By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency, improving service delivery, and enhancing national security through far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s immigration system.
According to an official signed statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Mary Ali, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration while receiving the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (EUROCHAM), Mr. Frederik Klinke, and their delegation in Abuja.
The Minister said the reforms were introduced following the discovery of widespread irregularities in the administration of expatriate quotas and residence permits, which had created opportunities for fraud and abuse within the system.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo disclosed that investigations carried out during the reform process uncovered extensive misuse of expatriate quotas and permits, including the issuance and use of fraudulent documents by unauthorized agents and intermediaries.
He revealed that several companies unknowingly operated with fake expatriate quotas that were never issued by the Federal Government, while some agents exploited weaknesses in the previous system by charging organizations substantial fees for processing fraudulent documentation.
To address the challenges, the Minister explained that the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) developed and deployed an integrated digital platform that links expatriate quota approvals directly with residence permit processing.
Under the new arrangement, expatriate quota approvals granted by the Ministry automatically become available to the Nigerian Immigration Service, ensuring that residence permits are issued only against valid and verifiable quotas.
“This integration allows us to know exactly who is residing and working in Nigeria. It improves transparency, enhances security, and removes opportunities for manipulation,” the Minister stated.
He noted that the digital platform has simplified immigration processes by enabling companies to manage applications directly without relying on immigration consultants or third-party agents.
According to him, employers can now submit applications online, monitor application status through dedicated dashboards, receive automated renewal notifications, and obtain digitally verifiable permits delivered directly to their email addresses.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the reforms are designed to return control of immigration processes to legitimate employers, improve transparency, and eliminate unnecessary middlemen.
He added that several multinational companies operating in Nigeria have already expressed satisfaction with the reforms due to the significant cost savings and increased efficiency they provide.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Gautier Mignot commended the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service for the progress recorded in immigration administration and welcomed the growing collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union.
The Ambassador also called for further reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s work permit regime and enhance the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
In his remarks, Mr. Frederik Klinke stressed the importance of sustained dialogue and deeper collaboration between Nigeria and its European partners on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Nigeria and the European Union to fostering a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly operating environment capable of driving investment, job creation, and stronger bilateral relations.
