By John Umeh
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced strict new penalties for visa overstayers, including a $15 daily fine and potential lifetime bans, as part of comprehensive immigration reforms aimed at tightening border control and streamlining entry procedures.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled the measures on Friday, April 11, during a stakeholders’ meeting at NECA House in Lagos. The event focused on updates to the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 and expatriate quota regulations.
Under the new rules, which officially take effect in May 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas will be fined $15 for each day they remain in the country unlawfully. However, enforcement will begin in August 2025, following a three-month grace period to allow affected individuals to either regularize their stay or make necessary travel arrangements.
“From August 1st, anyone who does not take advantage of the amnesty period will be subject to penalties,” said Tunji-Ojo. “But if you use that window to regularize your stay, we will not charge you. This is not about punishment — it’s about encouraging compliance.”
The minister further stated that individuals who overstay their visas by more than three months will face a five-year ban from re-entering Nigeria. Those who remain illegally for over a year without taking advantage of the grace period will be issued a lifetime ban.
“If you’ve overstayed by more than a year and didn’t regularize during the amnesty period, please don’t come to Nigeria again — for life,” he warned.
Full Digitalization of Immigration Services
In addition to the overstay penalties, Tunji-Ojo announced the complete digitalization of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) process. Starting May 1, the application will be fully online, eliminating the need for manual form purchases and in-person submissions.
“We are automating the process end-to-end. As it stands now, you have to buy a form, pay at the bank, and submit the form at a CERPAC center. No country in the world still does that,” the minister said.
He also warned that individuals with criminal records should not attempt to apply, as the new system will be integrated with global security databases, including Interpol.
“This place is not safe for you. Go back,” he stated bluntly.
Employer Accountability
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that under the new policy framework, employers will be held accountable for the immigration compliance of their foreign employees.
“We are adopting global best practices. Employers will be responsible from the ground up — that’s the law,” he said.
The reforms, he added, reflect the government’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s immigration policies with international standards while ensuring national security and efficient border management.
