The Ministry of Interior has launched an E-VISA training program to reform Nigeria’s visa policy and improve migration processes.
Speaking at the NIS headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a more efficient and responsive immigration system, and urged officers to remain dedicated to their duties.
The selected officers, numbering 162 personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will undergo intensive training on electronic visa applications to streamline the process for foreigners visiting Nigeria. The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that visa applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours.
“The whole idea for me is when people are able to apply and get their visas electronically. I think approval should be gotten within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours”, the minister said, adding that, “Nigeria is a serious country led by a serious President in the person of President Tinubu. He is here to disrupt the normal or to create what we call unusual. And an efficient and vibrant NIS is possible. I know the time for the actualization is now. It is either we get it now or we forget about it”.
While charging the selected officers to be dedicated, honest and represent the country well in the course of their duties, the Minister insisted that the best is expected from them.
The minister also stressed that the NIS has a key role to play on the Ease of Doing Business, in terms of tourism and investment opportunities. He further warned the officers not to compromise the nation’s national security and not approve terrorists and other criminals into Nigeria.
“Don’t not forget you are the gate. You are the gateway to the nation. The impression you give about Nigeria is one that will always last forever”.
Speaking earlier, the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nana-Nandap, described the training as a significant one, adding that the selected officers have been thoroughly vetted before the start of the intensive training.
She said the system is a departure from what the agency previously had.
“Not only are we doing thorough vetting but we going to ensure that we have the documentation being warehoused with the NIS”, she said.
