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Emigration and immigration

Nigeria Warns Airlines Against Flying Passengers Without Valid Visas

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to airlines operating in the country, urging them to verify the visa status of passengers before allowing them to board flights bound for Nigeria. This move comes as the country is set to fully implement its new e-visa policy, which aims to strengthen aviation security and improve air travel facilitation. According to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria will not tolerate practices that are not accepted elsewhere, and any airline found violating this rule will face severe sanctions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian government has warned airlines against flying passengers into the country without valid visas, stating that this practice is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
  • The warning was issued by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following consultations with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo.
  • The enforcement of this policy will be strict and consistent, with airlines required to verify the visa status of passengers before allowing them to board flights to Nigeria.
  • Nigeria is set to fully implement its new e-visa policy, which includes the use of landing and exit cards to enhance aviation security and operational efficiency.
  • As of May 22, 2025, a total of 5,814 visa applications had been processed under the new short-stay system, with 5,617 approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried.
  • The Nigerian government will verify the details of visa applicants, including their hotel bookings, to ensure that only qualified applicants are granted visas.
  • The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the introduction of the e-visa and the related landing and exit card systems as a major leap in Nigeria's efforts to improve air travel facilitation while maintaining aviation security and operational efficiency.

Statistics:

  • 5,814 visa applications had been processed under the new short-stay system as of May 22, 2025.
  • 5,617 visa applications were approved, representing a 95.3% approval rate.
  • 66 visa applications were rejected, representing a 1.1% rejection rate.
  • 62 visa applications were queried, representing a 1.1% query rate.
  • The Nigerian government has emphasized the importance of verifying hotel bookings and other details of visa applicants to ensure that only qualified applicants are granted visas.

Sources:

  • Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, quoted in the Nigerian Immigration Service sensitization programme, May 2025.
  • Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, quoted in the Nigerian Immigration Service sensitization programme, May 2025.
  • Capt. Chris Najomo, Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, quoted in the Nigerian Immigration Service sensitization programme, May 2025.

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