The Federal Government has not scrapped the Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy, but is instead upgrading it for better efficiency, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), confirmed on Tuesday.
Audu stated that she met with the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja to discuss concerns regarding the VOA process and was assured that the policy remains intact.
“The meeting aimed to address concerns and clarify the government’s stance on the VOA initiative,” she stated.
She further explained that the Visa on Arrival process is not being scrapped but upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness, aligning with PEBEC’s mission to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the Minister clarified that travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. The new upgrade will also allow visas to be sent directly to applicants via email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival.
“This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time,” the statement read.
The enhanced system aims to eliminate inefficiencies, improve automation, and allow Nigeria to better control the inflow of travellers, further boosting the country’s business environment and foreign investment prospects.
