Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s newly launched electronic visa (e-visa) system has processed over 14,000 applications in its first six weeks, the Federal Government announced on Monday. The system, which became operational on May 1st, is being hailed as a significant success in the nation’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and boost economic growth.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed these figures during a stakeholder sensitisation workshop on key immigration reforms held at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja. He noted that the initial uptake demonstrated a “pass mark” for the system, with efforts underway to resolve any minor teething issues within the next two weeks.
“I can tell you within the first six weeks of the e-visa, we were able to process over 14,000 visa applications,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated, underscoring the rapid adoption. He highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring the system’s smooth operation, even recounting working hours on a Sunday with immigration officials and technological partners to address improvements.
The Minister emphasised that the e-visa system is not merely a document for migration management but a crucial tool for enhancing economic growth. He stressed the importance of making visa acquisition straightforward without compromising national security, stating, “When somebody needs a visa to Nigeria, and all he is looking for is who knows the minister… that is not how to grow a country.”
Further Digital Reforms Underway
Beyond the e-visa, Dr. Tunji-Ojo also disclosed that two other major digital platforms are set to go live within the coming week: the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and the electronic Temporary Work Permit (e-TWP). He asserted that the introduction of the e-TWP would eliminate previous circumvention tactics where individuals would repeatedly renew temporary permits to evade proper legal processes.
“That era when people will come on TWP almost for free, keep renewing over and over, just to evade the law, is gone,” he declared, signalling a stricter, more automated approach to work permits.
The Minister further noted that the elimination of manual archiving in passport application processes has already saved Nigeria an estimated one billion Naira annually, following the cancellation of related contracts.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Mandap, further explained the recent digital innovations. She stated that the new visa regime includes several innovative services like the e-Visa Application Channel, e-CERPAC, Landing and Exit Cards, and the digitised Temporary Work Permit.
According to CGIS Mandap, the already installed e-Gates at major airports and the commissioned Command and Control Centre are positioned to house and leverage these technologies. “These digital solutions leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for travellers and stakeholders,” she explained.
The e-visa system allows for seamless online applications, removing the need for physical visits to immigration offices, while the e-CERPAC integrates residence permits into a digital document, simplifying processes for foreign nationals residing in Nigeria. The digitisation of the Temporary Work Permit is also expected to significantly reduce processing times and increase efficiency.
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