Travel News

 By : Anthony Ufoh

Flights are scheduled to resume at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, Ibadan, Oyo State, after it underwent an upgrade.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, made the announcement in Ibadan on Monday.

The airport, according to Oyelade, would begin operations in 2026 after the completion of its upgrade to an international standard.

The runway is being upgraded to 3,000 metres from its old 2,400 metres, and it was also widened from 45 metres to 60 metres to allow bigger aircraft on international routes to land and take off from the airport.

The commissioner noted that the airfield lighting system has been updated to CAT C standards, and the firefighting response has been upgraded to ensure a robust safety profile.

He added that facilities are being put in place for customs, immigration, and other vital agencies to meet international standards.

He said, “The International Terminal construction is currently at 15% completion and will be ready for such flights by June 2026.

“These upgrades reflect the government’s vision of transforming the Ibadan Airport into a modern and internationally competitive facility.

“By enhancing our infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft, we are not only improving domestic connectivity but also paving the way for global travel,” he stated.

Oyelade also reiterated the promise of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde that next year’s Hajj flight to Saudi Arabia will be from the airport.

…As delays near 50%

Nearly 50 percent of domestic airlines’ flight operations have either been delayed or cancelled in the last 12 months as aircraft scarcity and airlines’ schedules continue to disrupt flights.

Airlines have been hard hit by a series of challenges ranging from aircraft scarcity to poor flight scheduling. Other challenges are: unavailability of forex for spare parts and maintenance, consistent bird strikes, weather, restrictions caused by sunset airports, delays from customs in clearing of safety critical spare parts, amongst others. These issues have continued to cause delays and cancellations, leaving several passengers stranded.

In Nigeria’s domestic aviation landscape, a total of 70,543 flights took to the skies in 2024. However, the journey wasn’t always smooth-sailing, with 47.1 percent of flights experiencing delays (33,235 out of 70,543) and 1.7 percent seeing cancellations (1,189 out of 70,543), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) data show.

Pet passports and eGates are among the key talking points after the EU and UK signed a wide-ranging post-Brexit deal.

Jade Bremner ·Freelance Travel reporter

The EES is a new electronic system being introduced by the EU to replace the passport stamping process when you enter or leave a Schengen country, which includes most EU members and four non-EU Schengen states – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Ireland and Cyprus will continue stamps manually.

Read more: What does the new entry-exit system mean for Brits travelling to Europe?

So, no waiting for ink stamps in your passport once EES comes in, but your entrance and exit will still be tracked. The system will electronically log every time you cross a border into or out of the EU or Schengen area. UK citizens will still be able to travel to Ireland without a passport due to the two being part of a common travel area.

When EES goes live, you'll have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned during a digital check-in at the border. The EES is expected to roll out gradually starting in October 2025.

EES will apply to people coming from countries outside the EU or Schengen area – what the EU calls "third countries”. That includes most UK travellers heading to Europe for short trips.

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A “short stay” means trips that last up to 90 days as a tourist or for certain other reasons within a 180-day period, which covers most UK-EU travel. Children of all ages will need to go through the system too, although those under 12 won’t need to give fingerprints – they will only be required to do a facial scan.

EES will apply in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

European pre-travel authorisation

The EU is also planning to roll out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026, which will require UK travellers to apply for pre-authorisation to travel, similar to the US's Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

If you’re travelling from a visa-exempt third country – including the UK – for a short stay (again, up to 90 days within 180 days), you’ll need to apply for ETIAS. It will cost about €7 (£6) and be linked to the passport you used in your application and apply for three years, or until the document expires.

If you're travelling on a visa, you won't need ETIAS. Irish passport holders and British citizens with EU residency will also be exempt.

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By : Joke Falaju, Abuja

Expands Jalingo, Minna services

Overland Airways has announced the resumption of flight services to Warri (Osubi Airport), Delta State, from Lagos and Abuja, effective May 20, 2025.

Overland Airways will operate the Warri-Lagos-Warri route and the Warri-Abuja-Warri route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, offering morning arrival and departure into and from Warri.

Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs Aderonke Emmanuel-James, said: “Overland Airways resumption of flight services to Warri is in response to the yearnings of our customers for reliable air transport to connect the city and its environs with Abuja and Lagos.

“This flight will support important economic and social linkages between the people of Delta State and other parts of Nigeria. Passengers on the Warri service can connect seamlessly across our network to destinations in Northern and Southwestern Nigeria. To fully support this aspiration, we are deploying on the route our brand-new Embraer E-175 jet aircraft, which features Premium and Economy Class cabins.”

Overland Airways expanding route network has seen the restoration of flight services from Lagos and Abuja to Jalingo, Taraba State; and commencement of new services from Lagos and Abuja to Minna, Niger State. The Warri route is the latest route, while plans are afoot to launch other routes in the months ahead.

“We have commenced with three weekly flight services from Warri to Abuja and Lagos with plans to scale up the services to a daily operation in the coming weeks. We express our appreciation to the Management and Staff of Osubi Airport for their support and assure our customers of the consistent and reliable flight services that Overland Airways is noted for,” James added.

Overland Airways’ service offering has evolved from an all-turboprop fleet to a mixed fleet with the introduction of brand-new Embraer E175 jets. In October 2024, Overland Airways renewed its IOSA safety certification for the 5th consecutive time, reaffirming its position as a safe and leading African carrier.

BY Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

The Federal Government has threatened that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing, and Exit cards would be sanctioned.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement programme on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards on Friday in Lagos.

The Minister, who was emphatic on the Federal Government’s resolutions, vehemently said that Nigeria is not a dumping ground and that no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.

He added that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, but the country would not compromise on national security.

He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

The Nigerian government has rested its ambition to establish a national carrier, moving its focus to the growth of domestic airlines

The federal government has announced that it would no longer push for the establishment of a national carrier; rather, it would now give full support to the growth and expansion of domestic airlines.

It also said that airlines airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing and Exit cards would be penalised.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who disclosed federal government’s decision not establish a national carrier in Lagos on Friday during the launch of a book: ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects’ written by Wole Shadare, said that government would no longer fund the national carrier project; instead, it would focus on supporting local carriers to thrive.

Keyamo said the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is committed to drafting policies that would support the growth and development of local airlines, citing recent policies that have enabled airlines to access aircraft for their operations, including the revised insurance regulation on leased aircraft and explained that the move was aimed at making aircraft more accessible for acquisition and lease by domestic operators, which would subsequently reduce airfares in Nigeria.

“We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies. Air Traffic Controllers have been trained and retrained, and revenue leakages have been addressed to boost earnings,” Keyamo said.

The minister also disclosed that almost all foreign airlines have complied with his directive that they should patronise local caterers for inflight catering.

He promised to build a smart airport and would seek the necessary approvals from the President to make it happen.

Keyamo lamented the state of the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), which has not seen any improvement since 1997. He emphasised the need to pull it down and build a new one.

In her remarks, Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), highlighted the growth of the aviation sector.

She noted that Nigeria currently has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, and over 2,100 licensed pilots.

According to Kuku, the aviation sector contributes approximately $1.7 billion to the country’s GDP, with private airlines connecting cities efficiently and international carriers recognising Nigeria as a critical market.

Kuku emphasised that despite challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory frameworks, and financing requirements, there is still substantial potential for growth. She encouraged investors to see these challenges as opportunities.

The author of the launched book, Shadare, described the 25-chapter book as a comprehensive account of the aviation industry’s evolution in Nigeria over the past 100 years. The book aims to aid scholars and researchers in understanding the industry’s history and prospects.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said that henceforth sanctions would be imposed on airlines that fly passengers into Nigeria without valid visas.

The minister made the disclosure at a sensitisation programme on the new e-visa policy, which commenced this month, hosted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Lagos on Friday.

Tunji-Ojo said the decision to sanction the airlines was the outcome of consultations held with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, and the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo.

He said the airlines which frequently bring in passengers into Nigeria without visas cannot do the same in any other country as it is unacceptable anywhere in the world.

The minister also said Nigeria will no longer be a testing ground for practices prohibited in other parts of the world.

“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 about it.

“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.

“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. 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. 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,” Tunji-Ojo said.

On the approval rate of visas, the minister said that the fact that someone applied for a Nigerian visa doesn’t mean the person would get it.

“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. On the approval rate, as of May 22, 2025, we had 5,814 visa applications: 5,617 approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried. That is for those coming for short stays. We go to the hotel you input to verify if you actually booked. We will create a perfect system,” he said.

The NCAA Director General, Capt. Najomo, speaking at the sensitisation programme, said the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated landing and exit card systems marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.

The Controller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, in her closing remarks expressed appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo, the NCAA D-G, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority and the NIS team.

She called for more inter-agency collaborations to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, Landing and Exit cards innovation.

Chinedu Eze

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to international airlines operating into Nigeria, cautioning that any carrier found airlifting passengers without valid entry visas, as well as landing and exit cards, will face stiff sanctions.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, delivered the warning on Friday in Lagos during a stakeholders’ engagement session on the implementation of Nigeria’s new electronic visa (E-Visa), Landing and Exit Cards.

The event brought together key players from the aviation and immigration sectors to align efforts on enforcing the revised 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

Tunji-Ojo was unequivocal in his message, stressing that Nigeria will no longer tolerate the entry of undocumented foreigners.

“Nigeria is not a dumping ground. No foreigner should be allowed into this country without a valid Visa. “The introduction of the E-Visa is meant to simplify entry processes, not compromise our national security”, he declared.

The Minister emphasised the critical role of airlines in national security and called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intensify regulatory oversight and ensure full compliance with the new visa policy.

“Before anyone boards a flight to Nigeria, airlines must confirm they have a valid visa, not just a ticket or a payment receipt.

“This is the global standard in places like the UK, US, and Canada, and Nigeria will no longer be an exception”, he said.

Tunji-Ojo praised the presence of Chris Najomo, NCAA Director-General, at the meeting, describing it as evidence of the inter-agency collaboration required for the successful implementation of the new system.

He also appealed to the aviation sector to balance commercial interests with their responsibility toward national interest and border control.

“Airlines are here to do business, but that business must not endanger Nigeria’s sovereignty or security,” he added.

The minister also highlighted the efficiency of the new E-Visa system, which he said was introduced on May 1 to facilitate legitimate travel while tightening security.

“As of May 22, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) had received 5,814 visa applications, of which 5,671 were approved, 66 rejected, and 62 queried”, he added.

He clarified that applying for a visa does not guarantee entry, as each applicant must meet set criteria. He also explained that both the E-Visa and Landing/Exit cards are embedded with barcodes to enhance data tracking and immigration control.

Speaking earlier, Najomo described the E-Visa system and associated landing/exit procedures as “a major milestone” in Nigeria’s aviation modernisation efforts.

“This development demonstrates our commitment to aligning with global best practices, particularly with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Annex 9 standards on facilitation.

“The system improves traveler experience, enhances security, and boosts operational efficiency,” he said.

Najomo also noted that enabling visa applications to be completed entirely online with a turnaround time of under 48 hours would help position Nigeria as a destination for both investors and tourists, with potential for significant economic impact.

In her closing remarks, Kemi Nandap, Controller-General of the NIS, commended all stakeholders involved, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

She called for deeper inter-agency collaboration to ensure the smooth rollout of the E-Visa system, Landing, and Exit Cards initiative.

“Only through coordinated action can we guarantee the seamless and secure implementation of this transformative border control system,” she said.

By Dickson Omobola

In a country of over 200 million people with no fewer than 10 airlines, concerns are mounting over Nigeria’s future in the Single African Air Transport Market, SAATM.

Launched on January 28, 2018, SAATM is a project of the African Union, AU, to create a single market for air transport in Africa.

The air transport initiative once completely in force, industry analysts predict, would allow significant freedom of air transport in Africa, while advancing the AU’s 2063 Agenda focused on transforming Africa into a global powerhouse as well as achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.

But anxiety, which has left many disturbed, is spreading among stakeholders in the air transport sector, especially as regional carriers continue to expand into Nigeria.

The situation has not only evoked memories of the past when Nigeria had a formidable airline in defunct Nigeria Airways, it has also led to questions on when the country’s domestic carriers would be prepared to fully maximise the benefits of the air pact like its competitors. The debate is reignited following a recent call by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, to African countries to move from words to action in implementing SAATM.

Member countries

According to the AU, 38 countries, including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao tome et Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, are subscribed to SAATM.

Thanks to the agreement, airlines from some of these countries have either increased or strengthened their reach in the lucrative Nigerian aviation market, thereby boosting their domestic economy.

Taking advantage

For instance, in January 2025, the newly established flag carrier of Sierra Leone, Air Sierra Leone, commenced flight operations into Nigeria, marking a significant step in regional expansion.

On June 23, 2024, Royal Air Maroc expanded its presence in Nigeria by adding the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to its route network.

By March 2026, South African Airways, SAA, which would be “responding to strong demand,” said it would increase flight frequencies into Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve centre by offering daily connections.

In early 2025, Africa World Airlines, AWA, also disclosed plans to increase flight frequency into Nigeria.

Before then, specifically in May 2024, Kenya Airways announced plans to increase flight frequencies to Lagos, with daily flights rising from seven weekly frequencies to 10.

The Nigerian situation

In Nigeria’s case, however, only few domestic airlines operate limited and often inconsistent flights across West Africa, leaving other regions; thereby raising worries over the country’s ability to benefit meaningfully from SAATM.

Checks by Saturday Vanguard reveal that these airlines include Akwa Ibom State owned airline, Ibom Air, which serves Accra; Nigeria’s largest flag carrier, Air Peace, which operates to Abidjan, Banjul, Cotonou, Dakar, Freetown and Monrovia; Overland Airways and ValueJet which operate to Banjul.

Given the unimpressive number and the lack of firm regional reach, some industry analysts have blamed it on the protectionist strategies devised against Nigeria.

According to them, these tactics include unfavourable visa policies and unfair handling services by their ground handling companies.

Ground handling companies are organisations that provide services to an aircraft while on the ground at an airport.

Protectionism

Bearing this in mind, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr Alex Nwuba, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, said: “SAATM is great for the continent, but the implementation remains the challenge. Travel within Africa required to boost business, investment, tourism and trade within the continent is low, oftentimes requiring flight connections through regions outside the continent to connect cities in the continent.

“It is therefore hoped that a single air travel market will ameliorate this problem and bring about significant economic benefits to Africa. The challenge remains that most countries are protective of their aviation industry, while not even permitting visa free travel that will make it easier to make the human connections that will bring about prosperity for all. Until we make an African commitment for unity and oneness, the great plans for the continent will remain a pipedream.”

No structure

For a former General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigeria Airways, Mr Chris Aligbe, Nigerian airlines cannot harness the air pact because they are not structured to exploit the regional market.

According to him, the country’s carriers, which do not have the competency to key into SAATM, have refused to seek expertise.

He identified several factors inhibiting them, saying they include lack of structure to exploit regional markets, managerial and technical incompetence, lack of finance, no maintenance facility, absence of corporate governance and proper study.

Aligbe said: “We lack the capacity, which is not just about aircraft. We do not have the finances. We do not have the maintenance capacity. We have Forex challenges and there is a total absence of corporate governance.”

Market exploitation

While considering the numerous benefits of SAATM, the industry analyst, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, said: “Every airline starting operation is coming to Nigeria. TAAG Angola is increasing flights. Uganda Air is coming to Nigeria. Air Algerie is increasing flights. But for us, we do not have what it takes, even our domestic market is not properly exploited; how much more the regional market.

“There are so many factors impeding the airlines. Those factors were fewer before; now, they are more. There have been pull and push factors put in place by the Minister of Aviation. Take for instance the Cape Town Convention Practice Directions.

“However, how many airlines have keyed into dry lease since the CTC practice direction was put in place? These airlines are exploiting our market while our airlines cannot even exploit the domestic market. Even when Nigerian airlines go to the regional market, they do not do proper research, especially on the West Coast.

Prediction

“The market in the West Coast is so small that no airline should fly it as a terminator. The challenges, which are both internal and external, are increasing.

And because we have delayed and we are still delaying, sooner than later, our airlines will have no passenger on any route they want to operate out of Nigeria. For those who think that a national flag carrier, which is the solution to this, will kill them; the absence of a national flag carrier will kill them faster.”

Way forward

For Mr Olumide Ohunayo, a travel analyst, there is a need for strategic growth in the country’s air transport sector to enable Nigeria regain its place among the committee of nations. The General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative said: “For us, looking at the dwindling number of aircraft in Nigerian fleet and the astronomical exchange rate, what we need now is to develop and build.” According to him, building is not just about airlines, but a total revamp of the industry including airports.

Ohunayo told Saturday Vanguard: “We already have the market, what we do not have is a dominant airline or airlines that can say we have taken over the West Coast and other routes within Africa. We must be strategic about building to take our rightful place in the committee of nations.

FDI

“Our airlines need to come together under commercial partnerships. While they do that, there is also a need to address reasons we have not been able to attract foreign direct investment, FDI, into the airline business. This is very troubling. We had a category 1, the population and market for travel yet we cannot attract FDI.

“We need to understand what is holding such an investment. Is it economic policies? Is it security? Is it regulations? These are things hindering us from becoming a big player. We cannot get big with three or four aircraft per airline. We have to move beyond that number. And to do that, there has to be partnerships, mergers, commercial integration and foreign investors.

Hurry

“We need not be in a hurry. We should take those critical steps. It is not only the responsibility of the airlines. We also need to address infrastructure and some of our regulations to boost the domestic environment.”

Shorter routes, cheap airfares

The analyst who, however, urged more African countries to enter into the initiative, said: “You can see how horrible the fares within Africa are; the flight duration is unnecessarily long. The only way we can beat this is to continue to invoke the spirit of SAATM. It is for all parties to see SAATM’s benefits, which include flying shorter routes with cheap airfares, opening tourism and boosting the regional economy.”

BY Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

The Federal Government has threatened that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, landing, and exit cards would be sanctioned.

The Minister for Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards on Friday in Lagos.

The minister said Nigeria is not a dumping ground, and no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa. He added that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, it would not compromise on national security.

He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to step up the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator and ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.

Tunji-Ojo further tasked airlines on national security, stating that the E-Visa was of national interest to improve border security, tourism, and sustainable economic growth.

“I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the NCAA. I can see the DG of the NCAA in his seat, and that is what is called collaboration.

“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business, but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security. Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their visas, not a proof of payment or their tickets. It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore,” he added.

Speaking on the ease of applying for the E-Visa and Landing, and Exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.

He disclosed that as of May 22, 2025, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 applications since the introduction of the E-Visa on May 1.

According to him, the E-Visa process will improve the database of the NIS with information about travellers. He explained the features of the E-Visa, the Landing and Exit cards with a barcode

“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued,” he added.

The Director-General of the NCAA, Capt Chris Najomo, in his welcome address, said that the introduction of the E-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems was a milestone.

Najomo said that was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.

“The E-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.

“It is, inherently, designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms. The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be overemphasized in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.

“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect. It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.”

The Controller-General of the NIS, Kemi Nanna Nandap, in her closing remarks, expressed her appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA DG, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority, and the NIS team.

She called for more inter-agency collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing, and Exit cards innovation.

The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day, a significant federal holiday in the United States.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that the annual holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, is dedicated to honouring American military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation.

“Memorial Day is a time for reflection and remembrance of the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces,” the Mission stated.

The observance is marked across the United States by solemn ceremonies, flag-raising events, parades, and moments of silence in tribute to the fallen.

While the holiday also signals the unofficial start of summer in the U.S., it remains deeply rooted in honouring the nation’s military history and sacrifice.