The federal government has begun training 162 officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to handle visa applications, procedures, and approvals.
The officers will undergo intensive training on electronic visa applications to streamline the process for foreigners visiting Nigeria.
The training is part of a broader effort to ensure that visa applications are processed within 24 to 48 hours.
Speaking at the NIS headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a more efficient and responsive immigration system.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigerian borders should be opened to good people for business, for tourism and other legitimate enterprises.
The Minister said:” The whole idea for me is when people are able to apply and get their visas electronically. I think approval should be gotten within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours.
” Nigeria is a serious country led by a serious President in the person of President Tinubu, he is here to disrupt the normal or to create what we call unusual. And an efficient and vibrant NIS is possible. I know the time for the actualization is now. It is either we get it now or we forget about it.”
While charging the selected officers to be dedicated, honest and represent the country well, in the course of their duties, the Minister insisted that the best is expected from them.
“For the e-visa, I want you to do a good job because honestly speaking a population of 230 million people, the biggest economy in Africa. The frustration people go through to get visa into Nigeria is unacceptable. Let us calll a spade a spade. It is unacceptable.
“To come to Nigeria should not be difficult. Once you meet the conditions, we are a very hospitable people. We want to see people come to Nigeria. Let them come. Let us build an economy that will encourage people to come.
“The immigration has a key role to play on the Ease of Doing Business. Key role to play in terms of tourism and in terms of investment opportunities and a lot.. The situation is beyond boarder security. Don’t not forget you are the gate. You are the gateway to the nation. The impression you give about Nigeria is one that will always last forever,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further warned the officers not to compromise the nation’s national security and not approve terrorists and other criminals into Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Comptroller General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nana-Nandap, described the training as a significant one, adding that the selected officers have been thoroughly vetted before the start of the intensive training.
She said the system is a departure from what the agency had initially, saying ” not only are we doing thorough veting but we going to ensure that we have the documentation being warehoused with the NIS.”
