Interior Minister Olubunmi Ojo Introduces New Visa System

Nigeria is revolutionizing its short-stay visa approval process with an automated system designed to cut delays and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Interior Minister Olubunmi Ojo revealed the plan on Tuesday, highlighting its potential to streamline visa issuance and improve travel convenience.

The initiative will allow travelers to apply online and receive approval within 24 to 48 hours, with electronic visas (e-Visas) sent directly to applicants via email, eliminating the need for physical stickers at entry points. This shift aims to end long processing times and diminish reliance on intermediaries who exploit the system for unofficial approvals.

According to the Interior Minister, this reform aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader modernization efforts, which have already seen the introduction of a contactless passport application system for Nigerians abroad. The government is committed to leveraging digital solutions to enhance efficiency across immigration services.

Supporting the new policy, the Ministry of Interior emphasized that the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025) is structured to promote ease of business, boost tourism, and reinforce diplomatic ties. The ministry’s recent tweet confirmed the move towards a fully streamlined e-Visa process:

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

With this innovation, Nigeria is taking a significant step toward a more accessible and technologically advanced visa system, ensuring smoother entry for visitors and strengthening its global engagement.