The Interior Minister Olubunmi, Tunji-Ojo has said that the federal government is improving the visa-on-arrival program rather than doing away with it.
Tunji-Ojo stated on February 21 that the federal government intends to abolish the visa-on-arrival scheme due to its inefficiency.
The minister’s remarks came during a meeting with the council’s representatives in Abuja, according to a statement released on Tuesday by Zahrah Audu, director-general of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).
The update would need real-time pre-arrival approval from criminal record systems, Interpol, and other background-check organisations, Tunji-Ojo said.
He said the development aligns with PEBEC’s efforts to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks experienced by Nigerians during travel.
The minister added that travellers would still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours.
“The visa-on-arrival process is not being scrapped. Rather, it has been upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness,” the statement reads.
“Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers.
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“With this upgrade, the country takes another step towards improving its business environment and attracting foreign investment.
“This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time.”
