FG Bars Directors Of MDAs From Approving Expatriate Quota

The federal government has restricted the approval of Expatriate Quota and citizenship applications to only the Minister of Interior and the Permanent Secretary, in order to enhance transparency and accountability in the oil sector.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who revealed that a circular dated February 12, 2025, has been issued to formalize the change.

She explained that the policy review aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability, especially in light of concerns over potential abuse and irregularities.

The development follows recent discussions between the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, top ministry officials, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service during a high-level meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos on March 4, 2025.

“Consequently, in the new framework, all approvals are now domiciled with the Minister and the Permanent Secretary, a swift and necessary shift from its initial administration by Directors. 

“The review is in line with the Ministry’s commitment to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the administration of EQ and Citizenship applications as it also seeks to address concerns related to potential abuse and irregularities within the system.

“It would be recalled that the Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside top management officials of the Ministry as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, recently held a meeting with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos on the 4th of March, 2025 where the discussions centred on creating conducive business environment and protecting the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria,” Ajani state.

The meeting was focused on creating a conducive business environment while safeguarding the interests of Nigerians.

Following the meeting, a review committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the organized private sector under NECA was established.

According to Ajani, the committee has been tasked with scrutinizing the current expatriate quota policy and recommending improvements to ensure fair and efficient administration.

Tunji-Ojo while reaffirming the government’s commitment, assured the public that the Ministry would ensure the EQ process remains transparent and beneficial to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the administration of expatriate quotas is fair, transparent, and in the best interests of Nigerians,” she quoted Tunji-Ojo as saying.

She further emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen policies and procedures that support national development.

FG Bars Directors Of MDAs From Approving Expatriate Quota is first published on The Whistler Newspaper