Nigeria To Penalise Airlines For Transporting Passengers Without Valid Visas.
The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to airlines, announcing that those transporting passengers into Nigeria without valid entry visas, landing, or exit cards will face penalties. The directive, announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, comes as part of efforts to strengthen national security and enforce the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme in Lagos on Friday, 23 May 2025, Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised that Nigeria will no longer tolerate lax immigration practices. “Nigeria is not a testing ground,” he declared, stressing that no foreigner should be allowed entry without a valid visa. He highlighted that such practices are unacceptable in countries like the UK, US, and Canada, and Nigeria will now adopt a similar stance. “Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not proof of payment or their tickets,” he urged airlines, underscoring their responsibility to uphold national security.
The Minister’s announcement follows consultations with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo. Tunji-Ojo called on the NCAA to enhance its regulatory oversight to ensure airlines comply with the new visa policy. He described the sensitisation programme as a “strategic collaborative effort” between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the NCAA, aimed at fostering inter-agency cooperation.
The introduction of the e-visa system, alongside mandatory landing and exit cards effective from 1 May 2025, is central to Nigeria’s immigration reforms. Tunji-Ojo noted that the e-visa system is designed to simplify entry for investors and tourists while maintaining robust security measures. As of 22 May 2025, the NIS had processed 5,814 e-visa applications, approving 5,671, rejecting 66, and querying 62. The system, which processes applications within 48 hours, includes features like barcodes on landing and exit cards to reveal passengers’ biodata and travel logs, enhancing border control and data management.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that the e-visa initiative aligns with Nigeria’s goal of becoming an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, which he believes will drive sustainable economic growth. However, he was clear that national security remains paramount. “That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria,” he said, noting that applications undergo rigorous checks, including hotel verifications.
The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, expressing gratitude to the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority, and the NIS team for their commitment to implementing the e-visa and landing/exit card systems. She called for continued inter-agency collaboration to ensure seamless enforcement.
The announcement has sparked discussions among stakeholders, with airline operators present at the Lagos event urged to prioritise compliance. The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Najomo, described the e-visa system as a milestone that aligns with global best practices under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provisions, balancing travel facilitation with stringent security standards.
This move follows earlier reforms by Tunji-Ojo, including an upgraded visa-on-arrival process announced in February 2025, which introduced pre-arrival clearance through Interpol and criminal record checks to enhance efficiency and security. The Minister’s focus on streamlining immigration processes, such as passport issuance and identity management, has previously earned praise, though challenges remain in ensuring consistent enforcement across all entry points.
As Nigeria tightens its immigration policies, airlines face increased scrutiny to verify passengers’ visa status before boarding. The government’s firm stance signals a broader effort to sanitise migration processes, boost tourism, and safeguard national security. Further details on the e-visa system and landing/exit card requirements can be found at www.immigration.gov.ng.
