Safeguarding Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Speaking at the launch in Abuja on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, represented by his media aide Alkasim Abdulkadir, described the initiative as a milestone in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and credibility in its interactions with other nations.
According to Tuggar, one of the recurring challenges in international dealings has been skepticism about the authenticity of Nigerian travel documents. He noted that concerns about fake passports and identity inconsistencies had led to heightened scrutiny of Nigerian travelers abroad.
“In the last two years, efforts have been made to tidy up the data coming out of Nigeria, working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and other agencies,” the minister explained. “Asfaar has now come at the right time to provide additional verification of the data Nigerians present when applying for visas.”
Filling a Critical Gap
Prior to this development, visa processing for Nigerians was largely handled by foreign-owned agencies such as TLScontact and VFS Global, whose regional headquarters are located in Dubai. The establishment of Asfaar marks the first time that a wholly Nigerian entity will manage such services, aligning the process more closely with national security priorities and data protection protocols.
From left: Head of Media Department, ASFAAR, Obiabo Nelson; the Managing Director, Dr Jamil Hausawi; and the Head Legal and Compliance Department, Muhammad Usman, addressing the newsmen, during a press launch and media tour of ASFAAR Visa Processing facilities in Abuja on Tuesday
Managing Director, ASFAAR, Dr Jamil Hausawi (L); addressing the newsmen during a press launch and media tour of the Visa Processing facilities in Abuja on Tuesday
Three-Phase Rollout Plan
Jamil Hausawi, Chief Executive Officer of Asfaar, explained that the agency was created to respond to the rising visa restrictions Nigerians face, particularly in countries with large Nigerian travel traffic.
He outlined a phased rollout of services:
- Phase One will focus on Arab and Gulf states, where Nigerians—especially those undertaking hajj and umrah pilgrimages—constitute a significant traveler base.
- Phase Two will expand to Asia and Australia.
- Phase Three will cover Europe and the United States, though Hausawi stressed that the expansion will be gradual.
While visa approval will remain the prerogative of embassies and consulates, Hausawi said Asfaar will act as a facilitator, with Nigerian government agencies ready to intervene if complications arise.
Towards Full Operations
Asfaar spokesperson Nelson Obiabo confirmed that the agency has commenced skeletal services. Full operations will begin once integration with embassies and consulates is completed.
The unveiling of Asfaar marks an important step in redefining Nigeria’s role in visa facilitation, with government officials hopeful that the centre will not only improve travel experiences for citizens but also restore global confidence in Nigerian travel documentation.