FG moves to end travel hassles, curb fake passports

…rolls out tech-driven visa processing platform

The Federal Government has unveiled a new technology-driven visa processing platform, Asfar.NG, designed to simplify international travel for Nigerians, curb the menace of fake passports, and provide stronger protection for citizens abroad.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, on Tuesday, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the initiative as “transformational, innovative, and a major step towards taking Nigeria’s destiny into its own hands.”

The Asfar project, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Vice President, and other key agencies, is aimed at addressing longstanding challenges faced by Nigerians abroad, particularly around visa restrictions, negative narratives, and lack of adequate protection when confronted with legal or diplomatic issues overseas.

Represented by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Tuggar noted that the innovation marks a decisive step towards ending long-standing travel hassles and restoring dignity to Nigerian travelers worldwide.

Tuggar also said that the platform would help the Government stand more firmly in defense of Nigerians abroad by providing credible data trails and verification.

“Too often, Nigerians are maligned once they present a green passport,” he noted citing a recent case in Saudi Arabia where a Nigerian woman was wrongfully linked to drug trafficking due to a baggage error.

“With Asfaar, the government can beat its chest and defend its citizens because their identity and data have been thoroughly vetted”, he added.

According to Jamil Hausawi, Chairman/CEO ASFAAR.NG, the platform was first piloted in November 2024 with Saudi Arabia as the initial focus due to the large number of Nigerians traveling there for work, education, medicine, tourism, and religious pilgrimage.

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Asfaar.ng is designed to gradually expand in phases, first to Gulf and Arab countries, then to Asia and Australia, and finally to Europe and the Americas.

He stated that the system uses the National Identification Number (NIN) as the foundation for every application, ensuring applicants are verified Nigerian citizens.

This measure, he explained, addresses concerns raised by foreign governments over document integrity, fake passports, and identity fraud.

“The Asfaar process begins with travelers or agents selecting their destination country and visa category tourism, business, student, or pilgrimage, before completing an online application.

“Applicants then book biometric appointments, where fingerprints and facial scans are captured in less than ten minutes.

“From there, Asfar’s back-office team vets applications against local and international compliance standards.

“Any red flags are escalated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NIMC, Immigration Service, or the Police for verification before being transmitted securely to the relevant embassy”, he explained.

Hausawi added that the system complies with ISO 27001 standards, ICAO guidelines for biometric images, and FAP 600 standards for biometric capture. Staff will undergo continuous training to ensure compliance with evolving international protocols.

He emphasised that the platform reinforces Nigeria’s sovereignty in global mobility.

“Before now, one of the major issues other countries had with Nigeria was the sanctity of its data. With Asfar, we now have an indigenous, government-backed system that not only protects our citizens but also strengthens Nigeria’s image internationally,” he said.

On his part, Obiabo Nelson, the agency’s spokesman emphasized that beyond visa issuance, the platform provides post-visa support, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can access assistance in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

“Unlike the old system where once you get your visa, the agency disappears, Asfar remains with you, just a click away,” he explained.