Business
FG vows to sanction airlines bringing passengers into Nigeria without valid visas
The Federal Government has threatened that any airline caught airlifting passengers into Nigeria without a valid entry visa, Landing, and Exit cards would be sanctioned.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a stakeholders’ engagement programme on the implementation of the E-Visa, Landing and Exit Cards on Friday in Lagos.
The Minister, who was emphatic on the Federal Government’s resolutions, vehemently said that Nigeria is not a dumping ground and that no foreigner should be allowed entry without a visa.
He added that although Nigeria was making entry more accessible with the introduction of the E-Visa, but the country would not compromise on national security.
He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority on the enlightenment and enforcement of its oversight function as a regulator to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy.
Tunji-Ojo further tasked airlines on national security, stating that the E-Visa was of national interest to improve border security, tourism, and sustainable economic growth.
He said, “I plead with the NCAA to regulate, that is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the NCAA. I can see the DG of the NCAA on seat and that is what is called collaboration.
“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security. Before anybody comes to Nigeria, please see their Visas, not a proof of payment or their tickets.
“It is not acceptable in the UK, US, Canada, and other climes, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore,” he added.
Speaking on the ease of applying for the E-Visa and Landing and Exit cards, Tunji-Ojo said that it was necessary for the purpose of opening Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.
He disclosed that as of May 22nd, the NIS had received a total of 5,814 applications, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 applications since the introduction of E-Visa on May 1.
According to him, the E-Visa process will improve the database of the NIS with information on travelers.
He explained the features of the E-Visa, the Landing and Exit cards with a barcode.
“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa, you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued” he added.
The Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo in his welcome address said that the introduction of the e-Visa and the associated Landing and Exit card systems was a milestone.
Najomo said that was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards enhancing air travel facilitation while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security and operational efficiency are maintained.
“The e-Visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation – on Facilitation.
“It is, inherently designed to improve the experience of travelers, while strengthening our border control mechanisms.
“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasized in a bid to ensure the effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security, or service delivery.
“The benefits derived from e-Visa applicants being able to complete visa applications entirely online, with processing time reduced to less than 48 hours, would have a multiplier effect.
It will showcase Nigeria as an investor- and tourist-friendly nation, invariably translating to economic growth.
”The Controller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap in her closing remarks expressed her appreciation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the NCAA D-G, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority, and the NIS team.
She called for more inter-agency collaborations to further strengthen the seamless implementation of the e-visa, Landing, and Exit cards innovation.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N30.00, from N850 to N820 per litre, effective from 12th August 2025.
According to a statement released by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, they assure the public of a consistent and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products as part of its unwavering commitment to national development”.
He said, “In line with their dedication to operational excellence and sustainable energy solutions, Dangote Petroleum Refinery will commence the phased deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution across Nigeria, effective August 15, 2025.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.
In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.
The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.
According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.
In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.
“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days, with full upfront payment. Should any supposed supply shortage occur, these buyers would be well-positioned to benefit from the predicted market rise,” it added.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages.
Ikeja Electric has released updated prices for prepaid meters, which take effect from August 6, 2025. The revised rates cover both single-phase and three-phase meter types and are inclusive of VAT.
The revised rates were announced on the disco’s official X account on Friday.
The company announced that “MBH Power Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,987.50, while the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00. Turbo Energy Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,608.75, while the three-phase costs ₦236,903.13.
“Aries Electric Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,125.00, and the three-phase costs ₦258,000.00. Mojec Asset Management Company Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,718.75, and the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00.
“Paktim Metering Nig. Ltd, the one-phase meter costs ₦137,600.00, while the three-phase meter costs ₦233,275.00. Holley Metering Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,854.03, three-phase meter costs ₦219,497.09.
“CIG Metering Assets Nigeria Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦150,500.00, New Hampshire Capital Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,300.00 and the three-phase costs ₦231,125.00.”
The electricity distribution company noted that the prices are “valid subject to meter availability,” adding that the changes are part of its effort to ensure customers have access to up-to-date information on meter procurement.
The company also assured customers that the new pricing reflects the latest approved rates for meter providers under its Meter Asset Provider scheme.
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