FG Unveils Visa Application Platform to Eliminate ID Fraud, Unauthorized Agents
Federal government has launched a groundbreaking e-visa application platform aimed at curbing identity fraud and eliminating the influence of unauthorized agents in the visa processing system.
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has unveiled a new platform designed to streamline visa applications, enhance security, and ensure a transparent, user-friendly process for both citizens and international visitors.
The initiative, announced on Wednesday, comes following growing concerns over fraudulent activities in visa applications, including document forgery and exploitation by unlicensed agents.
The platform integrates advanced identity verification technologies, leveraging the National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to authenticate applicants.
This move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem and restore trust in its immigration processes.Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, emphasized the platform’s role in modernizing Nigeria’s visa system.
“This is a significant step toward eliminating fraud and ensuring that only verified individuals can apply for visas. The days of middlemen exploiting applicants are over,” Nandap stated.
She added that the platform would provide a seamless experience, allowing applicants to submit documents, track their applications, and receive real-time updates from anywhere in the world.
The e-visa platform, accessible via the NIS website, incorporates biometric authentication and real-time data cross-referencing with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
This ensures that all applicants are verified against Nigeria’s national database, significantly reducing the risk of identity theft.
Additionally, the platform eliminates the need for physical submissions at embassies or consulates, cutting down on bureaucratic delays and reducing opportunities for corrupt practices.
The launch has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised the government’s efforts to modernize and secure the visa process, some applicants have expressed concerns about accessibility, particularly for those in rural areas with limited internet access.
The NIS has responded by announcing plans to establish support centers across the country to assist applicants with the online process.
The platform’s introduction follows reports of widespread visa fraud, with a 2023 report claiming that Nigerian visa applications were being rejected abroad due to suspicions of forged documents.
The new system aims to address these issues by centralizing and digitizing the application process, making it harder for unauthorized agents to operate.
The Federal Government has also partnered with private tech firms to ensure the platform’s cybersecurity and scalability.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the system is expected to process over 500,000 visa applications annually, boosting Nigeria’s tourism and business sectors by making the country more accessible to legitimate travelers.