The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a strong warning to foreign companies operating in Nigeria, emphasizing that while the country welcomes investment and collaboration, all businesses must abide by Nigerian laws.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 on Thursday, the minister condemned an alleged shooting of a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer in Minna, Niger State, reportedly on the orders of operatives of a Chinese company.
“An Attack on Nigeria” – Minister Declares
Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unacceptable, stating that no foreign company has the right to intimidate or obstruct NIS officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
> “That will never happen. I will not go to any country, open a company, and tell immigration officers they are not allowed. One of them shot one of our employees. The owner of a foreign company told the security attaché to shoot our officer. That happened a couple of weeks ago. We are taking it up with the Chinese Embassy.”
The minister further stated that such actions amount to an attack on Nigeria, vowing that the government would pursue the matter diplomatically and ensure justice.
> “These officers put their lives on the line. You will not come from anywhere and ask to shoot them in their fatherland. It will no longer happen. No agent, no company is above the law.”
Nigeria to Enforce Strict Visa Regulations
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also announced tighter visa regulations, warning that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for individuals with questionable characters. He emphasized that foreign nationals must respect the country’s immigration laws, adding that visa applications will now be processed based on a strict security framework.
> “We are automating our grey and black lists of immigration. If you keep violating our laws, Nigeria is not interested in you.”
The new visa framework will categorize applicants into three lists:
White List – Those who comply with immigration laws and can freely enter Nigeria.
Grey List – Individuals with minor infractions who must pay penalties.
Black List – Those involved in serious infractions, including security threats and immigration law violations, will be permanently barred.
Additionally, visa overstayers will now face penalties, and those exceeding a set period could face suspension or blacklisting.
Nigeria Visa Policy 2025: A Major Immigration Reform
In her opening remarks, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, described the Nigerian Visa Policy 2025 (NVP 2025) as a landmark reform aimed at balancing national security with economic development.
> “The NVP 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to an immigration system that strengthens security, attracts investment, and boosts tourism.”
The policy is built on four key pillars:
1. Enhancing National Security – Through biometric verification and digitized border management.
2. Facilitating Economic Growth – By streamlining visa procedures and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
3. Improving Ease of Doing Business – Ensuring seamless experiences for investors, business travelers, and skilled professionals.
4. Promoting Safe and Legal Migration – Encouraging orderly immigration while preventing security threats.
The Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 has been developed in collaboration with key ministries, diplomatic missions, private sector stakeholders, and international development partners.
With these reforms, the government aims to make Nigeria more attractive to investors and skilled professionals while strengthening immigration enforcement.
