The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a sweeping immigration crackdown, vowing that airlines found guilty of visa violations in Nigeria would be sanctioned.
The Minister announced that the decision was required due to concerns that certain airlines in the country were allowing passengers to travel without valid entry visas, landing permits, or exit cards.
He explained that this issue prompted the government to take action to ensure compliance with regulations.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitization program in Lagos, the minister emphasized the importance of complying with border security.
He announced that the federal government has put in place measures to bring airlines that commit visa violations in Nigeria to book.
The Minister also declared that Nigeria is not a testing ground and no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.
He said that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, it would not compromise national security.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to enlighten airlines about the consequences of visa Violations in Nigeria.
He stated: “I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the NCAA.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security.
“Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada and other climes and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore,” he added.
Speaking further, Tunji-Ojo explained that the introduction of e-visa, landing, and exit cards is designed to simplify entry processes while maintaining robust security checks.
He noted that these tools enable real-time integration with global background-checking systems, such as Interpol and criminal record databases, to ensure only eligible travellers enter the country.
