Contrary to earlier announcement, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that, the Visa on Arrival policy will not be totally scrapped by the Nigeria government.

At a meeting between the Honourable Minister and the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, on Tuesday, Tunji-Ojo revealed that, rather, the process will be upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Recall that, the DG of PEBEC, Princess Audu, had on Monday called for calmness over the announcement on Friday, promising to interface with the Minister to address the concerns raised.

In a statement she personally signed on Tuesday, shortly after meeting the Minister of Interior, Princess Audu explained that, the enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers, thereby improving her business environment and attracting foreign investments.

"During the meeting, the Minister of Interior reassured that the Visa on Arrival process is not being scrapped, but rather upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This development is in line with PEBEC's efforts to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria.

"The Minister further clarified that travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals being granted within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant's email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time.

"This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers. With this upgrade, the country takes another step towards improving its business environment and attracting foreign investment", the statement added.

Great move... collaboration among ministries and agencies is important to ensure better coordination and efficiency.