The Federal Government has commenced the training of 162 officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to enhance visa application procedures and approvals, ensuring a seamless electronic process for foreigners visiting Nigeria.
The officers are undergoing intensive training designed to facilitate electronic visa applications, aiming to process and approve visas within 24 to 48 hours. The initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline immigration services and improve Nigeria’s ease of entry for legitimate visitors.
Speaking at the NIS headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to transforming Nigeria’s visa processing system. He emphasized the need to open the country’s borders to legitimate businesspeople, tourists, and investors.
“The whole idea is that people should be able to apply and get their visas electronically. Approval should be granted within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours,” Tunji-Ojo said.
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Describing Nigeria as a serious nation under a focused leadership, he added, “President Tinubu is here to disrupt the status quo and create a system that delivers efficiency. An efficient and vibrant NIS is not just possible; it is imperative. The time for actualization is now. It is either we get it right now or we risk losing the opportunity.”
The minister charged the selected officers to uphold integrity and represent the country well, stressing that high standards were expected from them. He decried the bureaucratic frustrations faced by foreigners seeking entry into Nigeria, calling for a more welcoming and efficient process.
“With a population of 230 million and as the biggest economy in Africa, the difficulty people experience in securing a visa to Nigeria is unacceptable. Let us call a spade a spade—it is unacceptable. Entry into Nigeria should not be a herculean task once applicants meet the required conditions. We are a hospitable nation and should encourage more people to visit. The economy will benefit when more investors and tourists find it easy to come in.”
Tunji-Ojo further highlighted the pivotal role of immigration officers in advancing Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business framework, boosting tourism, and attracting foreign investment.
“Your role goes beyond border security. You are the gatekeepers of this nation. The impression you create about Nigeria lasts forever,” he said. He also cautioned officers against compromising national security by allowing terrorists or criminals into the country.
Earlier, the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nana-Nandap, described the training as a landmark initiative, emphasizing that the selected officers had undergone rigorous vetting before being enrolled.
“This system is a departure from previous practices. Not only are we conducting thorough vetting, but we are also ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping within the NIS,” she stated.
The training aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s immigration system, making it more responsive, transparent, and business-friendly.
