The Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (on the left), and the Honorable Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo.
ABUJA
– The Federal Government has unveiled significant improvements in national border security and travel efficiency via a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
The partnership aims to considerably enhance Nigeria’s ability to oversee its borders effectively, pinpoint high-risk persons, and facilitate smooth access for genuine travelers.
A statement by the Director, Press & Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi on Friday said the announcement was made at the meeting on Implementation and Enforcement of Immigration Protocols that took place at the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Abuja.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, conveyed profound gratitude for the ongoing assistance provided by the Ministry of Aviation, notably in the rollout and execution of the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).
He stated that this advanced technology has contributed significantly to enhancing border security, leading to the apprehension of several individuals featured on INTERPOL’s red notice list at Nigerian entry points, who were subsequently transferred to international authorities. This accomplishment is attributed to the collaborative work between both ministries.
This degree of achievement within our national security framework became attainable solely due to our collective objective and common outlook as part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” stated the Minister. “The Ministry of Aviation has served not just as a collaborator but as a cornerstone in these endeavors.
At a shared press conference, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of the event as a key moment in cooperation between different government departments.
“What we are accomplishing today serves as another proof of this government’s commitment to encourage collaboration among crucial ministries that share similar responsibilities,” he declared.
The Minister said building on the success of APIS, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) supported the installation of e-gates at major airports including Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. These e-gates are now operational, further enhancing the efficiency and security of passenger movement.
He further explained that, the collaboration has also given rise to the next innovation—an automated e-visa system and digital landing and exit cards, replacing outdated paper forms that would make travelers coming to Nigeria complete these digital cards online prior to boarding.
He clarified that this initiative, which was coordinated with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marks a significant advancement in updating Nigeria’s travel procedures.
“This goes beyond mere convenience; it’s about safeguarding our borders while maintaining our warmth and openness,” remarked the Minister. “Given our population of more than 230 million incredible individuals, Nigeria should take the forefront in technological advancement and creative thinking,” added the Minister.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that the new e-visa system will provide a unified and streamlined approach to visa applications, supported by improved security screenings and connections to international crime databases like INTERPOL. This program aims to streamline processes by cutting out red tape and eliminating middlemen, enabling applicants to submit their requests and obtain visas more openly and effectively.
He mentioned that this approach would guarantee seamless execution, adding that both the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and NCAA have consented to form a collaborative technical committee aimed at crafting guidelines and supervising the practical deployment of these innovative measures.
Furthermore, the digital arrival and departure cards will be offered at no cost to every international traveler solely for reasons related to national security and efficient data management.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo stated that this cooperation between ministries exemplifies good governance focused on teamwork rather than competition.
We’re entering an era where ministries collaborate rather than operate independently, all working together towards a common goal: safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty while embracing global engagement.
The Minister stated that both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed their joint dedication to guaranteeing that visitors have access to the finest experiences offered by the nation, including security, advancement, and the exceptional warmth of Nigeria’s populace.
In turn, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, expressed his dedication to working alongside the Ministry of Interior. He recognized their longstanding partnership and mentioned that this cooperation had not been previously highlighted publicly before. According to him, they have held multiple private discussions aimed at tackling persistent administrative hurdles.
We have pledged to work incessantly and flawlessly on this new initiative,” Barr Keyamo stressed. “Every agency participating is completely synchronized and dedicated to the effective execution of this crucial program.
The official launch of the updated e-visa system, an advanced technological solution aimed at boosting security measures, encouraging tourism and commerce, and streamlining entry processes for travelers visiting Nigeria has been announced.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
).
Leave a Comment