The Nigerian government has introduced new measures to tackle visa overstayers, including daily fines and re-entry bans, as part of its ongoing immigration reforms. The policy, announced by Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Friday, also includes updates to the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025.

Effective from August 2025, foreign nationals who overstay their visas will face a daily fine of $15. In addition, those who overstay by three months will be banned from re-entering Nigeria for five years, while a one-year overstay will result in a lifetime ban. A three-month grace period will be provided, with enforcement of the penalties beginning in August.

Tunji-Ojo clarified that the objective of these measures is not to punish foreign nationals but to regularize their status. He urged visa holders to take advantage of the grace period to avoid penalties, adding that the government’s focus is on identifying individuals who are legally residing in Nigeria.

In addition to the visa overstay penalties, the minister also revealed plans to digitalize the process for obtaining the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), set to go live on May 1. The new system will allow foreign nationals to submit applications and make payments online. This digitalization is expected to streamline the application process, enhance security, and integrate with Interpol’s criminal databases to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for fugitives.

Employers will also be held accountable for ensuring their employees comply with visa regulations, in line with global best practices.