The Federal Government has announced that eight foreigners were denied entry into Nigeria last week for attempting to enter the country without valid visas.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this during an interview on TVC News, aired in Abuja on Sunday night.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate the entry of undocumented foreigners, describing it as a threat to national security and a breach of immigration laws.
He revealed that he met with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Friday to address new enforcement measures that will ensure only properly documented individuals are allowed into the country.
“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,” he said.
The Minister warned that airlines that bring passengers without valid visas will face sanctions. “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,” he stated.
Reiterating the government’s firm stance, Dr. Tunji-Ojo said: “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.”
He assured Nigerians of the administration’s continued efforts to protect the country’s borders and enforce immigration protocols.
What you should know
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo says the Nigerian government is enforcing stricter immigration rules to curb the influx of undocumented travelers. Airlines found to be violating these rules may face penalties.
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