The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) is set to roll out electronic visas (e-visas) as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption in its immigration processes. This announcement was made by the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, during the opening of the 3rd Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on ensuring efficient service delivery with a focus on zero tolerance for corruption in Abuja.
Nandap revealed that the introduction of the e-visa system would streamline the visa application process, making it more efficient and convenient for travelers. The move aims to minimize human contact in the application process, which will help reduce the risk of corruption. By making the process digital, the NIS hopes to create a more transparent and accessible system for those looking to visit Nigeria.
The sensitization campaign, themed “Increased Digitalization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services,” is part of broader efforts to address corruption within the service. Nandap emphasized that the event would be conducted across all NIS Commands and Formations, underscoring the importance of public accountability and feedback.
The NIS plays a crucial role in national security, border management, and the facilitation of migration, and Nandap acknowledged that the Service’s actions directly impact Nigeria’s image.
As part of its anti-corruption initiatives, Nandap highlighted the success of the Passport Automation Programme, which has significantly reduced processing times for passports. This digital transformation has also eliminated corruption opportunities that were previously linked to the manual processing system due to the high level of human interaction.
Furthermore, another key aspect of the NIS’s anti-corruption strategy is the Contactless Passport Application Process. This allows Nigerians to submit passport applications online, eliminating physical contact with officers and reducing the potential for corrupt practices, thus making the entire process more efficient and transparent.