The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the country has not cancelled its visa-on-arrival policy; rather, it has been upgraded.
According to a statement issued at the weekend by the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Audu, Tunji-Ojo made this clarification following a closed-door meeting with a delegation of PEBEC in Abuja.
The clarification comes amid mixed reactions from investors over Nigeria’s reviewed visa-on-arrival, VOA, policy.
Meanwhile, Tunji-Ojo explained that the review of the VOA policy is aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.
“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 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.
“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,” he stated.
