The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to discontinue its visa-on-arrival policy, citing security concerns and the need for a more structured immigration system. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described this decision as “unsustainable.” This marks a significant shift in the country’s visa regulations.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for 100 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officers in Abuja, the minister emphasized the need for a more data-driven approach to immigration. The officers had completed specialized training on using Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data for national security and law enforcement.

“We must base our decisions on objective data rather than subjective assessments,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “Visa-on-arrival is not a viable system. No country allows entry without prior knowledge of a visitor’s arrival.”

To strengthen border security, the government plans to deploy API systems at land borders and require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol and other background-check agencies in real time. The initiative will be rolled out between March 1 and April 1, 2025.

Tunji-Ojo explained that API systems have already been implemented at five international airports and will now be adapted for land border control. He highlighted concerns over individuals who exit the country by air but re-enter through land borders.

The visa-on-arrival policy was originally introduced to facilitate business and tourism travel. However, security experts have long raised concerns about verifying travellers who submit their documents only upon arrival. The new system will introduce stricter pre-arrival screenings and more rigorous background checks.

“Security is not an area where you can afford to be 99.9 percent accurate—it has to be 100 percent,” the minister stressed. “We must be responsible members of the global community and ensure the safety of every Nigerian.”

During the event, the minister praised the newly trained officers, emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders. “You are part of the privileged 100,” he said. “This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Strong leadership is nothing without capable and dedicated officers.”

NIS Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap traced the training’s origins to discussions with the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism during a December 2024 conference in Bangkok. She encouraged the officers to apply their newly acquired skills effectively.

International partners also commended the initiative. Paola Pace of the International Organisation for Migration described the training as a vital step toward improving border security. “Use this knowledge to enhance intelligence collaboration and align API implementation with national security priorities,” she urged.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the trained officers, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s border security strategy.