In a significant move to bolster national security and streamline immigration protocols, the Nigerian government has signaled a new era of strict enforcement regarding entry into the country. Last week alone, eight foreign nationals were denied entry for attempting to arrive without valid visas, underscoring the authorities' renewed commitment to upholding immigration laws.

This firm stance was articulated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a recent interview on TVC News. Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the Ministry would no longer tolerate the entry of foreigners lacking proper documentation, marking a clear departure from past leniency.

The Minister disclosed that he held a crucial meeting with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Friday, where new, rigorous enforcement measures concerning the entry and exit of individuals into the country were discussed. "Just as I told the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Friday, the era of bringing people into Nigeria without visas is over," Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated emphatically. He further highlighted a concerning trend, noting, "In the past two weeks, we’ve had multiple cases of people arriving without proper documentation, and that is unacceptable.”

The government's directive comes with a stern warning for airlines. Dr. Tunji-Ojo made it clear that sanctions would be imposed on carriers found in violation of immigration protocols by transporting passengers without valid visas. He drew parallels with international travel standards, questioning why Nigeria should be an exception: “Airlines must take responsibility. You can’t travel to the U.S. or the U.K. without a visa—no airline will carry you. Why should Nigeria be any different? This is not a dumping ground.”

Reiterating the government's resolve, the Minister stressed that Nigeria would not accept undocumented travelers. He confirmed the immediate consequences for such attempts: “We’ve already returned several individuals. Last week alone, we turned back more than six, seven, eight people. Airlines that bring them must return them. A visa is the authorization to enter Nigeria. Without it, you will not be allowed in.”

This renewed focus on strict visa enforcement is a clear indication of the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its national security interests and ensuring that all entries into the country adhere to established legal frameworks. The message is unequivocal: proper documentation is now a non-negotiable prerequisite for anyone seeking to enter Nigeria.