In a significant step to clamp down on visa violations and bolster national security, the Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced strict penalties for foreign nationals who overstay their visas. As part of the upcoming Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025, the new measures include a daily fine of $15 for each day of unlawful stay and potential bans of up to ten years, depending on the length of the overstay.
This decisive announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement session held on Friday at NECA House in Lagos. The Minister emphasized that while the penalties will officially come into effect in May 2025, the actual enforcement will commence in August—providing a three-month grace period for visa holders to ensure compliance.
“We are giving people time to adjust,” Tunji-Ojo declared. “From August, if you overstay, you will be fined $15 for each day you remain in the country illegally. A three-month overstay will attract a five-year re-entry ban, and overstaying for a year or more will lead to a ten-year ban.”
The move signals a major shift in how Nigeria approaches immigration control. Tunji-Ojo clarified that the policy is not just about punishment, but about restoring integrity to Nigeria’s borders, promoting responsible migration, and reinforcing national security. The initiative is part of wider reforms being championed by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Under the broader NVP 2025 framework, the Nigerian visa application process has also undergone full digitization. Prospective visitors can now apply online, monitor the status of their applications in real time, and receive electronic approvals. This overhaul is aimed at eliminating bottlenecks and reducing opportunities for abuse within the system.
Friday’s stakeholders’ forum brought together key players including senior NIS officers, representatives of foreign missions in Nigeria, and private sector experts in travel and immigration services. In addition to overstay penalties, discussions also touched on reforms to the Expatriate Quota System—part of a coordinated push to streamline operations and ensure that immigration policies align with national interests.
Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s immigration system, the NVP 2025 represents both a digital and disciplinary leap forward. It sends a clear message: Nigeria is open to the world, but not at the expense of law, order, and national sovereignty.
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