The Federal Government has announced that all visa applications in Nigeria will transition to an online system before March 1, 2025.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during an X Spaces session hosted by influencer Dr. Segun Awosanya on Monday.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the establishment of a centralised visa approval centre as part of efforts to streamline the visa process, enhance national security, and combat corruption.
“The visa approval centre is a major achievement for this administration. It ensures uniformity, reduces corruption, and improves security through a harmonised visa regime. By March 1, all visa applications will be processed online to allow for proper vetting,” he stated.
FG Builds World-Class Data Centre for Immigration Services
The minister also revealed the existence of a harmonised data centre at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) within the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Sauka, Abuja. The state-of-the-art facility boasts an 8.3-petabyte capacity, positioning it as one of the largest data centres in the world.
Prior to this development, Dr. Tunji-Ojo explained that Nigeria lacked a centralised data system for immigration services, with critical data being managed privately by contractors, violating the Data Protection Act. “We inherited an Immigration Service without a proper data centre. Initially, we promised a 1.4-petabyte centre, but we delivered an 8.3-petabyte facility to ensure the secure management of Nigerians’ data,” he added.
These reforms, according to the minister, are part of the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in immigration services while safeguarding national security.
