E-visa: FG processes over 14,000 applications in 6 weeks – Tunji-Ojo 

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says that the recently launched electronic visa (e-visa) regime, has achieved significant success, processing over 14,000 applications within its first six weeks.

Tunji-Ojo disclosed this during a stakeholder sensitisation workshop on major Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) innovations on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the electronic visa regime launched by the Federal Government took off on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

He also revealed that the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and the electronic Temporary Work Permit (TWP) were set to go live within the next week.

He, however, highlighted the efficiency of the new system, saying, “I can tell you within the first six weeks of the e-visa, we were able to process over 14,000 visa applications.

“This happened within six weeks. So, by any standard in the world, is a pass mark.

“It is a huge one and, of course, those little hitches, I tell you, within the next one to two weeks, will be history. We will correct them and we are already working.

“Even yesterday in my house, the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap was there. Technological partners were in my house. The Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) in charge of visa was in my house.

“All of us in my house, we worked for hours yesterday, Sunday, even in my conference room at home.

“We were working because we understand when you are in the process of innovation, there is no room, there is no opportunity for you to close your eyes.

“You must make sure it works. We are ready for the challenge,”

The Interior Minister explained that the e-visa system was introduced not only for migration management but also as a catalyst for economic growth.

“To me, when somebody needs a visa to Nigeria, and all he is looking for is who knows the minister, who knows the CG Immigration, who knows the Permanent Secretary, that is not how to grow a country.

“And that is the truth. You must make it easy while not compromising national security. There must be that strategy. So, the e-visa, I want to assure you, is here, and by the grace of God, is here to stay,”he maintained.

Tunji-Ojo, however, noted that the e-border solution had significantly bolstered Nigeria’s border security framework.

According to him, we are not yet where we want to be, but we are not where we were.

“There has been progress, and the simple truth is, we will continue to invest in our e-border governance and put more boots on the ground to make sure that every inch of the Nigerian border space is well protected,” he vowed.

Speaking on the upcoming e-CERPAC and TWP, the minister declared an end to the previous misuse of the TWP system.

He said “that era when people will come on TWP almost for free, keep renewing over and over, just to evade the law, is gone.

“So, for us, TWP is automated just like CERPAC is already automated,” he emphasised.

The Interior Minister added that discontinuing manual archiving in passport application processes had resulted in an annual saving of approximately N1billion for Nigeria, as the relevant contract had been terminated.

In his welcome address, the NIS CG, Mrs Kemi Nandap, elaborated on the recent digital innovations by the Service.

Nandap explained that the new visa regime introduced several innovative services, including the e-Visa Application Channel, e-CERPAC, Landing and Exit Cards, and Temporary Work Permit.

“The already installed e-Gates at our major Airports and commissioned Command and Control Centre is positioned to house and harness these technologies.

“These digital solutions leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for travelers and stakeholders,” she explained.

Nandap said that the e-Visa system allowed for seamless online applications, eliminating the need for physical visits to immigration offices.

She added that the e-CERPAC integrated residence permits into a digital document, simplifying processes for foreign nationals residing in Nigeria.

“Our temporary work permit has also been digitised, reducing processing times and increasing efficiency.