FG unveils ‘NVP 2025’, warns Foreign Expatriates not to take Nigerians for granted
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a stern warning to foreign expatriates, urging them not to take Nigerians for granted. Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on the new Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025 on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Abuja, the minister emphasized that while Nigeria respects genuine foreign investors, it expects reciprocal respect from them.
Standard-Times Nigeria reports that the minister’s warning follows a disturbing incident in Niger State, where a foreign company’s director allegedly ordered his police officer to shoot an immigration officer who was simply carrying out his duties.
The incident has sparked outrage and underscored the need for foreign nationals to respect Nigerian laws and citizens. Dr. Tunji-Ojo reiterated that Nigeria values its relationships with foreign investors but will not tolerate any form of disrespect or abuse toward its people. His statement serves as a strong reminder that foreign expatriates must conduct themselves lawfully and respectfully while operating in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, stated that the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to an immigration system that balances national security with economic development. She highlighted that the policy aims to streamline visa procedures and enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for investors, tourists, and skilled professionals.
“This policy is the result of extensive consultations, technical evaluations, and collaborations among key ministries, departments, agencies, and stakeholders,” Dr. Ajani noted.
According to her, input from the private sector, diplomatic missions, and international development partners has been instrumental in shaping this reform.
Standard-Times Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025 is built on four fundamental pillars:
It’s to enhance national security through modernized border management, improved biometric verification, and digitized processes to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to regulate migration while preventing security threats.
To facilitate economic growth by streamlining visa procedures and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to attract foreign direct investment and boost tourism.
It’s to Improve the ease of doing business by ensuring a seamless experience for business travelers, investors, and skilled professionals contributing to Nigeria’s economy.
Promoting safe, orderly, and legal migration into Nigeria.
Dr. Ajani expressed her deep appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership, noting that the stakeholders’ sensitization workshop marks a significant milestone in their collective efforts to establish a modern, transparent, and globally competitive visa regime.
Dr. Ajani highlighted several critical reforms introduced under the new policy:
Streamlined visa classification: The number of visa categories has been reduced from 79 to 44 to ensure greater clarity and efficiency.
Introduction of 13 e-Visa categories: Previously fragmented and ambiguous electronic visa classifications have been consolidated for better accessibility.
Elimination of redundant and overlapping visa titles: This will simplify and accelerate the application process, making it more transparent and user-friendly.
The stakeholders’ workshop was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap. Comptroller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nwakuche Sylvester Ndidi. Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR. Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji O. Abdulganiyu. Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Interior on Visa Policy, Hon. Zinging.
The event concluded with a group photograph, marking the official launch of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025
