In a landmark move to strengthen the integrity of its visa application process, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a comprehensive biometric data verification policy aimed at eliminating identity fraud, curbing the use of unauthorised third-party agents, and enhancing mutual trust between Nigeria and partner nations.
The policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Asfaar, leverages cutting-edge technology to vet all Nigerian visa applicants in real time using the National Identification Number (NIN) as the primary reference point. It directly integrates with Nigeria’s national identity infrastructure, enabling instant verification of applicant data and ensuring that only genuine, vetted individuals are issued visas.
Unveiled by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, before ambassadors from Gulf and Arab nations in Abuja, the initiative will first be rolled out to Gulf and Arab states before extending to Europe and other regions. Tuggar emphasized that the policy is not targeted at any specific country, but will be uniformly implemented across all consular missions.
“This is not merely a domestic regulation. It is a cooperative tool for mutual benefit,” Tuggar said. “It helps embassies process legitimate applications faster, reduces risk, and ensures Nigerians travel abroad responsibly, legally, and with pride and dignity. It also enhances security by limiting overstays, trafficking, impersonation, and visa abuse.”
Three Core Objectives of the Policy
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Eliminate Identity Fraud — Ensure only genuine, verified applicants are issued visas.
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Discourage Unauthorised Agents — Prevent sensitive personal data from being handled outside official oversight, reducing security risks.
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Enhance Mutual Accountability — Allow partner countries to verify applicants in real time through Nigeria’s NIN-linked platform.
The system will operate under the GIILDSM platform within the ASFAAR system, fully compliant with Nigerian data protection laws and global best practices. It will connect seamlessly with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other relevant agencies to conduct mandatory verifications.
Beyond security, the platform is also designed to address visa refund mechanisms for unsuccessful applicants, a move expected to improve transparency and trust in the process.
Dr. Jamilu Hausawi, CEO of Asfaar, highlighted that the policy “enhances the credibility of Nigerian outbound travel through secure biometric systems, click-based verification, and real-time monitoring,” adding that a digital support framework has been established to meet global standards and prevent misuse of migration-related data.
Tuggar called on foreign missions to designate liaison officers to work directly with Asfaar.ng, assuring them that the policy represents “a new chapter of trust, transparency, and technological innovation” in Nigeria’s foreign management.
“Together, we build a future where borders serve security, not suspicion, and where mobility is a vehicle for growth, not grievance,” he concluded.
Ambassadors present at the unveiling welcomed the initiative, while requesting official correspondence to their home countries for approval.
