FG sets to roll out new visa policy – Minister

The Nigerian government is in process of reversing its immigration and visa policies to facilitate the ease of doing business within the country.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted the need to address barriers hindering foreign investors and tourists from accessing the country, while speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on Nigeria Visa Policy on Saturday in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to streamline the visa application process and reduce approval time.

He stressed the necessity of balancing reciprocity in visa issuance while maximizing economic benefits.

The Minister also acknowledged the collaborative effort required from various stakeholders to achieve a more efficient and inclusive visa policy.

He cited examples of countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore, which have successfully transformed their visa systems to attract investment and boost economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirming Nigeria’s ability to attract investors and tourists with its rich cultural heritage and investment opportunities but stressed the need to simplify access without jeopardizing national security.

He underscored the significance of embracing digital solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address obstacles related in visa issuance and manage irregular immigrants effectively.

“The vetting process of our visa application process as I have always said, this is 2024, this is not 1984, technology has to play a major role. And of course, there must be synergy between all partners. That we issue visas does not mean other people do not have one or two roles to play.

“We must identify the roles of all stakeholders, automate the process, bring in technology, and make sure that there is real-time solution to real-time problems. You cannot keep proffering long solutions to digital problems and expect to be efficient.

He said, “Also, the way we manage irregular immigrants is something to also talk about because it is very key to what we intend to achieve. There is a while lot of confusion at the point of entry- land borders, air, and sea borders. Looking at the while application process, the back-end and front-end and the whole solution,”.