Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated that the Federal Government is prepared to implement digital landing/exit cards and an e-visa system in order to improve national security.
Keyamo said this during a meeting with a group headed by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Wednesday in Abuja.
He claims that without going to an office, individuals would be able to apply for Nigerian visas online and upload all required paperwork thanks to the e-visa system.
Additionally, he announced that before visitors arrive in Nigeria, they will now complete the customary landing and exit cards online instead of on paper.
“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.
“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system,” he explained.
Keyamo clarified that Tunji-Ojo would provide all program specifics and mentioned that the project would be supported by organizations like Immigration, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.
He went on to say that as the proposal mostly comes under the purview of the Interior Ministry, there is no controversy about it.
Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo stated during the meeting that the digital landing card and visa systems would go live on May 1.
He emphasized that the e-visa will be free and intended to improve national security while making travel to Nigeria easier.
Additionally, Tunji-Ojo clarified that the NCAA will be in charge of overseeing the landing and exit cards, which all passengers are required to fill out online prior to their flight into Nigeria.
He said that the Immigration headquarters already has a central visa approval center manned by skilled officials who use cutting-edge resources, such as international criminal background checks.
“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,”
“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.”
