Get Guardian on Google
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) process has not been scrapped.
The minister made this known after he met with the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to address concerns and clarify the government’s stance on the VOA initiative.
During the meeting, the Minister of Interior reassured the DG that the Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped but rather upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
The minister further clarified that travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals being granted within 24 to 48 hours.
Zahrah noted that the development is in line with PEBEC’s efforts to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria.
Once approved, she said, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival.
This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time,” she noted. “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.”
