ABUJA–On Friday, the Federal Government sternly warned the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to block terrorists and criminals from securing e-visas.
Following this warning, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, delivered the directive while inaugurating a two-week training program for 162 immigration officers in Abuja.
Addressing participants, he stressed that the NIS must safeguard borders while driving tourism, business, and economic growth through streamlined processes.
Emphasizing accountability, he demanded relentless vigilance and unwavering integrity in e-visa issuance to protect national security.
“You must ensure that terrorists and other criminals do not enter the country. Do not grant them e-visas,” the minister stated firmly.
Nigeria actively opens its borders to global tourism and economic collaboration, prioritizing business growth and opportunity.
Driven by bold vision, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leads Nigeria with determination, disrupting the status quo to deliver extraordinary, measurable progress nationwide.
The Minister underscored that the selected officers bear a significant responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s global image.
He urged them to prioritize efficiency and transparency while addressing challenges faced by applicants seeking Nigerian visas.
“It is your responsibility to put an end to the frustrations people face when seeking a visa to Nigeria. You must call a spade a spade—compromise will not be tolerated,” he said.
“You all know I stand for what is right and have zero tolerance for compromise.Failure to fulfill duties triggers immediate removal.
Furthermore, termination alone won’t suffice—strict disciplinary or legal consequences will follow.
Specifically, negligence incurs penalties like fines or litigation, reinforcing our zero-tolerance stance on unmet obligations.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the NIS’s critical role in boosting Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business rankings while actively promoting investment opportunities.
He urged officers to lead as frontline ambassadors, crafting visitors’ and investors’ critical first impressions to accelerate national growth.
Furthermore, he emphasized the Nigeria Immigration Service’s expanded mandate: boosting tourism, attracting investments, and fueling economic progress through efficient, user-centric systems.
Remember, you are the gatekeepers, the gateway to the nation’s growth and development. The impression you leave about Nigeria will have a lasting impact,” he concluded.
The training program will equip participating officers with advanced e-visa processing skills through immersive learning.
By integrating rigorous security protocols, the initiative prepares them to handle responsibilities effectively while safeguarding national standards.