Nigeria to Implement Visa Reciprocity, Strengthen Border Surveillance

The Nigerian government has announced its adoption of the principle of reciprocity in visa issuance to foreigners entering the country.

This means that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas will be treated in a similar manner as Nigerians are treated by the respective countries. The move is aimed at ensuring fairness and equal treatment for Nigerian travelers abroad.

The Minister of Interior, Honourable Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during the Business Day Conference themed “Funding for Change: Building Bridges for a Resilient Nigeria.” He emphasized that the era when other countries treated Nigerian visa applicants with disregard was over, and the Nigerian government would implement the principle of give and take in visa issuance.

This decision is expected to result in stricter surveillance measures at Nigeria’s borders to control the inflow and outflow of people and enhance national security. The Minister noted that the ability to secure the nation’s borders is crucial for reducing insecurity and ensuring safety.

The Minister further explained that while Nigeria shares its borders with only four countries – Cameroon, Benin, Niger, and Chad – it should be able to effectively manage the movement of people in and out of the country. A safe border, according to Tunji-Ojo, contributes significantly to a secure nation and a safer world. He also stressed that security efforts require the support and cooperation of border communities.

To address this, the Minister highlighted the need to develop border communities by providing them with essential amenities, such as schools and hospitals. This infrastructure improvement is essential to earn the loyalty and support of these communities in enhancing the country’s security.

The Minister also discussed the need for identity management to be streamlined and simplified. He pointed out the importance of harmonizing the various data points held by different government agencies into a single, efficient system, enabling easier access to services and benefits. This digitalization is expected to simplify processes like passport issuance and enhance overall public services.

Additionally, the government plans to implement an Advanced Passenger Information system and smart gates at Nigerian airports to improve entry procedures. The goal is to make travel smoother for Nigerians returning to their homeland and offer them a seamless experience.

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By prioritizing efficiency and adopting international best practices, Nigeria aims to bridge the gap in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) funding, which is estimated at $10 billion annually. The Minister emphasized that partnerships and investments in digital public infrastructure would play a crucial role in driving development and improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.

The Minister’s announcement regarding visa reciprocity signifies a shift towards a more equitable visa process for Nigerians and foreigners alike, making travel procedures more transparent and fair. This move is in line with Nigeria’s pursuit of security and economic development, enhancing the nation’s standing in the international community.

The adoption of advanced technology and digital infrastructure, as well as the development of border communities, indicates a proactive approach to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for Nigeria.

Please note that this news article is based on the information available at the time of writing and may be subject to updates and developments.