No Visa, No Entry: Nigeria to Sanction Airlines Carrying Passengers Without Visas – Tunji-Ojo Declares
In a bold move to tighten Nigeria’s border security and immigration control, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a stern warning to all international airlines flying into the country. Speaking at a public event on May 23, 2025, the Minister made it clear that any airline that brings passengers into Nigeria without valid visas will be sanctioned in accordance with Nigerian immigration laws.
This statement signals a shift in how the Nigerian government intends to enforce its visa policies and ensure that international airlines adhere strictly to immigration regulations. It also serves as a wake-up call to foreign carriers who have, in the past, allegedly ferried passengers into Nigeria without ensuring their visa compliance.
Airlines Must Verify Visas Before Boarding Passengers to Nigeria
According to Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, it is no longer acceptable for airlines to fly individuals into Nigeria without confirming their visa status beforehand. This practice, he said, is unacceptable and must stop immediately.
“We have issues with the airlines, and we have spoken to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) about it,” Tunji-Ojo stated firmly.
He went on to explain that this practice—of bringing in travelers without visas—is not tolerated in other countries and should not be allowed in Nigeria either.
“A lot of people come into Nigeria without visas, and airlines pick them up. It is not the right thing to do. You can’t do this in any other country. If I want to travel to the UK and I don’t have a visa, British Airways will not pick me up. They must see my visa."
"Recently, we had to turn some people back because they didn’t have any visas. With the support of the NCAA, we will start to implement the law. Any airline that picks up passengers who do not have a visa will be fined,” the Minister declared.
This warning sends a strong message to all international flight operators, making it crystal clear that Nigeria is no longer willing to be treated as an exception when it comes to global immigration standards.
Nigeria is Not a Testing Ground – Tunji-Ojo Warns
The Minister emphasized that Nigeria is not a place where foreign airlines can disregard immigration laws and expect to get away with it. He used a powerful analogy, comparing Nigeria's expectations to the rigorous requirements of countries like the United Kingdom or the United States.
“How can someone come from Europe or Asia without a visa and then come into Nigeria and start making calls to ask how he or she can get a visa? It is not done anywhere,” he said.
“Please, we are pleading with you, you are here to do business, but you must obey Nigeria’s laws. The NCAA should please enforce this regulation. Please, before anyone comes into Nigeria, make sure you see the person’s visa. Do not pick up anyone without a visa, and the NCAA will have to issue a directive to that effect.”
Tunji-Ojo made it clear that this new policy is not just for show—it will be enforced strictly, and sanctions will follow any violations.
“Unless you are from a visa-free country, you must have a visa before entering Nigeria. Nigeria is not a testing ground where you can do what you can’t do in other countries. The power of enforcement will come into play; you must cite the visa and confirm the person has a valid visa.”
Visa-Free Countries Still Welcome – But the Law Must Be Obeyed
It is important to clarify that this policy does not affect nationals from countries that have visa-free agreements with Nigeria. Citizens of those nations can continue to enter the country as permitted under the bilateral or multilateral agreements. However, for all others, a valid visa remains a non-negotiable requirement.
This policy also places a significant responsibility on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which is expected to enforce the regulations and issue clear directives to airlines. Tunji-Ojo has requested NCAA’s cooperation in making sure no passenger boards a plane for Nigeria without proper visa documentation.
Visa Application Approval Not Guaranteed – Verification Measures in Place
Beyond warning airlines, the Minister also touched on the internal workings of the Nigerian visa approval system. He stressed that not all visa applications will be approved, and that each one is subject to verification.
“If you don’t qualify, you won’t get it. This time around, we go and verify any information you input when applying for short-stay visas. We go to the hotel and ensure as well,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
This added layer of scrutiny reflects Nigeria’s desire to create a robust and credible immigration system, especially for short-stay visitors such as tourists, business travelers, and conference attendees.
Visa Approval Statistics as of May 22, 2025
To support his argument, Tunji-Ojo provided official statistics regarding visa applications processed by Nigerian immigration authorities:
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Total visa applications: 5,814
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Approved visas: 5,617
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Rejected applications: 66
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Queried applications: 62
These numbers represent short-stay visa applications submitted by travelers looking to enter Nigeria. According to the Minister, each application goes through a rigorous verification process.
“We go to the hotel you input to verify if you actually booked. We will create a perfect system,” he added.
This level of due diligence is meant to reduce visa fraud, prevent illegal entry, and promote responsible tourism and business travel into the country.
What This Means for Airlines, Travel Agents, and Travelers
This directive from the Minister of Interior has serious implications for several stakeholders:
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Airlines must now develop stricter checks before allowing passengers to board flights to Nigeria. Failure to do so will attract sanctions and fines.
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Travel agents need to advise clients accurately and ensure that all necessary travel documents, especially valid visas, are in place before any travel plans are finalized.
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International travelers must ensure they have received their Nigerian visa before departure. Arriving without one could result in being turned back at the point of entry, regardless of where they are coming from.
Conclusion: Nigeria is Raising the Bar on Immigration Compliance
The warning from Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is not just administrative rhetoric—it marks the beginning of a new era of immigration enforcement in Nigeria. Airlines will be held accountable, and visa regulations will be implemented with strict oversight.
For Nigeria, this move is about respecting its sovereignty, protecting its borders, and aligning with international best practices. No country allows random entry, and Nigeria is no longer willing to be the exception.
This decision will help boost Nigeria’s global image, enhance security, reduce illegal immigration, and ensure that those who enter the country do so legally and responsibly.
As the Minister rightly concluded:
“Nigeria is not a testing ground where you can do what you can’t do in other countries.”
