Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured that Nigeria’s visa-on-arrival (VOA) policy has not been cancelled but upgraded to boost efficiency.
In a statement released by the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Audu, Tunji-Ojo gave the clarification after a closed-door meeting with PEBEC officials in Abuja, addressing concerns raised by investors over the reviewed VOA process.
Explaining the new measures, Tunji-Ojo stated, “The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped. Rather, it has been upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours.”
He noted that approved visas will now be sent directly to applicants via email, removing the need for physical stickers on arrival.
The Minister emphasized that the upgraded system will help Nigeria better automate and control the inflow of travellers, aligning with the country’s commitment to ease of doing business.
“This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time,”
Tunji-Ojo added, underscoring the government’s aim to attract more foreign investment through improved service delivery.
