The Federal Government has restated its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India, anchored on mutual respect, reciprocity and shared prosperity.
According to a statement on Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Mary Ali, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the assurance while receiving the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, during a courtesy visit in Abuja, where talks centred on strengthening cooperation in migration management, correctional and fire services, as well as institutional capacity building.
Tunji-Ojo praised the Indian community’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and reaffirmed the country’s openness to lawful enterprise. He stressed, however, that migration data and identity management are matters of national sovereignty, noting that the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) is enhancing governance in the sector.
On expatriate employment, the minister reiterated that the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC/SEPAC) remains a statutory requirement under the Nigeria Immigration Service Act. He clarified that minors, students and naturalised citizens are exempt, while compliance rests with employers.
Expatriate engagement, he added, must deliver measurable value and create jobs for Nigerians, warning that the country cannot continue to shoulder the cost of repatriating foreign nationals involved in legal infractions.
In his remarks, Singh commended Nigeria’s transparency, particularly on consular access and the fair treatment of Indian nationals.
Both sides pledged to strengthen people-to-people ties and advance the Nigeria–India strategic partnership through sustained dialogue and mutual economic benefit.
Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement aimed at ensuring fairness, reciprocity and shared prosperity in the bilateral relationship.
