The Federal Government has taken a firm stance against undocumented migration, disclosing that eight foreigners were denied entry into Nigeria last week for attempting to enter the country without valid visas.
This revelation came from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during an exclusive interview on TVC News broadcast Sunday night in Abuja.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s new zero-tolerance policy towards irregular migration, stating: “Just as I told the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Friday, the era of bringing people into Nigeria without visas is over. In the past two weeks, we’ve had multiple cases of people arriving without proper documentation, and that is unacceptable.”
The Minister disclosed he held crucial talks with the Airline Operators of Nigeria on Friday to implement stricter enforcement measures regarding passenger documentation.
He issued a stern warning to airlines that flout immigration regulations, threatening severe sanctions for non-compliance.
“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,” the Minister asserted, drawing parallels with global immigration standards.
Highlighting recent enforcement actions, Dr. Tunji-Ojo revealed: “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.”
The Minister’s comments underscore the government’s heightened focus on national security and strict adherence to immigration laws. The new measures aim to prevent Nigeria from becoming a destination for undocumented migrants while ensuring all entrants have proper authorization.
This policy shift comes as part of broader reforms in Nigeria’s immigration system, with the government determined to maintain the integrity of its borders and align its entry requirements with international best practices. The Interior Ministry has vowed to maintain this stringent approach, signaling a new era of tighter border control in Africa’s most populous nation.
