NCAA links fake Schengen visas to Morocco’s tighter transit rules for Nigerians

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has linked Morocco's increased restriction on Nigerian passengers transiting through the country to the widespread use of counterfeit Schengen visas by travelers heading to Europe. NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, revealed this during a recent statement shared on his X page.

Schengen visas enable travelers to enter and move freely among participating European countries within the Schengen Area. Achimugu stated that some of these counterfeit visas are so advanced that they can evade detection by inexperienced airport profilers prior to departure. He reported a significant rise in the use of fake Schengen visa stamps by passengers traveling to Europe, with some detected at transit airports and others upon arrival in Europe.

Achimugu explained that some Nigerian passengers intentionally schedule lengthy layovers at transit airports like Casablanca to secure hotel accommodations before attempting to enter Europe illegally. This behavior is one of the reasons why Morocco denies entry to Nigerian passengers without a Moroccan visa, even when they qualify for hotel stays during extended layovers.

He mentioned that Nigerian authorities and stakeholders have requested the Moroccan Mission to examine data on Nigerians who have evaded authorities while transiting through Morocco to determine if the restrictions are proportional. Achimugu also cited Ethiopia as an alternative model, stating that Ethiopian Airlines passengers can access hotel accommodations during eligible long layovers without obtaining an Ethiopian visa.

The airline provides buses to transport passengers between the airport and their hotels before returning them for their subsequent flights. The Royal Air Maroc country manager informed the meeting that the airline had already petitioned Moroccan authorities on behalf of Nigerian passengers, and the request is currently under consideration.

Another suggestion proposed to the airline was to expand the number of rooms at airport hotels, currently housing around 70 rooms, or provide lounge access for Nigerian passengers with lengthy layovers who cannot obtain entry permits. The Nigerian government intends to continue utilizing diplomatic channels to facilitate international travel for Nigerians, but Achimugu stressed that travelers must also refrain from actions that could complicate these efforts.

In July 2026, the NCAA had threatened to suspend Royal Air Maroc from operating in Nigeria due to persistent passenger complaints and alleged consumer protection violations related to baggage handling, passenger service, and complaint resolution. The dispute has since been progressing towards resolution. In August 2026, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, reported that Royal Air Maroc met with the authority in Abuja, acknowledged the need to improve its services, and presented a plan for the Nigerian market.

The NCAA stated its satisfaction with the presentation and assured continued monitoring of the airline's operations to ensure compliance. Moreover, Royal Air Maroc has expanded its operations in Nigeria from five weekly flights to 21 weekly flights, making its Casablanca hub a crucial transit point for Nigerian passengers heading to Europe and other destinations.