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Tag: Tunji-Ojo

  • e-Visa, e-Gates: Tunji-Ojo’s birthday ‘gift’ to Nigerians

    e-Visa, e-Gates: Tunji-Ojo’s birthday ‘gift’ to Nigerians

    • By Femi Salako

    Today is Workers’ Day, coincidentally the birthday of Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry is rolling out the phenomenal security initiatives to make Nigeria more secure and more prosperous. The rollout is Nigeria’s bold step into the digital future with the official launch of the country’s much-anticipated electronic visa (e-Visa) system—ushering in a new era of efficiency and ease for travellers. Fittingly, the historic leap in Nigeria’s immigration reform will remain evergreen for the man in the saddle: Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

    It is a poetic alignment—one that reflects the minister’s lifelong dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and public service. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Tunji-Ojo has emerged not just as a policy-driver but as a symbol of results-oriented leadership in a nation hungry for change.

    Since assuming office in 2023, Tunji-Ojo has rapidly transformed the Ministry of Interior from a bureaucratic relic to a dynamic powerhouse of reforms. Encouraged by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s clear vision and unwavering support, he has deployed technology and policy innovation across all the parastatals and agencies under the ministry’s supervision—from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The 2023 passport reform stands tall among his achievements. He introduced a fully-automated passport application process that ended years of inefficiency and corruption, drastically reducing waiting times and restoring public trust. Within his first few months in office, over 204,000 passport backlogs were cleared and more than 50,000 new passports were processed. A centralised dashboard for real-time monitoring that enhanced transparency has been drawing global attention. The Nigeria’s passport reform model got attraction from the U.S. last year.

    The reform also saw the deployment of 40 e-Gates across international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, ensuring faster, more secure passenger processing. Additionally, the ministry, under Tunji-Ojo’s watch, launched the contactless biometric passport, taking the Nigerian travel document into the realm of modern digital identity.

    On the national ID front, he spearheaded the clearance of 25 million National Identification Number (NIN) modification backlogs, further reinforcing Nigeria’s digital governance infrastructure.

    Security and border management under his leadership received a major boost with the commissioning of 30 operational vehicles dedicated to border surveillance and patrol. He also established a state-of-the-art Command and Control Center, strengthening real-time coordination across interior agencies.

    To address Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons, Tunji-Ojo initiated a prison decongestion drive that led to the release of 4,068 low-risk inmates with the mobilization of N585 million through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. The idea did not only reform justice outcomes but saved the government over N3 billion in annual feeding costs. Simultaneously, he oversaw the rehabilitation of several Correctional Centers, restoring dignity and functionality to the nation’s penal system.

    Under his guidance, the ministry promoted over 50,000 paramilitary personnel—the largest number ever—reflecting a commitment to merit and morale. He also launched the Safe School Initiative, ensuring secure learning environments amid growing security concerns.

    The Federal Fire Service, once underfunded and outdated, is undergoing a revival. Through the remodeling of its academy in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo has repositioned it to serve as a regional center of excellence for the West African sub-region.

    In the area of natural resources security, he, in conjunction with the Minister of Mineral Resources Development Dele Alake, launched the Mines Marshal initiative, empowering the NSCDC to crack down on illegal mining. Over 300 illegal miners have been arrested, thereby boosting government revenue and environmental protection.

    Born on May 1, 1982, in Oyin Akoko, Ondo State, Tunji-Ojo’s leadership traits were visible early. From his days as Senior Prefect at FUTA Staff Secondary School to earning degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Digital Communication, and Networking, he built a foundation in innovation. With 18 professional ICT certifications, he became one of the UK’s first certified ethical hackers.

    At 24, he was CEO of Matrix IT Solutions Ltd., consulting for high-profile clients like NNPC, PTDF, NSIA, NCDMB, JAMB, and the World Bank. His work in digital transformation laid the groundwork for his national relevance.

    Elected in 2019 to the House of Representatives, he represented the Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency with distinction—championing infrastructure projects and youth empowerment.

    Read Also: Fagbemi, Tunji-Ojo fault suit against expatriate employee levy

    Upon his inauguration, he mobilized 246 other lawmakers to support the speakership ambition of former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, under the forum of first-timers lawmakers, chaired by him. Months later, he was appointed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    As chair of the committee on the NDDC, he was instrumental in its rebranding and anti-corruption reforms.

    A loyal party man and strategist, he also played a critical role in the emergence of Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker. His political influence helped in the delivery of a clean sweep of electoral victories (18:0) for his party in Ondo State.

    His leadership has made the Ministry of Interior a magnet for investment—attracting over $500 million in private partnerships within a year. His energy and vision have earned him accolades from the National Assembly, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and institutions like Joseph Ayo Babalola University, which awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration in 2021.

    A dynamic speaker, he delivered over 50 talks in 2024 alone, addressing themes of governance, digital policy and public reform. He has also proven himself a loyal and advocate of the RHA of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, matching his words with actions and measurable impacts in the process.

    As Nigeria opens a new digital chapter with the launch of the e-Visa system, the story of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a reminder that transformation is possible when vision meets execution. His legacy is not just in policy but in people—in the hope rekindled, the systems revived, and the future imagined.

    And as the sun rises on both a new national reform and the Minister’s birthday, one truth stands firm –   Tunji-Ojo is just getting started.

    • Salako is media consultatnt to the minister
  • Nigeria, UK to sign MoU to combat crimes, improve criminal justice system

    Nigeria, UK to sign MoU to combat crimes, improve criminal justice system

    The federal government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at addressing crime, flooding, and other socio-economic challenges to promote mutual growth and cooperation.

    A high-level UK delegation, led by the UK Minister of State, Rt. Hon. David Lord Hanson, is currently in Nigeria for the formal signing of the agreement.

    Speaking during a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday, Lord Hanson said the UK government is keen to collaborate with Nigeria in areas such as crime prevention, criminal justice reform, security, and migration management.

    He noted that the partnership would focus on shared priorities essential to Nigeria’s development and long-term stability.

    He said the National Crime Agency in UK is willing to help Nigeria combat frauds and other financial crimes that impede the development of Nigeria, stressing that UK government considered frauds as one critical area inhibiting rapid growth and development of the country. 

    Lord Hanson said the UK government had four major approaches to address fraud-related challenges, maintaining that fraud in whatever form affect trade, investment, reputation and perception of any country. He expressed the willingness of the UK government to tackle the challenges for the economic prosperity of Nigeria. 

    In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo praised the UK government for recently taking the lead by hosting the International Conference on Migration Management, saying that Nigeria would build on the take aways from the conference to address the challenges relating to the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea regions. 

    He said the present administration had instituted series of reforms, especially Passports, Visa, and expatriate quota to address challenges relating to migration management, regretting that one major obstacle regarding migration management is lack of unified centre for documentations. 

    Read Also: Lagos signs MoU with firm to expand water supply infrastructure

    Tunji-Ojo said: “We have a situation at hand that gives rise to falsification of document or create frauds in the processing of documentation for travellers…there are no central poll for authentification of documents. If a person presents 20 documents that needed to be authentificated and you have 20 persons with such cases in a day, how would the system respond to 1,000 persons with 20 documents when there are no centralised poll for authentification.

    “So this is part of the challenges, we are not blaming anybody. We will take responsibility for the liability. But regrettably a few of this challenges are being amplified at the expense of Nigeria…and we are addressing them because we aware that they are creating issues for trade and investment drive of the present administration. 

    “Mr President has given instruction that Nigeria should exit the grey list in Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) global classification on frauds, and very soon the country will move to the white list. 

    “The present administration through the Renewed Hope Agenda is keen on creating the biggest and most competitive economy in African, so all hands are on the deck to address the challenges of perception, reputation and other obstacles on our way.

    “We are optimistic that the collaboration with the federal government by the UK government will be mutually beneficial to the two countries especially in areas clearly spelt out. The criminal justice system, migration management, fraud related issues are of great concerns to us and we appreciate the support of the UK government.”

  • Fed Govt orders probe into N5.2m ‘extortion’ by NSCDC officers

    Fed Govt orders probe into N5.2m ‘extortion’ by NSCDC officers

    Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered investigation into allegations of extortion involving some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    This is contained in a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Babatunde Alao, yesterday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a social media post that went viral alleged that some personnel of NSCDC extorted N5.2 million from a group of young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Akure, Ondo State.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s  lasses  win big  at IHF Women’s Trophy Zonal Phase in Abidjan

    The minister, however, said any officer found guilty would face the full weight of the law, adding that the ministry would not tolerate any misconduct from security agencies.

    “We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined and professional and will serve Nigeria and Nigerians with dignity and patriotism.

    “On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness,” he stated.

  • FG seeks intelligence sharing among global communities

    FG seeks intelligence sharing among global communities

    The Federal Government has sought collaboration and intelligence sharing among global communities to tackle Organised Immigration Crime (OIC).

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Tuesday that global partnerships and intelligence sharing were imperative to address challenges relating to Organised Immigration Crime. 

    Tunji-Ojo made the remarks during the ongoing Border Security Summit in Lancaster House,  London, United Kingdom, hosted by the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. 

    Tunji-Ojo in a statement  by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, highlighted the need for strengthened information and data sharing among international countries for effective border control.

    The Minister said that there was urgent need for collaboration of countries within the Sahel and West African sub region for better international partnerships and information dissemination.

    “We need more data sharing and better collaborations to make sure we don’t just solve the problem but we stop the problem from happening.

    “The major takeaway from this summit is proactiveness and not just being reactive as countries are now more poised to criminalising irregular migration.

    “So this summit is an impactful one because it brings an opportunity for ministers in border control to make sure we are all able to manage our borders to secure our countries,” the Minister said. 

    Read Also: Nigeria needs Tinubu beyond 2027, say Tompolo, communities

    According to him, Organised Immigration Crime was not an isolated problem unique to a particular country, emphasising that, it is a shared problem, therefore, shared solutions must be proffered.

    The Minister however acknowledged that border crime was of great concern to the federal government, hence the implementation of strategies towards combating such crimes.

    “The Federal government of Nigeria has a border control solution because Nigeria is not just a destination point but a transit country.

    “We have automated our solutions as there are more measures in place to ensure the borders are secured and to ensure irregular migration is brought to an end.

    “We can’t afford to lose the battle before we start it and so we know that with this kind of summit, as a united front we will effectively combat this menace,” Tunji-Ojo said. 

    He noted that Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has invested heavily in migration management and frameworks, especially in combating trans-border crime and irregular migration.

    He said between 2023 and 2025, Nigeria upgraded its border surveillance technology to cover more border communities as well as procured more operational vehicles to closely monitor its large expanse borders in an effort to nip in the bud any form of transgression from offenders.

    The London Summit with about 40  countries in attendance is expected to help the global community collaborate as an international entity seeking to tackle the rising threat of Organised Immigration Crime.

  • How to improve border security, by Tunji-Ojo

    How to improve border security, by Tunji-Ojo

    Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has advocated the deployment of technology-driven solutions to protect the borders.

    Speaking at a Border Security Summit in London, the Minister stressed the significance of bilateral and multilateral agreements to enhance security frameworks, facilitate intelligence-sharing, and deploy advanced border management systems.

    “The fight against organised immigration crime is not one that any country can handle alone. It requires collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and the deployment of innovative security technologies to safeguard our borders,” he said.

    Read Also: Fagbemi, Tunji-Ojo fault suit against expatriate employee levy

    The summit offered a platform for international collaboration on migration policies, security threats, and strategies to combat illegal immigration activities.

    Tunji-Ojo’s participation at the summit underlined the nation’s commitment to strengthening its immigration policies and working with global partners to tackle transnational crimes namely, human trafficking, smuggling, and document fraud.

    The event brought together over 30 global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, to discuss critical issues surrounding border control and Organised Immigration Crime (OIC).

  • BREAKING: FG declares March 31, April 1 public holidays for Eld El Fitr

    BREAKING: FG declares March 31, April 1 public holidays for Eld El Fitr

    The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31 and Tuesday April 1 public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

    He congratulated Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

    Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.

    In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ibas suspends Rivers political office holders

    He expressed hope the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

    Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

    On behalf of the government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone.

  • Fagbemi, Tunji-Ojo fault suit against expatriate employee levy

    Fagbemi, Tunji-Ojo fault suit against expatriate employee levy

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to decline jurisdiction over a suit challenging the implementation of the Federal Government’s Expatriate Employee Levy (EEL).

    Fagbemi and Tunji-Ojo made the request in the preliminary objections they filed against the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1780/2024.

    They queried the locus standi (the right to sue) of the plaintiff – the Incorporated Trustees of New Kosol Welfare Initiative – and argued that it failed to establish any cause of action against them.

    In his objection, the Interior Minister described the suit as “academic or hypothetical,” and argued that there is no cause of action against him in the suit.

    He stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the EEL is a financial charge imposed by the Federal Government on companies that employ foreign workers.

    Read Also: The Sani Abacha in each of us

    The minister said the EEL is intended to regulate the employment of expatriates, encourage the hiring and development of local (indigenous) talent and generate revenue for national development projects.

    He stated that the levy would ensure that companies prioritise and invest in local workforce development while also providing funds that can be allocated to various socio-economic initiatives.

    The minister added that EEL was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2023 and in February 2024, President Bola Tinubu launched the handbook on its implementation.

    He stated that following consultations with stakeholders and companies with high volume of expatriate employees in Nigeria, the President ordered that the implementation of the project be suspended.

    The minister said the implementation of the policy has been suspended since March 2024, adding that it had not been launched nor has the Federal Government informed the public about the implementation of tax as erroneously claimed by the plaintiffs.

    He added that as against its claim, the plaintiff has no evidence to prove that the Interior Minister or the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is to commence full implementation of the alleged EEL

    The plaintiff made a counter argument in its response and urged the court to reject the objections raised by both ministers and assume jurisdiction over the case.

    In its supporting affidavit, the plaintiff stated that the Federal Government, on February 27, 2024 unveiled the EEL

    It added: “According to KPMG and other online information analysts and dissemination agencies, the Federal Government intends to compel all companies and organisations who engage the services of foreign expatriates to pay the EEL as follows: Every expatriate on the level of a director is to pay $15,000.00 while  every expatriate on a non-director level is expected to pay $10,000.00.

    The plaintiff stated that the Federal Government also planned additional regulations consisting of penalties and sanctions for non-compliance with the proposed taxation regime.

    It added that under the arrangement, inaccurate or incomplete reporting will attract five years’ imprisonment and/or N1 million, while failure of a corporate entity to file EEL within 30 day is to attract a penalty of N3 million; failure to register an employee within 30 days will also attract N3 million, while submission of false information will attract N3 million.

    The plaintiff stated that the penalty for failure to renew EEL before its expiry date by an organisation is N3 million.

    It added: “The proposed taxation regime is totally an anti-people policy because of its radical effect on different aspects of the Nigerian economy and it works like a choke-hold against the economic growth of the nation.”

    At the mention of the case on Monday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Paul Atayi, said although the business of the day was for the hearing of the preliminary objection filed by the AGF, the Interior Minister has not made any appearance despite being served with court documents.

    Atayi said he has responded to the objection filed by the AGF.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, however, told the lawyer that the Interior Minister has also filed an objection, which Atayi said has not been served on him.

    Justice Ekwo advised Atayi to apply to the court’s registry in order to get the copy and respond appropriately so that the case could be heard promptly.

    The judge adjourned till May 7 for the hearing of the objections filed by the AGF and Interior Minister.

  • Tinubu’s reforms break 20-year records in Nigeria’s para-military services – Tunji-Ojo

    Tinubu’s reforms break 20-year records in Nigeria’s para-military services – Tunji-Ojo

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has highlighted how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms have shattered over 20 years of stagnation in Nigeria’s para-military services, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Speaking at a Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at Radio House, Abuja, Tunji-Ojo praised Tinubu’s determination to push through critical reforms where previous administrations hesitated due to systemic challenges.

    He detailed the president’s numerous approvals aimed at improving the welfare of para-military personnel and strengthening the nation’s security framework. 

    Among these reforms, he noted, was the resolution of a 19-year stagnation in promotions across the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Over 52,000 personnel have been promoted within two years under Tinubu’s leadership.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tuggar, also presented an account of his ministry’s achievements during the briefing.

    In addition, Tunji-Ojo said the administration did not only cleared all backlogs of promotion, but also ensure that the reforms in the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) touched all aspects of its fundamentals so much that Nigerians home and abroad now enjoy seamless acquisition of Passports from the comfort of their homes. 

    “These have never happened in Nigeria. Under President Tinubu, all backlogs of Passports were cleared, and now Nigerians, home and abroad can apply and acquire the documents in the comfort of their homes within the shortest period depending on the time they upload their data and necessary information,” the Minister said. 

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo: FG’s reforms aimed at protecting Nigerians, economic growth

    He said over 800 million naira is being saved yearly by the Federal Government from the automation system of the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), stressing that the deployment of sophisticated technological infrastructures for the Services of the NIS are yielding enormous fruits for the country. 

    The Minister also touched the plan by the present administration to establish a para military Academy for the services, saying the idea would ensure career progression, and enable the institutions play their constitutional roles of maintaining internal security effectively and efficiently. 

    He also stated that the President approved reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, with on going renovations and planned relocation of Correctional facilities that have been caught up by urbanisation. 

    He listed securing of Presidential approval for the recruitment of 5000 Personnel to boost the Nigerian Correctional Service’s workforce, approval to recruit 10,000 for NSCDC, and approval for the upward review of inmates’ feeding rate from N750.00 to N1,125.00 per inmate per day as part of the achievements of the administration. 

    He said while over 100 operational vehicles were procured for the NSCDC, the NCoS was recently provided with 40 escort duty vehicles to facilitate the conveyance of inmates to and from courts;

    Tunji-Ojo further said within two years, the administration ensured the release of 4085 inmates from the Correctional facilities following a partnership with private sector who facilitated payments of over 500 million naira fine for them. 

    He said 3,030 inmates were rehabilitated and empowered between last year as they were given various vocational skills including: carpentry, tailoring, poultry, fishery, hairdressing and others.

    The Minister further explained that some of the inmates who escaped from the Correctional facilities across the country could not be immediately captured or re-arrested because of urbanisation. 

    He said about 11 of such facilities would soon be relocated while others are undergoing renovations at the moment. 

    He said the establishment of Mining Marshals under the supervision of the Ministry of Solid Minerals have restored sanity into the country’s mining sector, while billions of naira worth of solid minerals assets are being protected by the Marshals across Nigeria. 

    Tunji-Ojo also said the 2025 promotion exercise and examinations have started in the para-military Services, and urged personnel to reciprocate the Federal Government efforts by committing themselves more to their duties. 

  • FG to upgrade visa-on-arrival policy to boost foreign investment, enhance security

    FG to upgrade visa-on-arrival policy to boost foreign investment, enhance security

    The federal government is set to upgrade its Visa-on-Arrival policy to align with economic diversification goals and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), The Nation has learned.

    According to sources, the government aims to reduce human contact in visa processing, enhance the ease of doing business, and bolster national security.

    The reforms will also leverage e-solutions for more efficient migration management and policy implementation.

    Multiple sources within the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Ministry of Interior revealed that the initiative follows the inauguration of the President Bola Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex at the NIS Headquarters last year.

    The upgraded system will integrate advanced technology infrastructure to monitor the entry and exit of foreigners, ensuring a more secure and streamlined visa process.

    “We cannot operate the technology complex without looking at the loopholes or weakness of the Visa-on-Arrival policy. We have taken notes of certain patterns regarding the movement of people into the country.

    “We have made our infrastructures all encompassing, and as it is the present approach and deployment of the infrastructures could be described as water tight in terms of security,” the source said.

    Also speaking recently of visa applications and approval, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the government is targeting 48-hour maximum visa processing timeline for foreigners coming into Nigeria.

    He said the government would ensure that foreigners seeking visas into the country get the document within 24 to 48 hours after application.

    Tunji-Ojo reflected on the visa policy while declaring open a training session on e-visa for 162 officers of the NIS who were selected from various formations across the country.

    Tunji said: “We want a scenario where it becomes easier for people to come into Nigeria. We want to be able to open our borders for economic participation, tourism and all short-stay visas.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu positions Lagos as prime investment destination at Alaro City

    “Let’s allow people to come, and let’s not do that by compromising national security, and we believe sincerely that we can get a fair mix of both in terms of convenience and national security.

    “So, the whole idea of the e-visa solution, is where people will be able to apply and get their visas electronically and from application to approval. I think most of the time it should be within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours.”

    He told participants at training programme that they would be responsible for the turn around of the e-visa policy in terms of user experience, asserting that we “don’t want people to wait forever to get visas to Nigeria.”

    Officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service who spoke with our Correspondent commended the present administration for its commitment and passion regarding Passports applications and acquisition, visa application and approval and the deployment of e-gates in the nation’s airport.

    Besides, they also applauded the synergy between the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap.

  • Why Fed Govt scrapped visa-on-arrival policy, by Tunji-Ojo

    Why Fed Govt scrapped visa-on-arrival policy, by Tunji-Ojo

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has explained why the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu discarded the Visa-on-Arrival policy.

    The minister said the policy was not only ineffective but capable of compromising the nation’s security.

    Dr. Tunji-Ojo, who presided over a meeting on the New Visa Policy (NVP) alongside the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, also said the new policy of the current administration would be far-reaching and all-encompassing with technological innovations as its backbone.

    He said: “Today, I presided over a meeting on Nigeria’s new visa policy, the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025), alongside the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo inaugurates 39 operational vehicles, five guard booths for correctional service

    “The proposed visa policy aims to enhance the ease of doing business, boost tourism, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with other countries.

    “In the proposed policy, we introduce a more streamlined and efficient visa approval process, including the electronic visa (e-Visa), as a separate channel for processing and obtaining Nigerian visas.

    “As a ministry guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this innovation complements our existing visa structure while enhancing all visa-related services from end-to-end.

    “As a government, we firmly believe in striking a balance between promoting economic growth, tourism, and national security.”