The new state of the visa-on-arrival policy in Nigeria has been clarified by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.
The minister sat with officials from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC in Abuja in a private meeting where he explained that the V on A system was not cancelled, but improved for efficiency.
The minister confirms that with the new rule, there is going to be background checks from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other security agencies in real-time before arrival.
In a press statement provided by the Director-General of PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Audu further shares the information that the officials received from Tunji-Ojo.
The minister informed them that “The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being abandoned.”
Contrary to claims of cancellation of the V on A, the information from the minister is that the system is been modified to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
However, the modifications will still allow travellers to perform applications for short stays online and get approvals within 24 to 48 hours.
With the new arrangement, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email. This eliminates the need for a direct interaction for a visa stamp upon arrival.
“This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers.”
“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.”
Zahrah Audu noted that a meeting with the minister was a means to addressing growing concerns around the V on A as the cancellation reports have received reactions from beyond the country.
More so, it was meant to gather more about the government’s position on the program.
The Visa-on-Arrival policy was not cancelled, it was updated.
