The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised concerns over a sharp increase in the use of fake Schengen visa stamps by passengers travelling to Europe, with some Nigerians allegedly disappearing during transit in Morocco.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said the fake visas were becoming increasingly sophisticated and could be difficult for inexperienced immigration and airline officers to detect before departure.
“I found out yesterday about a sharp increase in the volume of fake Schengen visa stamps now being used by passengers to travel to Europe,” Achimugu said. He added that many were discovered at transit airports or upon arrival in Europe.
According to Achimugu, some passengers also book long layovers in Casablanca to qualify for hotel accommodation before allegedly disappearing into the city and attempting to enter Europe illegally.
He said this was among the reasons Morocco had tightened entry restrictions on Nigerian passengers without visas, including those otherwise eligible for hotel accommodation during long transit periods.
The NCAA is now engaging Moroccan authorities diplomatically, seeking easier access for genuine travellers. Achimugu cited Ethiopia as an example, where Ethiopian Airlines provides controlled transport between the airport and hotels for eligible transit passengers without requiring them to obtain a visa.
Moroccan authorities, he said, have argued that the country’s proximity to Europe makes it more vulnerable to irregular migration. The NCAA has responded by asking Morocco to examine data on how many Nigerian passengers have actually absconded during transit.
Royal Air Maroc’s country manager has also indicated that the airline is making representations to Moroccan authorities on behalf of Nigerian travellers.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has proposed practical alternatives for passengers who cannot enter Morocco during long layovers, including increasing airport hotel capacity beyond its current 70 rooms or providing lounge access.
Achimugu stressed that while Nigeria would continue diplomatic efforts to facilitate legitimate travel, passengers must also avoid actions that could undermine those efforts.
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