
Minister Confirms Visa on Arrival Still in Effect
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the country’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy has not been scrapped but is undergoing an upgrade to enhance efficiency and security. This statement comes in response to earlier reports suggesting the policy’s discontinuation. The minister emphasized that the VoA system is being refined to eliminate inefficiencies while maintaining accessibility for travelers.
In a meeting with the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, both officials discussed the enhancements to the VoA process. The upgraded system will allow travelers to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This development aims to streamline the process, enabling travelers to receive their approvals ahead of time and improving the overall efficiency of the system.
The PEBEC Director General reassured that the VoA policy remains intact and that the government’s focus is on upgrading the system to better automate and control the inflow of travelers. This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to create a more business-friendly environment by simplifying procedures and reducing bureaucratic constraints.