FG Launch Asfaar – First Visa Application Centre, to Tackle Visa Fraud

Nigeria has unveiled its first indigenous visa application centre, Asfaar, designed to simplify travel procedures and fight document fraud.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched the centre in Abuja, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s global mobility strategy.

Minister Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Alkasim Abdulkadir, said Asfaar is key to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“Before now, one of the major issues that countries have with Nigeria is the sanctity and integrity of its data,” he said.

“People have fake passports, people are traveling on data of other countries to come to our countries.”

He explained that in the past two years, Nigeria has worked to clean up its data systems.

This includes collaboration with ONSA, NIMC, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure passport and identity documents are credible.

“Asfaar came at the right time, where it is using its processes to ensure a further verification of the data that is provided,” Tuggar added.

Three-Phase Rollout to Target High-Traffic Regions

Asfaar CEO, Jamil Hausawi, said the centre was created to ease visa restrictions and support Nigerians facing travel hurdles.

“Visa approvals remain the responsibility of embassies, but Asfaar will allow relevant government agencies to step in if issues arise,” he said.

The rollout will happen in three phases.

Phase one will focus on Arab and Gulf states, where many Nigerians travel for hajj, umrah, and business.

Phase two will extend to Asia and Australia, while phase three will cover Europe and the US.

Hausawi said the expansion will be gradual, with full operations starting after integration with embassies and consulates.

Asfaar spokesperson Nelson Obiabo confirmed that skeletal services have begun.

Full operations will commence once the centre is fully linked with foreign missions.

The move is expected to reduce fraud, improve Nigeria’s global reputation, and make travel easier for citizens.

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