Nigeria Launches Asfaar, First Visa Application Agency To Combat Fraud.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced Asfaar, the country’s inaugural visa application agency, designed to streamline travel requests and tackle document fraud. Unveiled on 19 August 2025 in Abuja, the initiative, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s visa processes and strengthen international travel protocols.
Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Alkasim Abdulkadir, described Asfaar as a pivotal step in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty. Speaking at the launch, Tuggar highlighted longstanding concerns from foreign nations about the authenticity of Nigerian travel documents. “Countries have raised issues about the sanctity of our data, with fears of fake passports and misuse of other nations’ identities,” he said. Asfaar, he explained, addresses these challenges through robust data verification, collaborating with agencies like the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The agency, spearheaded by Dr Jamil Hausawi, Asfaar’s Chief Executive Officer, will roll out in three phases. The first phase targets the Arab and Gulf states, key destinations for Nigerian travellers, particularly for hajj and umrah, where visa restrictions have been a persistent hurdle. Subsequent phases will cover Asia and Australia, followed by Europe and the Americas. Hausawi emphasised that Asfaar acts as an intermediary, ensuring applications meet embassy standards while maintaining transparency. “This platform restores trust in Nigerian travellers, addressing restrictions caused by the actions of a few,” he said.
Asfaar integrates advanced identity verification technologies, leveraging Nigeria’s National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to authenticate applicants. This aligns with the government’s push to modernise the visa system and curb fraudulent activities, such as document forgery and unauthorised agents. Kemi Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), noted that the platform eliminates the need for physical embassy submissions, reducing bureaucratic delays and opportunities for corruption.
The initiative has garnered support from the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Justice, with Barrister Macaulay Williams describing it as “a step into tomorrow” for protecting Nigerians’ dignity abroad. The platform is expected to process over 500,000 visa applications annually, boosting tourism and business travel. However, concerns have been raised about accessibility for rural Nigerians with limited internet access. The NIS has pledged to establish support centres nationwide to address this.
Tuggar urged foreign missions to assign visa officers to collaborate with Asfaar, which connects seamlessly with Nigeria’s identity infrastructure. “This is a cooperative tool for mutual benefit, enabling faster processing of legitimate applications while enhancing security,” he said, stressing that the policy applies uniformly across all consular missions. Asfaar’s launch marks a significant stride towards a transparent, secure, and efficient visa system, fostering trust and mobility for Nigerians globally.