The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government is gearing up to revise Nigeria’s visa application policy in the coming weeks to enhance accessibility.
This disclosure came during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held on Saturday in Abuja to discuss Nigeria’s visa policy.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the delicate balance between easing visa access and ensuring national security. He emphasized that effective management of this balance would not only encourage significant investment promotion but also bring about various other benefits.
He stated, “Seamless access to any country is key for investment promotion, job creation, and foreign direct investment. Everything is built on effective visa administration.”
The minister also mentioned that the government aims to streamline the visa process, especially for short-stay visas and other categories, to attract more investment into the country.
Implementation Expected Soon
Assuring stakeholders, Tunji-Ojo stated that the government is committed to establishing the new implementation framework within the next few weeks. This move is expected to make it easier for people globally to access Nigeria, as the government seeks to attract both investment and individuals.
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“Last year, the number of foreign passengers that came to Nigeria was less than two million people, which is unacceptable for a country of over 200 million people. Once we get the visa policy right and the implementation framework perfect, economic prosperity will follow,” he added.
Background
Tunji-Ojo had previously announced plans for the complete automation of passport applications, which was slated to commence in January 2024.
He assured Nigerians that the process was 99% complete and would enhance security and reduce bottlenecks in passport application processes.
