The Nigerian government is set to introduce a new e-visa system and digital entry forms for people coming into the country. This move is aimed at making travel easier and improving national security.
The announcement was made in Abuja by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, during a meeting with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other top officials. The plan is a joint effort between several government ministries and agencies.
With the new e-visa system, travellers will be able to apply online and upload all the needed documents from home. This replaces the old, manual process and is expected to make things faster and more secure.
Starting May 1, all visitors must fill out their landing and exit information online before boarding their flight to Nigeria. The digital forms will be handled by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), while immigration officers will carry out background checks at a central visa centre that’s already in place.
Minister Tunji-Ojo said the e-visa will be free and will help authorities screen travellers better, including checking for criminal records. He added that the NCAA will make sure airlines follow the new rules, and all travellers must complete their forms before they fly.
The project is supported by several agencies, including Immigration, NCAA, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Although the Interior Ministry is leading the program, officials say it’s a fully cooperative effort across government.
The goal is to make it easier to enter Nigeria while keeping the country safe. Officials believe using technology will cut delays, make the process more transparent, and help more people—especially investors and tourists—feel confident about visiting.
As countries around the world tighten border controls, Nigeria’s new system shows it’s ready to keep up and offer a safer, smoother travel experience.
