Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo vows stronger tracking and enforcement to tackle overstays and prevent related crimes

Nigeria is confronting a significant migration issue as more than 840,000 foreigners are reportedly overstaying their visas, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed. Speaking on the situation, Tunji-Ojo compared the scenario to the number of Nigerians who overstay visas in the UK, highlighting that visa compliance is a global challenge.

The Minister emphasized that the government is implementing stronger tracking and enforcement measures to curb crimes associated with illegal overstays and to facilitate orderly returns of foreign nationals under existing bilateral agreements.

“This is a challenge we must address urgently,” Tunji-Ojo said. “Just as we have Nigerian overstayers in the UK, Nigeria is also facing the same challenge. Our goal is to ensure that migration is managed effectively, safely, and in accordance with international agreements.”

The Interior Ministry plans to roll out enhanced monitoring systems and closer collaboration with foreign governments to ensure compliance and reduce risks linked to unauthorized stays, including criminal activities and security threats.

Authorities have urged all foreign nationals in Nigeria to regularize their status and comply with immigration laws to avoid penalties or deportation.