FG Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Immigration Reforms, Stronger Security
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing transparent immigration reforms aimed at improving service delivery, strengthening national security, and eliminating fraud within Nigeria’s immigration system.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this on Thursday 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 other members of their delegation in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said the ongoing reforms were introduced after authorities uncovered widespread irregularities in the administration of expatriate quotas and residence permits across the country.
According to the Minister, investigations revealed that some companies had unknowingly operated with fake expatriate quotas that were never issued by the Nigerian Government, while unauthorized agents and intermediaries exploited weaknesses in the old system to process fraudulent documents for substantial fees.
“In several cases, companies unknowingly operated with fake quotas that were never issued by the Nigerian Government. Some agents exploited weaknesses in the old system, charging companies significant sums while processing fraudulent documents,” he said.
To address the challenges, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), introduced an integrated digital platform that directly links expatriate quota approvals with residence permit processing.
The Minister explained that under the new system, expatriate quota approvals granted by the Ministry automatically become accessible to the Nigerian Immigration Service, ensuring that residence permits are issued only against valid and verifiable quotas.
He noted that the integration has significantly improved transparency and accountability within the immigration process.
“This integration allows us to know exactly who is residing and working in Nigeria. It improves transparency, enhances security, and removes opportunities for manipulation,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister further explained that the digital platform now enables companies to process immigration applications directly without depending on consultants or third-party agents.
Employers can submit applications online, track their progress through dedicated dashboards, receive automated renewal notifications, and obtain digitally verifiable permits delivered directly to their email addresses.
“The purpose of these reforms is to return control to legitimate employers, improve transparency, and eliminate unnecessary middlemen. Today, companies can process applications directly through their human resources departments without paying excessive consultancy fees,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed that several multinational companies operating in Nigeria had welcomed the reforms, citing reduced costs and greater transparency in the immigration process.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Gautier Mignot commended the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service for the progress made in immigration administration and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria.
He also encouraged further reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s work permit system and improve the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
Similarly, EUROCHAM Vice President, Mr. Frederik Klinke, called for sustained dialogue and closer cooperation between Nigeria and European stakeholders on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of Nigeria and its European partners to fostering a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment capable of promoting economic growth, job creation, and stronger bilateral relations.
