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The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to international airlines operating into Nigeria, cautioning that any carrier found airlifting passengers without valid entry visas, as well as landing and exit cards, will face stiff sanctions.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, delivered the warning on Friday in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement session on the implementation of Nigeria’s new electronic visa (E-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards.

The event brought together key players from the aviation and immigration sectors to align efforts on enforcing the revised 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

Tunji-Ojo was unequivocal in his message, stressing that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the entry of undocumented foreigners.

“Nigeria is not a dumping ground. No foreigner should be allowed into this country without a valid Visa. “The introduction of the E-Visa is meant to simplify entry processes, not compromise our national security”, he declared.

The Minister emphasised the critical role of airlines in national security and called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify regulatory oversight and ensure full compliance with the new visa policy.

“Before anyone boards a flight to Nigeria, airlines must confirm they have a valid visa, not just a ticket or a payment receipt.

“This is the global standard in places like the UK, US, and Canada, and Nigeria will no longer be an exception”, he said.

Tunji-Ojo praised the presence of Chris Najomo, NCAA Director-General, at the meeting, describing it as evidence of the inter-agency collaboration required for the successful implementation of the new system.

He also appealed to the aviation sector to balance commercial interests with their responsibility toward national interest and border control.

“Airlines are here to do business, but that business must not endanger Nigeria’s sovereignty or security,” he added.

The minister also highlighted the efficiency of the new E-Visa system, which he said was introduced on May 1 to facilitate legitimate travel while tightening security.

“As of May 22, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had received 5,814 visa applications, of which 5,671 were approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried”, he added.

He clarified that applying for a visa does not guarantee entry, as each applicant must meet set criteria. He also explained that both the E-Visa and Landing/Exit cards are embedded with barcodes to enhance data tracking and immigration control.

Speaking earlier, Najomo described the E-Visa system and associated landing/exit procedures as “a major milestone” in Nigeria’s aviation modernisation efforts.

“This development demonstrates our commitment to aligning with global best practices, particularly with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 9 standards on facilitation.

“The system improves traveler experience, enhances security, and boosts operational efficiency,” he said.

Najomo also noted that enabling visa applications to be completed entirely online with a turnaround time of under 48 hours would help position Nigeria as a destination for both investors and tourists, with potential for significant economic impact.

In her closing remarks, Kemi Nandap, Controller-General of the NIS, commended all stakeholders involved, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

She called for deeper inter-agency collaboration to ensure the smooth rollout of the E-Visa system, Landing, and Exit Cards initiative.

“Only through coordinated action can we guarantee the seamless and secure implementation of this transformative border control system,” she said.