Nigeria’s E-Visa System Records Over 14,000 Applications in Six Weeks — Interior Minister
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, which launched on May 1, has successfully processed more than 14,000 applications within its first six weeks of operation.
He made this known on Monday during a stakeholder sensitization workshop on key immigration reforms held at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Abuja.
According to the minister, additional innovations—including the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (e-CERPAC) and the digital Temporary Work Permit (TWP)—will be launched within the coming week.
“In just six weeks, we’ve processed over 14,000 visa applications. That’s a major milestone by any global standard,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “Any minor challenges encountered are already being addressed and should be resolved within a week or two.”
He noted that his team, including the Comptroller General of Immigration, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of visas, and technical partners, had been working tirelessly—even over the weekend—to ensure the smooth implementation of these innovations.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the e-visa initiative is not only a tool for migration management but also a driver of economic development. He also highlighted the success of Nigeria’s e-border project in enhancing national security.
Addressing concerns over the misuse of the TWP, the minister affirmed that loopholes previously used to bypass CERPAC requirements are now closed. He added that scrapping manual archiving in passport processing has saved the government approximately ₦1 billion annually.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, outlined some of the service’s digital innovations, which include:
- The e-Visa Application Portal
- e-CERPAC system
- Digital Landing and Exit Cards
- Digitized Temporary Work Permits
She also noted that the newly installed electronic gates at major international airports, along with a centralized Command and Control Centre, will facilitate these digital upgrades.
“These technologies not only streamline application processes but also enhance national security and improve user experience for travellers and stakeholders alike,” Nandap said.
She added that the new systems eliminate the need for in-person visits to immigration offices, simplify documentation for expatriates in Nigeria, and significantly reduce processing times.