The Nigerian government has turned back eight foreigners who attempted to enter the country without valid visas last week, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed.

Speaking on TVC News on Sunday, the minister stressed the government’s firm stance against undocumented entry.

He said, “Just as I told the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Friday, the era of bringing people into Nigeria without visas is over. In the past two weeks, we’ve had multiple cases of people arriving without proper documentation, and that is unacceptable.”

Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed that the Ministry of Interior recently met with airline representatives to enforce stricter immigration compliance.

“Airlines must take responsibility. You can’t travel to the U.S. or the U.K. without a visa—no airline will carry you. Why should Nigeria be any different? This is not a dumping ground,” he said.

The minister warned that sanctions would be imposed on airlines that violate the country’s immigration protocols.

“We’ve already returned several individuals. Last week alone, we turned back more than six, seven, eight people. Airlines that bring them must return them. A visa is an authorization to enter Nigeria. Without it, you will not be allowed in.”

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding national security through strict enforcement of immigration laws.