By Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed the policy during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos, highlighting upcoming immigration reforms under the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025.
The penalty system will officially begin in May 2025, but a grace period until August will allow visa holders to adjust before fines take effect. Overstaying for three months will result in a five-year ban, while overstaying for one year or more will lead to a 10-year ban.
Tunji-Ojo stressed that the new measures aim to strengthen compliance, improve national security, and regulate migration. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will enforce the policy.
These reforms also include updates to the Expatriate Quota System, ensuring stricter oversight of foreign workers in Nigeria.
