The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening transparency, security, and efficiency within Nigeria’s immigration system.
The Minister made this known 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 his office on Thursday.
He emphasised that the ongoing reforms are designed to strengthen transparency, improve service delivery, and enhance national security.
According to the Minister, the recent reforms were introduced following the discovery of widespread irregularities within the expatriate quota and residence permit system.
Speaking during the meeting, he disclosed that investigations conducted during the reform process revealed extensive misuse of expatriate quotas and permits, including the issuance and use of fraudulent documentation by unauthorized agents and intermediaries.
He said: “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.”
The Minister explained that the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) implemented an integrated digital platform linking quota approvals directly with residence permit processing, thereby eliminating duplication and enabling real-time verification.
Under the new arrangement, 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.
“This integration allows us to know exactly who is residing and working in Nigeria. It improves transparency, enhances security, and removes opportunities for manipulation,” he added.
The Minister further highlighted the benefits of the digital platform, which now enables companies to manage applications directly without relying on immigration consultants or third-party agents.
According to him, employers can submit applications online, monitor their status through dedicated dashboards, receive automated renewal reminders, 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 noted that several multinational companies operating in Nigeria had already expressed appreciation for the reforms because of the cost savings and increased transparency they provide.
Earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the European Union and Nigeria and commended the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service for the significant improvements recorded in immigration administration.
He also called for further reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s work permit system and enhance the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
In his remarks, Mr. Frederik Klinke echoed the call for deeper engagement, stressing the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration between both parties on areas of mutual interest.
The Head of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Mary Ali, noted in a press statement: “The meeting underscored the commitment of the Government of Nigeria and its European partners to building a more transparent and efficient operating environment that supports investment, job creation, and stronger bilateral relations.”
