FG Cracks Down: Airlines Face Fines for Flying Passengers Without Valid Visas

 

A new era of stricter immigration enforcement is dawning in Nigeria! The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, today, May 23rd, issued a bold directive: any airline flying passengers into Nigeria without valid visas will face severe sanctions. His message is clear: Nigeria will no longer be treated as a "testing ground" for practices unacceptable anywhere else in the world.

Speaking at a public function, the Minister expressed his frustration with the current trend. "A lot of people come into Nigeria without visas, and airlines pick them up. It is not the right thing to do," he stated emphatically. He drew a sharp comparison, noting that an airline like British Airways wouldn't dare fly a passenger to the UK without a valid visa, questioning why Nigeria should be an exception.

"How can someone come from Europe or Asia without a visa and then come into Nigeria and start making calls to ask how he or she can get a visa? It is not done anywhere," Tunji-Ojo queried.

The Minister confirmed that he has already engaged with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). With their support, the implementation of existing laws will be rigorously enforced. "Any airline that picks up passengers who do not have a visa will be fined," he warned, urging airlines to "please, before anyone comes into Nigeria, make sure you see the person’s visa. Do not pick up anyone without a visa..."

For those wondering about visa approvals, the Minister clarified that qualification is key. As of May 22, 2025, out of 5,814 short-stay visa applications, 5,617 were approved, while 66 were rejected and 62 queried. He also revealed that for short-stay visas, the Ministry now verifies hotel bookings, aiming to "create a perfect system."

This strong stance signals Nigeria's commitment to streamlining its immigration processes and aligning with global best practices.

What are your thoughts on this new, firm directive from the Minister of Interior?