Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that the country's visa-on-arrival (VoA) policy has not been scrapped, contrary to earlier reports. The policy, which allowed passport holders from African Union member states and citizens of all countries to obtain visas upon arrival, has been a vital tool for facilitating business travel and tourism in Nigeria.

The clarification follows a meeting between the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, and the Minister of Interior, aimed at discussing the VoA process, addressing concerns, and reaffirming the government's stance on the initiative. The decision to halt the VoA policy had raised fears and panic among investors, threatening to hinder business travel, discourage foreign investment, and create uncertainty about the country's commitment to ease of doing business.

The VoA policy, introduced to simplify entry procedures, allowed eligible travelers to obtain visas at international airports rather than at embassies or consulates. However, it was not available at land border crossings, and travelers were required to meet documentation and fee requirements before receiving entry approval upon arrival. The policy was designed to promote tourism, business, and emergency relief work, and also extended to Nigerians in the diaspora with dual citizenship, infants born abroad, and former citizens who had renounced their nationality.

Despite the policy's benefits, the Minister of Interior had announced plans to discontinue the VoA policy, citing it as "unsustainable" and a potential security risk. According to the minister, it is essential to have prior knowledge of a traveler's arrival in Nigeria. However, security experts have raised concerns about potential lapses, warning that relying solely on port-of-entry document submissions may hinder thorough vetting of travelers.

To address these concerns, the government plans to deploy an Advance Passenger Information system at land borders and replace the current VoA system with stricter pre-arrival clearance and screening processes by April 1, 2025. The upgraded system will allow travelers to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. Individuals will be required to fill out a landing card, which will be integrated with the visa solution, passport solution, and global background checking systems, prior to arrival.

The enhanced system aims to eliminate inefficiencies, improve automation, and strengthen Nigeria's control over traveler inflows. By modernizing the visa process, Nigeria moves closer to creating a more business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment. The clarification has eased investor fears, and the government's commitment to enhancing the VoA policy is expected to boost confidence in Nigeria's business climate.

The development is a significant step forward for Nigeria, which has been working to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment. The country's efforts to simplify its visa process and enhance security measures are likely to have a positive impact on its economy and tourism industry.

As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of its visa policy, the government's commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment is expected to be closely watched by investors and stakeholders. The success of the upgraded VoA policy will depend on its ability to balance security concerns with the need to facilitate business travel and tourism.