Effective March 1, 2025, visa applications in Nigeria will transition to an online-only system, as announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during an X Spaces session on January 20, 2025. The initiative introduces a centralized visa approval center, a significant step towards combating corruption, enhancing national security, and streamlining visa processes.
Additionally, the Minister disclosed plans for a National Data Center at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), located at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Sauka, Abuja. This facility will harmonize national data and safeguard its integrity. In the past, Nigeria’s immigration data was stored on private systems managed by contractors, a practice that violated the Data Protection Act. The new center assures greater data security and integrity, signaling the government’s commitment to modernization and security.
This bold move reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to leveraging technology for progress and national security.
KENYA EASES TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR AFRICAN VISITORS
On January 21, 2025, the Kenyan Cabinet announced that the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement will be dropped for visitors from all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns. This change enables citizens of nearly all African nations to visit Kenya without prior travel authorization.
The ETA, launched in January 2024, replaced the Kenya eVisa system, serving as a pre-authorization platform for travelers. While it enhanced identification of visitors, it negatively impacted Kenya’s standing in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, where the country dropped to 46th place out of 54 nations.
Under the new policy:
This move aligns Kenya with other African nations like Ghana and Rwanda that have adopted visa-free travel policies for African passport holders. It’s also a key step toward boosting tourism and the economy while promoting African unity, a priority of the African Union (AU).
So, if you’re an African passport holder and Kenya is on your travel list, now’s the perfect time to plan your visit.
Should you require further assistance or clarification on the above, please feel free to contact pamilerin.akabunwa@famsvillelaw.com or uzochukwu.kpaduwa@famsvillelaw.com
