministry of Aviation, mentioned that both departments have concurred on establishing a joint task force. This team will work together to guarantee the successful implementation of the E-Visa system as well as the automated processing for arrival and departure cards.
The program commences on May 1, 2025, with an additional three-month grace period before the comprehensive enforcement and execution begin on August 1.
So, an amnesty will be implemented allowing all foreign nationals with visa overstay issues or those who have violated immigration laws to step forward and seek regularization. They would then be required to report to the immigration offices to facilitate this process.
Following the implementation of the AP system, we faced another challenge related to the E-Gate. We extend our gratitude to FAAN, our landlord, for their assistance. Currently, both our locations in Lagos and at the Abuja airport boast fully functional E-Gates that provide convenience to Nigerians while enhancing border security even further. Today, as part of this progression, we address the next phase: the introduction of E-Visas along with an automated landing and departure card process.
We recognize that previously, we’ve used exit and landing cards, which required filling out paper forms manually. However, considering that Nigeria is home to 230 million exceptional individuals, it’s crucial for us to be at the forefront of technological advancement. Therefore, we are digitizing these processes, with changes coming into effect starting May 1, 2025.
He went on to say that the landing and exit cards, which are complimentary, must be completed online prior to departure and shown to airline staff as part of the boarding process.
Additionally, we will implement further measures that we can clarify in detail at a later time. We’ve also concurred that the E-Visa system 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 stationed there have undergone comprehensive training and are fully equipped with integrated solutions connected to various global criminal records databases such as Interpol and others. Additionally, more rigorous background checks will be conducted for individuals entering Nigeria.
“We are working towards eliminating obstacles and ensuring individuals can obtain Nigerian visas effortlessly, without needing to influence anyone to enter the country. Our aim is to welcome visitors openly while maintaining national security so they may experience the splendor of Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Keyamo, for his part, affirmed that the automation process would proceed smoothly.
What the entry and exit card signify, along with what my brother is explaining, is that upon arriving in the country, you complete an electronic entry form online. This process is automatic. Consequently, when they input 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 leaving 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 top priority. Without having completed this form, you won’t receive a boarding pass. Once you fill out the exit card and input your passport number, information such as when you entered the country appears along with details like where exactly you received entry stamps and for what duration. If it indicates an overstay, following the protocols set by the NCAA, the airline will deny boarding rights and direct you towards immigration authorities.
What we are accomplishing today serves as an additional proof of this administration’s commitment to encouraging collaboration among major departments with overlapping responsibilities.
“The aviation ministry and the interior ministry, since day one, have made a decision to work together collaboratively, and we’ve managed to do so without any hitches,” he declared.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).