30 June, 2025
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that Nigeria’s newly launched electronic visa system (e-visa) has processed over 14,000 applications within just six weeks of operation, describing it as a clear sign of success and efficiency.
Tunji-Ojo made this known in Abuja during a stakeholders’ workshop focused on innovations by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The e-visa regime, introduced on May 1, 2025, is part of broader efforts to improve the nation’s migration processes and attract investment without compromising national security.
“This is a big win for us,” he said. “To process over 14,000 applications in just six weeks by global standards is not just a pass mark, it’s an achievement. We are not sleeping on this innovation. Even yesterday, on a Sunday, I hosted key immigration officials and our tech partners in my house to ensure things are working smoothly.”
The minister said the new system eliminates the reliance on human connections to access visa services, stressing that such outdated practices were holding back national growth.
“When someone needs a Nigerian visa, they should not need to know the minister or the immigration CG. That’s not how to build a modern country. With this e-visa, we are changing the narrative.”
He also disclosed that additional digital platforms like the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and the electronic Temporary Work Permit (TWP) would go live in the coming week.
On border control, Tunji-Ojo stated that the new e-border solution is already strengthening Nigeria’s border security, with a commitment to further investment.
“We are not where we want to be yet, but we have made real progress,” he said. “We’ll keep improving and make sure every inch of Nigeria’s border is protected.”
The minister also highlighted the elimination of manual archiving in passport applications, which has saved Nigeria over N1 billion annually following the termination of related contracts.
Corroborating the minister’s remarks, the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nandap, outlined the broader vision behind the digital transition. She said the new platforms such as the e-CERPAC, e-Gates at airports, landing and exit cards, and digitised temporary work permits are designed to enhance service delivery, security, and ease of access.
“These innovations are tailored to streamline immigration procedures while improving security,” Nandap said. “Applicants no longer have to visit immigration offices physically; everything is accessible online now.”
With the digital transformation gaining momentum, the federal government says it remains committed to making Nigeria’s immigration system efficient, transparent, and secure for both citizens and visitors.
