Royal Castle Ceramics scandal: CCN condemns release of undocumented Chinese workers in Ogun
A civil society group, the Coalition of Concerned Nigerians, CCN, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate alleged irregularities and compromise within the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, following revelations surrounding the operations of a Chinese-owned firm, Nigeria Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited, in Ogun State.
The group accused top-ranking NIS officials of collusion and negligence, alleging that the company employed foreign nationals without proper documentation for nearly four years, relying only on a Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, registration certificate rather than valid expatriate permits.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CCN spokesperson, Abiodun Akinremi, condemned the release of five Chinese nationals recently arrested at the ceramics company despite clear evidence of immigration violations. Those freed were identified as Zhang Damou (46), Qian Jin (48), Tang Pan (41), Lin Jianfeng (52), and Guo Zhengheng (40).
According to reports, the expatriates were working in Nigeria on visas and permits that did not authorize full-time employment.
Authorities confirmed that their activities breached multiple provisions of the Immigration Act 2015, including illegal residency, unauthorized employment, and violation of visa conditions.
Over 40 other workers at the firm are still said to be operating illegally.
The CCN alleged that their sudden release from custody was politically influenced, describing it as “a troubling pattern of high-level collusion and complicity within the NIS.”
“It is deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable for foreign nationals to live and work openly in Nigeria without proper documentation,” Akinremi said.
“This undermines our labor laws, weakens national security, and threatens opportunities for Nigerian workers.”
The group also criticized what it called systemic weaknesses within immigration enforcement, warning that unchecked compromises could erode public trust and set dangerous precedents.
Akinremi further noted that while President Tinubu has taken bold steps against corruption in public institutions, “bad elements within the NIS” continue to sabotage reforms through deliberate inaction and compromise.
The CCN called on the Federal Government to launch an independent investigation into the alleged interference, punish culpable officials, and institute reforms to strengthen immigration oversight.
“We urge President Tinubu to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Protecting Nigeria’s immigration system is not only about law and order, but about safeguarding jobs, securing national sovereignty, and restoring public confidence,” the statement read.
The coalition stressed that it will continue monitoring developments in the case and will intensify advocacy for transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Royal Castle Ceramics scandal: CCN condemns release of undocumented Chinese workers in Ogun
