In a bid to address growing concerns, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, set the record straight on Tuesday, clarifying that the much-discussed Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy was upgraded, not abolished, as recent reports suggested.
Tunji-Ojo made the clarification following a private meeting with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) delegation in Abuja, shedding light on the government’s stance and easing tensions around the controversial development.
According to Princess Zahrah, Director-General of PEBEC, the purpose of the meeting was to clear up confusion and reinforce the government’s commitment to simplifying processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses and investors in Nigeria.
The VOA policy, which had stirred mixed reactions among the international community and investors, was previously misunderstood to be scrapped altogether.
However, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the revamped system is designed to increase efficiency and improve the country’s travel and business environment.
New regulations introduced as part of the upgrade will require real-time background checks, including pre-arrival clearances from Interpol and criminal record systems. This move ensures thorough vetting while maintaining the streamlined process for travelers.
Tunji-Ojo explained, “The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped. It has been enhanced to improve efficiency. Travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, the visa will be sent directly to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival.”
The upgraded VOA system is a step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize and automate visa processes, ensuring better control and management of traveler inflow.
This system builds on Nigeria’s existing online approval framework, enhancing it further to create a more seamless experience for visitors.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted that this upgrade is part of the government’s broader goal to attract foreign investment and improve the country’s business landscape, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to being more business-friendly and globally competitive.
