The Federal Government of Nigeria will fully automate the landing and exit card process for foreigners traveling into and out of the country, in a bid to boost national security and streamline immigration procedures.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement during a joint press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday alongside the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the digital system will replace the current paper-based process. Travelers will now be required to complete their landing or exit cards online prior to boarding any flight into or out of Nigeria.
“Previously, travelers had to fill paper forms on arrival or departure,” he said. “But as a country of over 230 million innovative people, it is only right that we embrace technology. This new process takes effect from May 1, 2025.”
He emphasized that the process is entirely free and designed strictly for security and record-keeping purposes. “Nobody is paying a dime for this. It’s a necessary step to better manage data and enhance our border security architecture,” he added.
The minister disclosed that enforcement of the policy will be preceded by a three-month amnesty period. This window allows foreigners who may have overstayed their visas or violated immigration laws to regularize their stay without immediate penalties.
“Implementation begins in May, but full enforcement will follow after a three-month grace period. We encourage anyone who is in breach of immigration regulations to take advantage of this opportunity and update their status,” Tunji-Ojo urged.
To ensure seamless adoption of the new process, a joint implementation team comprising officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will be established.
The team is expected to finalize all regulatory and operational frameworks within a week.
“We’re working as one team to protect one interest—the Nigerian interest,” the interior minister stated. “The NCAA and NIS will nominate members to the joint task force to develop the protocols and ensure airlines comply.”
Highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to security, Tunji-Ojo recalled the successful deployment of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), which has enabled Nigerian authorities to intercept individuals flagged by international security agencies.
“Through APIS, we’ve been able to apprehend several persons on Interpol’s red notice list at the point of entry. That level of vigilance is what we’re building upon,” he noted.
Adding to the briefing, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo explained how the automated system will function.
“Before boarding a flight to or from Nigeria, a foreigner must fill out the appropriate card online,” Keyamo explained. “The airline will verify this using the passenger’s passport number. If there’s an issue—such as overstaying—the system will alert the airline, which will then refer the passenger to immigration officers.”
Keyamo also noted that penalties for non-compliance may include fines, visa revocation, or a ban from entering Nigeria for up to a decade.
