The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to all undocumented foreigners in Nigeria, granting them a finite window to regularise their status or face blacklisting and potential deportation.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and the Minister of Interior, who also unveiled a landmark digital initiative, the Free Digital Landing and Exit Card, set to take effect from 1 May 2025.
This bold measure comes as part of a broader inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Ministry of Interior, aimed at streamlining entry and exit procedures while fortifying national security.
The newly introduced e-visa system, coupled with the automated landing and exit card, will eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and ensure real-time tracking of foreign nationals entering and departing the country.
Crucially, the digital system has already yielded significant security dividends, with multiple individuals on Interpol’s wanted list apprehended due to tightened visa vetting processes. The government has also declared a time-limited amnesty, urging all illegal immigrants to seize the opportunity to regularise their documents before enforcement measures take full effect by 1st May, 2025.
According to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the landing and exit card, which will be completely free of charge, “must be completed online prior to travel, ensuring seamless processing at Nigerian ports of entry”.
He emphasised that this initiative not only facilitates hassle-free travel but also strengthens the nation’s ability to monitor and intercept high-risk individuals attempting to exploit outdated immigration protocols.
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