Nigeria Launches New Visa Application Platform

The Nigerian government has unveiled a new visa application policy aimed at eliminating identity fraud and the role of unauthorised third-party agents in visa procurement.

The new travel policy, announced on Thursday by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, at the Tafawa Balewa House in Abuja, is designed to enhance transparency, streamline application procedures, and strengthen national and international security.

According to Tuggar, the initiative will initially apply to visa applications for Gulf and Arab nations before being expanded to cover European and American destinations. He described the policy as a “win-win” approach for all countries involved, emphasising its goal to ensure only genuine applicants are issued visas.

“This policy is part of our ongoing effort to eliminate all encumbrances faced by Nigerians seeking visas, while simultaneously preventing individuals with questionable character from manipulating the process,” Tuggar said.

Central to the policy is a verified digital platform, Aspaar.ng, which operates under the ASPAAR system. It connects directly with the National Identity Management Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other relevant government agencies for real-time applicant verification. The platform is fully compliant with Nigeria’s data protection laws and international standards.

The Minister urged ambassadors to assign dedicated officers to collaborate with the Aspaar platform to ensure smooth implementation. He highlighted that unauthorised agents not only exploit applicants but also pose significant security risks.

“The new policy represents a new chapter of trust, transparency, and technological innovation in Nigeria’s foreign policy and visa administration,” Tuggar added.

The government believes that the adoption of this technology-driven solution will improve Nigeria’s global standing, simplify the visa process for its citizens, and enhance the integrity of its travel documentation systems.

Source: AIT