FG Engages Diplomatic Community on Simplified Visa Regime

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Federal Government, is urging the international community to support the implementation of a new, smooth visa system in order to improve bilateral collaboration and fortify the country’s foreign travel management.

On Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Maitama Tuggar, told diplomats and international partners that the new consular biometric data verification policy is intended to protect the integrity of citizens, secure the visa application process, and facilitate seamless travel while preserving the sovereignty of all participating nations. The new visa regime is being promoted by ASFAAR, a visa and tour company in Abuja.

This policy, he explained, has three main goals: to prevent identity fraud and make sure that only legitimate and screened Nigerian applicants are granted visas by embassies and high commissions; to deter the use of unapproved third-party agents to obtain and handle sensitive personal data without government oversight, which poses a serious risk to national and international security; and to improve mutual accountability by enabling countries and destinations to verify applicants in real-time using Nigeria’s National Identification Number, or NIN, as the primary reference point.

“This technology is being deployed by Nigeria to a validated platform that operates under the ASFAAR system, which complies completely with both international best practices and Nigerian data protection legislation.

Its purpose is to verify the legitimacy of our applicants in Nigeria by directly integrating with the country’s national identity infrastructure. Along with encouraging missions, the strategy aims to provide visa-free funding and insurance modalities as part of the energy system and platform.

This goes beyond simple domestic regulation, Your Excellencies. This is a mechanism for cooperation that benefits both parties. By processing valid applications more quickly, it lowers risk for your embassies.
It enables us to make sure that Nigerians who travel overseas do so within the law, responsibly, and with honor and respect.

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“By reducing overstays, trafficking, incarceration, and missile abuse, it improves security for anyone involved.” For the avoidance of doubt, this policy is applied consistently throughout all consular operations and is not specific to any one country.

“To align your insurance and visa procedures with this framework, Nigeria requests your cooperation on a worldwide scale. With your wisdom and kindness, Nigeria is sure you will realize that this action is about credibility, cooperation, and coordination rather than control. We preserve the dignity of our nationals and the integrity of our consular procedures by cooperating.

The minister emphasized, “As the process is being implemented, we implore your Excellencies to assign visa officers to work with ASFAAR, who coordinate with Nigeria’s Identity Management Commission and other pertinent agencies to conduct verification as a mandatory part of the T application process for Nigerian citizens.”

While stating that “this policy represents a new chapter of trust, the platform currently faces a rule of authorizing missions with Gulf and Arab countries considering the high volume of Nigerian travelers for purposes of pilgrimage, education, employment, and others,” Ambassador Tuggar gave assurances regarding the transparency of the visa regime.

Information security, data privacy guidelines, secure dashboard setup, loyalty office involvement and training, and aboard for interested missions are all excluded from this rule. Your Excellency, ASFAAR can attest to Nigeria’s efforts to promote responsible mobility via legal collaboration, a reliable system, and online transparency.
Stronger engagement with a mission based on respect for one another and shared accountability is made possible by it. ASFAAR is eager to hear your thoughts and encourages your group to get in touch with us to discuss potential areas of cooperation and partnership. When we work together, we can create a framework for mobility that embodies respect, legality, and global cooperation.

We are available, attentive, and willing to work together to address concerns or make any necessary alterations for your mission-specific needs, as well as to deter unauthorized agents from tracking down or overseeing visa procedures outside of the proper channels. “Come with me on this journey,” he urged.

Dr. Jamil Hausawi, the Chairman/CEO of ASFAAR, discussed the effort and stated that its goals are to improve bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and friendly nations that participate in the new procedure, boost outboard travel management, and uphold the integrity of visas.

“The project reflects the increasing need to improve bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and friendly Gulf and Arab nations, strengthen our foreign travel management, and uphold the integrity of visas.”

Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the infrastructure is intended to facilitate efficiency, transparency, and the verification of Nigerian nationals traveling overseas.
Its operations and design are being carried out with the assistance of pertinent government organizations, such as those in charge of data management, border control, and identity verification.

In addition to sending real-time notifications and performing identification use, it offers secure access to verified application data. Offers from biometrics are helpful analytics. It is linked to the national identity system of Nigeria, which aids in better risk management and more significant and informed decision-making by officials.