Feb 26 (Naija247news) – Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy is not being scrapped but upgraded, following growing concerns among investors and business travelers. The move comes amid fears that halting the policy could hinder business travel, discourage foreign investment, and create uncertainty about Nigeria’s ease of doing business strategy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The clarification follows a meeting between Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), and the Interior Minister to discuss the policy changes and reaffirm the government’s commitment to maintaining efficient entry processes for visitors.
New Visa Regulations: From VoA to Pre-Arrival Clearance
The Nigerian government recently announced plans to replace the current VoA system with a stricter pre-arrival clearance and screening process, citing security concerns and the need for better tracking of travelers. Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that prior knowledge of a traveler’s arrival is crucial, stating,
“I don’t expect you to just come to my country without me knowing you’re coming in. No, it’s never done anywhere.”
Under the new policy, travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals expected within 24 to 48 hours. The process will integrate a landing card system, linking applications to global background checks and Nigeria’s security databases. Once approved, visas will be sent directly to applicants via email, eliminating the need for physical visa stickers upon arrival.
Concerns Over Impact on Business and Investment
While the government sees this as an enhancement rather than a cancellation, concerns remain among investors, multinational companies, and business travelers who fear that the additional screening could introduce bureaucratic delays. The old Visa-on-Arrival policy, which allowed travelers from African Union (AU) member states and other eligible nations to obtain visas upon landing, had been a key part of Nigeria’s business-friendly approach.
The policy change, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, is also expected to impact Nigerians in the diaspora with dual citizenship, as well as tourists, emergency relief workers, and former citizens who had renounced their nationality.
Strengthening Border Security with Advanced Systems
To mitigate security concerns, Nigeria plans to deploy an Advance Passenger Information system at land borders, allowing authorities to screen travelers before they arrive. The system will be linked to Nigeria’s passport solution, visa platform, and global security networks, enhancing surveillance and preventing unauthorized entries.
Nigeria’s Business Climate and Foreign Relations
The global business community is closely watching these policy changes, as Nigeria continues to position itself as a leading investment destination in Africa. Some experts warn that increasing visa restrictions could push investors to neighboring countries with more flexible entry policies.
However, the government insists that modernizing and automating visa approvals will streamline entry processes, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance Nigeria’s border security—ultimately making the country more attractive to serious investors.
As Nigeria moves toward pre-arrival screening and digital visa processing, the success of these reforms will depend on their efficiency, transparency, and ability to balance security with ease of travel for investors and visitors alike.
