The Federal Government has opened a special amnesty window for foreigners residing in Nigeria with expired visas or other immigration documents, allowing them to regularize their stay without facing penalties.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance with the New Visa Regime and build a transparent and secure migration system.
According to a statement issued by AS Akinlabi, Service Public Relations Officer, the amnesty programme, officially known as the Expired Visa Initiative, took effect from May 1, 2025, and will run until September 30, 2025.
It targets foreign nationals who have overstayed their visa duration or violated the terms of their immigration status while living in the country.
According to the Service, the categories covered under the programme include individuals with expired Visa on Arrival, holders of expired single-entry or multiple-entry visas, and those in possession of a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) that expired more than 30 days ago without renewal.
The Immigration Service is urging all eligible individuals to regularize their stay within the amnesty period by applying online through the dedicated portal at https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng.
A support team has also been set up to assist with applications and can be reached via email at amnesty@immigration.gov.ng.
The agency emphasized that this temporary relief is a proactive step aimed at encouraging lawful migration, enhancing national security, and promoting efficiency in immigration operations.
It warned that those who fail to comply within the amnesty window may be subjected to enforcement measures, including fines and possible deportation after the deadline.
The Nigeria Immigration Service reaffirmed its commitment to managing migration in a lawful, secure, and transparent manner.
For additional information, the public is advised to visit the official website at www.immigration.gov.ng.
[7/6, 2:59 AM] BusinessDay Defence: IGP deploys new commissioners of police, urges professionalism
By Ojochenemi Onje, Abuja
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, has deployed newly appointed Commissioners of Police to various state commands and formations across the country, in a move to reinforce internal security and boost the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja on Saturday, the postings, which take immediate effect, are aimed at repositioning the Force for more effective policing and tackling rising security threats in key regions.
The new appointments affect critical commands including Borno, Cross River, Jigawa, Osun, and Ondo states.
Other postings include strategic roles at the Force Headquarters and the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Gombe.
These deployments, according to the Force, reflect the IGP’s vision of placing experienced and committed officers in positions where their leadership and operational skills will be most impactful.
While addressing the newly posted officers, the IGP urged them to uphold the core values of the Force, emphasizing professionalism, discipline, and quality leadership.
He noted that their roles are crucial in ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out of the system and that public confidence in the Police is restored and strengthened.
He further highlighted the importance of community partnership, urging the Commissioners to work closely with residents, traditional institutions, and stakeholders in their new areas of responsibility.
According to the IGP, effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation, and collaboration with the public remains essential to the success of the Force’s mandate.
Reaffirming the Police’s commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians, IGP Egbetokun appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Force by providing credible information and engaging with officers in efforts to combat crime.
He assured the nation that the Police under his leadership will not relent in its duty to build a more secure, peaceful, and law-abiding society.
According to IGP, the deployments mark another step in the ongoing internal restructuring within the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at improving professionalism, accountability, and trust between the Police and the public.