Tunji-Ojo clarifies visa-on-arrival policy upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“The Visa on Arrival process is not being scrapped. Rather, it has been upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals being granted within 24 to 48 hours.
“Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers” – Tunji-Ojo
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Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has denied the cancellation of Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) policy, saying it has been upgraded, not scrapped, as reported in the media.
The Interior Minister made the clarification after his meeting with a delegation of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Abuja, according to a statement issued by PEBEC Director General Zahrah Audu.
She said the meeting was conveyed to address concerns about and to clarify the government’s stance on VoA, in line with efforts by PEBEC to reduce bureaucratic constraints and simplify procedure for doing business in Nigeria.
The statement quoted Tunji-Ojo as saying that the VoA upgrade requires pre-arrival clearance from INTERPOL, criminal record systems, and other background-check agencies in real-time.
“The Visa on Arrival process is not being scrapped. Rather, it has been upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals being granted within 24 to 48 hours,” the statement explained, per reporting by The PUNCH.
“Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers.
“With this upgrade, the country takes another step towards improving its business environment and attracting foreign investment.
“This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time.”
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