FG Set To Inaugurate E-visa System, Automated landing, Exit Card- Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government will inaugurate an e-visa system, automated landing and exit card to enhance national security and record management.
Keyamo made this known when he received a team led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the e-visa system will allow applicants to submit their visa applications online and upload required documents electronically.
He explained that the manual landing and exit card system will be digitalised requiring visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.
”What we are doing here today is a further testament to the determination of this government to foster cooperation between key ministries that have mandates that overlap.
”Today is another example of that kind of cooperation and collaboration, and this has to do with the introduction of the e-visa.
”The details will be explained by my brother, the Minister of Interior, but we have agreed with our agencies, Immigration, NCAA, FAAN, to work tirelessly, smoothly on this new initiative, ` he said.
Keyamo said there was no objection to the programme that principally involved the ministry of Interior.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo affirmed that the automating system would take effect from May 1, 2025.
According to him, the e-Visa application that will be free will make it easier for people to come into Nigeria by enhancing the security of the country.
He said the ministries had agreed for Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would handle landing and exit cards to be filled online and presented to airlines before a passenger could board.
”There is a centralised visa approval center already at the immigration headquarters. Officers have been trained, well equipped, and solution integrated into all criminal record systems in the world, major ones in the world, Interpol and the rest.
”There will be better background check, in terms of people coming into Nigeria. We are also looking at removing bottlenecks, and also making sure people can get visas to Nigeria without lobbying anybody to come into Nigeria.
”We want to open our borders without compromising national security. So, for us, as Ministry of Interior, we have our role to play. And most importantly, the Ministry of Aviation too.”
