The Federal Government has disclosed that widespread abuse of Nigeria’s expatriate quota and residence permit system prompted sweeping reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening national security, and eliminating fraudulent practices.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this on Thursday while receiving the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, alongside officials of the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (EUROCHAM), at his office in Abuja.
According to the minister, investigations carried out during the reform process uncovered extensive irregularities in the administration of expatriate quotas and residence permits, including the circulation of fraudulent documents by unauthorized agents and intermediaries.
He said some companies had unknowingly operated with fake expatriate quotas that were never issued by the Nigerian government, while unscrupulous agents exploited loopholes in the old system to collect large sums from businesses for processing fraudulent immigration documents.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service have now deployed an integrated digital platform that directly links expatriate quota approvals with residence permit processing, eliminating duplication and enabling real-time verification.
Under the new arrangement, quota approvals granted by the ministry are automatically accessible to immigration authorities, ensuring that residence permits can only be issued 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 said.
He added that the reforms were designed to return control of immigration processes to employers by allowing companies to manage applications directly through an online platform without relying on third-party consultants or agents.
The platform, according to him, enables employers to submit applications electronically, track their status through dedicated dashboards, receive automated renewal reminders, and obtain digitally verifiable permits delivered directly via email.
“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 said.
The minister noted that several multinational companies operating in Nigeria had already welcomed the reforms, citing increased transparency and reduced administrative costs.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Mignot commended the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service for improvements recorded in immigration administration and called for further reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s work permit regime and attract more foreign investment.
Vice President of EUROCHAM, Frederik Klinke, also advocated deeper collaboration and sustained engagement between European businesses and Nigerian authorities on issues of mutual interest.
The meeting highlighted ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and its European partners aimed at fostering a more transparent business environment, encouraging investment, creating jobs, and strengthening bilateral relations.
