By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
VISA APPLICATION procedures in Nigeria are set to undergo a significant transformation as the government announced plans to transition fully to online processing by March 1, 2025.
The government notes that this move aims to simplify the application process, combat corruption, and strengthen national security.
A centralised visa approval centre has thus been established to address inefficiencies in the previous system.
According to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the new facility will ensure uniformity in visa processing and proper vetting procedures.
He said, “This is a major achievement for this administration as the centralised visa approval centre will merge the visa regime, eliminate corruption, and enhance security measures.”
Central to this reform is the newly established data centre at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), located at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Sauka, Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the significance of this development, revealing that the government inherited a system with no comprehensive data centre, leaving sensitive information in the hands of private contractors—a violation of the Data Protection Act.
He added, “We’ve built one of the largest data centres in Nigeria’s history, with an 8.3-petabyte capacity. Initially, we promised a 1.4-petabyte centre, but we delivered something far more substantial. This facility is among the largest globally and marks a turning point in safeguarding Nigeria’s data infrastructure.”
He added that the digitisation of visa applications is expected to reduce processing delays, streamline operations, and enhance border security.
And with the March 2025 deadline approaching, he asserts that the government is urging prospective applicants to acquaint themselves with the new system to avoid any inconveniences.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo described these advancements as part of broader efforts to modernise immigration services and position Nigeria as a leader in digital transformation across Africa.
The Minister further assured the public that these initiatives will improve service delivery and enhance the overall integrity of Nigeria’s immigration processes.
