The Federal Government has processed over 14,000 electronic visa (e-visa) applications within just six weeks of launching the system, Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced on Monday in Abuja.
Addressing a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop, Dr Tunji-Ojo described the development as a significant stride in the ongoing overhaul of Nigeria’s migration and border control systems. The e-visa platform, which officially went live on 1 May 2025, forms part of broader digital reforms aimed at modernising access to Nigeria for foreign visitors.
The minister acknowledged minor teething issues during the early days of implementation but assured stakeholders that these would be addressed promptly. He noted that beyond improving visa processing, the new system was also intended to stimulate economic activity by removing bureaucratic obstacles.
“The e-visa system was not designed just for migration management. It is a strategic tool for national development,” Dr Tunji-Ojo said. “When someone needs a visa and their first thought is, ‘Who knows the minister?’ that is not the kind of country we want to build. We must create a process that is accessible, transparent, and secure.”
He further disclosed that two additional digital tools—the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and the electronic Temporary Work Permit (e-TWP)—would be rolled out the following week. These systems are expected to increase transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s expatriate management framework.
On border control, the minister stated that Nigeria’s e-border infrastructure has already begun to enhance national security. He cited continued investment in both surveillance technology and security personnel as evidence of the government’s long-term commitment.
“We are not where we want to be yet, but we are certainly not where we used to be,” he said. “We will continue to increase border patrol capacity to ensure every inch of our territory is protected.”
Dr Tunji-Ojo also addressed past abuses of the Temporary Work Permit, declaring that loopholes which allowed indefinite renewals to bypass immigration laws had now been closed.
“The era of exploiting the TWP system is over. Everything is now automated and subject to strict oversight,” he affirmed.
In a further cost-cutting move, the minister revealed that the elimination of manual archiving in passport applications had saved the country approximately N1 billion annually, following the termination of a related contract.
In her contribution, Comptroller General of Immigration Mrs Kemi Nandap provided an overview of recent innovations introduced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which include the e-Visa Application Portal, e-CERPAC, Landing and Exit Cards, and the digital TWP system.
She explained that these digital upgrades would reduce processing time, limit human contact, and enhance the overall experience for travellers and expatriates alike.
“The newly installed e-Gates at key airports and the central Command and Control Centre are now fully operational, integrating our technology systems into a cohesive border security network,” Nandap stated.
She added that foreign nationals would also benefit from the digital transformation, with the streamlined residence permit system designed to eliminate delays and improve adherence to immigration regulations.