Visas can only be approved in Nigeria – Interior Minister

The Minister said though applicants can apply from anywhere in the world at Nigeria embassies but the issuing can only be approved in Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo was speaking on Thursday in Jos at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Comptroller General Annual Conference 2024.

According to him: “We have built a visa approval center which is integrated with all security databases in the world, to be able to profile applicants.

“We want to be sure that whoever we issue Nigerian visas to is of right standing.

“So approval is here in Nigeria, while issuers will be in any country where we have an embassy”, he said.

Speaking earlier, the Nigeria Immigration Comptroller General, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, said this year’s conferences attracted the theme,
“Enhancing Border Security and Migration Management in a Globalized World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria.

She said while the conference lasted, it will assess the current State and preparedness of the NIS in meeting its statutory mandate and will also identify emerging challenges and opportunities in Border governance and migration management, as well as develop sustainable strategies for repositioning the NIS towards enhancing National Security and Economic interests.

“We recognize the complexities of securing our 4,047km borders with Benin (773km), Cameroun (1690km), Chad (87Km), Niger (1497) and the Gulf of Guinea, (853km).

“NIS is committed to leveraging technology, international cooperation, and capacity building to address these challenges.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians while facilitating regular migration and Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

“Similarly, effective migration management requires a balanced approach, addressing the push and pull factors driving migration”, Nandap said.

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She added that the conference will explore strategies to promote socio-economic inclusiveness, address cross-cutting issues, and strengthen regional cooperation.

In his remarks, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Arch Samuel Jatau, noted that the immigration service is aimed at fostering national unity and strengthening the economy of the nation.

Mutfwang stressed the importance of technology in border management, he applauded the Nigerian Immigration Service’s efforts towards digital surveillance and control.

” The deployment of advanced technology by the Nigerian Immigration Service in border management is a timely and essential initiative.

“The platform will also serve as an opportunity to enhance national security and economic development”, the Governor said.