Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its immigration system, set to take effect on May 1, aiming to streamline processes, enhance expatriate management, and ensure transparency. Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced these significant changes during a meeting with key private sector stakeholders in Lagos, including NECA and NACCIMA.
The reforms are designed to “sanitise Nigeria’s expatriate employment system, curb abuses, and create a more business-friendly environment,” as stated by Tunji-Ojo. Notably, the introduction of an e-visa platform promises visa issuance within 48 hours for legitimate travelers, a move aimed at boosting economic growth by facilitating easier access for business engagements.
“Visa is no longer just a tool for immigration control, it’s a tool for economic growth,” Tunji-Ojo explained. “We are introducing an e-visa system to make it easier for legitimate travelers to access Nigeria, especially for short-term business engagements.”
Another pivotal reform is the complete automation of the Expatriate Quota and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) application processes. This online system seeks to eliminate paperwork and reduce corruption, ensuring all applications are processed digitally with QR-coded documents and integrated security checks.
“The era of going to the bank, buying forms, and physically submitting documents is over,” Tunji-Ojo declared. “Everything will be processed online, with QR-coded digital copies and backend integration with security systems to verify criminal records and immigration history.”
The Minister highlighted the need to address abuses within the expatriate quota system, citing instances where quotas were granted for roles easily filled by Nigerians. To combat this, companies will now be required to submit progress reports on expatriate understudies, ensuring knowledge transfer to local workers.
“How can a company ask for a quota to bring in a driver?” he asked rhetorically. “We are not against expatriates, but the quota system must be used strictly where there’s no local expertise.”
Further reforms include mandatory expatriate insurance to cover repatriation and liability, aligning with global best practices. The government will also introduce prorated CERPAC payments for short-term workers, easing the financial burden on businesses.
The introduction of digital landing and exit cards aims to modernize immigration processes and improve data tracking. “Before boarding any flight to Nigeria, all travelers must fill out their landing cards online,” Tunji-Ojo explained. “The airlines will be mandated to check this, just like we did during COVID-19.”
To address visa overstays, penalties will be enforced starting August 1, 2025. However, a three-month amnesty period from May 1 will allow overstayers to regularize their status or exit without penalty.
“If you overstay and your visa allows for penalties, you’ll pay. If not, you may face entry ban,” the minister warned.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to national unity and economic prosperity, stating that these reforms are crucial for protecting Nigeria’s interests. He also noted that government data indicates fewer than 50,000 registered expatriates, far below the actual number, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement.
“Our relationship with the private sector must be symbiotic, not parasitic,” Tunji-Ojo said. “National interest is fundamental, and we cannot mortgage the future of our young population for today’s convenience.”
Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, director-general of NECA, praised the reforms and encouraged businesses to utilize the amnesty period. “We must prioritise homeland security,” Oyerinde said. “It’s our collective responsibility to support them in achieving further milestones.”
These reforms signal a significant shift towards a more efficient and transparent immigration system, aiming to balance economic growth with national security.
