By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has urged airlines not to compromise on national security in pursuit of their mercantile interest.
This is as the minister warned airlines against airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, landing and exit cards, stressing that defaulting will attract sanctions.
Tunji-Ojo made the remarks at a stakeholders’ sensitisation programme on the implementation of the e-visa, landing and exit cards on Friday in Lagos.
The minister called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to work in collaboration with the interior ministry toward the enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
“I plead with the NCAA to regulate; that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the NCAA.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business, but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security.
“Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria any more,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Speaking on the ease of applying for the e-visa and landing and exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.
According to the minister, as of May 22nd, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66 and queried 62 applications since the introduction of e-visas on May 1.
Tunji-Ojo maintained that the e-visa process will improve the database of the NIS with information on travellers.
He explained the features of the e-visa, the landing and exit cards with a barcode.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued,” he added.
Also speaking, Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said that the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems was a milestone.
Najomo said that was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.
“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.
