The Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria’s e-visa system has processed over 14,000 applications in just six weeks since its launch on May 1, 2025.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has made this disclosure during a stakeholders’ sensitization workshop at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Nigeria’s e-visa system is a collaborative triumph between the Federal Ministry of Interior and the NIS.
It was designed to streamline visa processes while boosting economic growth. The new system replaced the visa-on-arrival system.
Giving updates, Tunji-Ojo said the e-visa system, which became operational on May 1, has recorded significant success.
He also disclosed that two major digital platforms—the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card and the electronic Temporary Work Permit—are set to go live within the coming week.
He stated: “I can tell you that within the first six weeks of the e-visa, we were able to process over 14,000 visa applications. Within six weeks. So, by any standard in the world, that is a pass mark. It is a huge one and, of course, those little hitches, I tell you, within the next one to two weeks, will be history. We will correct them.
“We are already working. Even yesterday in my house, the CGIS was there. Technological partners were at my house. The DCG visa was in my house. All of us are in my house. We worked for hours yesterday, Sunday, even in my conference room at home. We were working because we understand that when you are in the process of innovation, there is no room, there is no opportunity for you to close your eyes. You must make sure it works. We are ready for the challenge”.
He said the Federal Government decided to come up with the e-visa system knowing that it is not just a migration management document but also an enhancer of economic growth.
“To me, when somebody needs a visa to Nigeria, and all he is looking for is who knows the minister, who knows the CG Immigration, who knows the Perma.net Secretary, that is not how to grow a country. That is the truth.
“You must make it easy while not compromising national security. There must be a strategy. So, the e-visa, I want to assure you, is here, and by the grace of God, is here to stay.
“We are not yet where we want to be, but we are not where we were. There has been progress, and the simple truth is, we will continue to invest in our e-border governance and put more boots on the ground to make sure that every inch of the Nigerian border space is well protected”, he vowed.
