- FG launches Asfaar to process visas and tackle fake documentation.
- First rollout targets Gulf countries; full launch to cover Asia, Europe, and the US.
- Initiative aims to restore global trust in Nigeria’s passport and identity data.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched Asfaar, Nigeria’s first official visa application centre, aimed at streamlining visa processes and curbing document fraud for Nigerians seeking to travel abroad.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the initiative was unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday during a press briefing and facility tour. Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, was Alkasim Abdulkadir, his special assistant on media and communications strategy.
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According to Tuggar, Asfaar is a major step in asserting Nigeria’s sovereignty and improving trust in the country’s travel documents. He said Nigeria has faced long-standing challenges over the credibility of its data, with many countries expressing doubts over the authenticity of Nigerian passports and other identity documents.
“Many foreign governments have raised concerns about fake passports and identity fraud,” he explained. “But over the last two years, we’ve worked closely with agencies like NIMC, ONSA, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clean up and validate our national data.”
He said Asfaar comes at the right time, adding an extra layer of data verification in visa processing to restore global confidence in Nigeria’s travel credentials.
Asfaar is designed to function as a centralised visa processing hub, working alongside embassies while serving as an intermediary when complications arise. It is not a replacement for embassies but will support Nigerians through clearer and more secure application processes.
Jamil Hausawi, CEO of Asfaar, said the platform was created in response to increasing visa denials and restrictions faced by Nigerian travellers globally.
“Many Nigerians face unnecessary hurdles while applying for visas, especially to countries with high religious or business traffic,” he said.
He explained that the first phase of the rollout will focus on Arab and Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where many Nigerians travel frequently for Hajj, Umrah, and work but face stringent visa processes.
The next phase will expand Asfaar’s services to countries in Asia and Australia, while the final phase will cover Europe and North America. Hausawi noted that the full rollout will be gradual, as it requires coordination with embassies and host countries.
Nelson Obiabo, spokesperson for Asfaar, added that the centre has already begun limited operations and will fully commence once its systems are fully integrated with embassies and consulates.
At present, many visa service providers operating in Nigeria, such as TLScontact and VFS Global, have their headquarters outside the country, including in the UAE. Asfaar is expected to change that narrative by giving Nigeria more control over its visa application procedures and improving global trust.
