Nigerian Government Takes Action to Overhaul Visa on Arrival Policy

The federal government has established a committee to begin the execution of the principle of reciprocity in international relations, especially with regard to the Nigerian visa-on-arrival policy.

Reports say the committee was set up by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior.

The committee which is headed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Oluwatoyin Akinlade, will come up with a report on how best to implement the strategy.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria could not be offering visas on a platter to nationals of some countries, who are coming to the country to make money. 

FG states visa is based on reciprocity

Tunji-Ojo said, “We have set up a committee, chaired by the permanent secretary, to review our passport and visa policy. The director of joint services is the secretary and NIS CG is a member among others.”

He also stressed that “Nigeria is not a thrash and we cannot be treated as such. Visa is based on reciprocity anywhere in the world, so we are seriously looking at our visa-on-arrival policy. ”There is no point allowing someone to enjoy that when he gets to Nigeria and we don’t enjoy that when we go there.

The minister further added “The committee has about two weeks to submit its report. Once we enforce this principle of reciprocity, people will call us to talk too because most of these people who come to Nigeria come to make money and yet we go to their own countries to spend money.

”Yet, they make it difficult for Nigerians. We are working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this.”

Tunji speaks on passport reforms

The minister also said as part of his passport reforms, he had engaged service providers of the ministry to establish more passport front offices according to earlier contractual agreements.

He said, “Somebody cannot leave in Akoko and he needs to travel to Akure just for the sake of biometrics. The cost of travelling, the risk to life and the inconveniences. These are the issues we are trying to tackle.”

”They should put their houses in order and give Nigerians a sweet experience. We are friends to the extent to which you defend the interest of the nation. We have told them that.”