The Nigerian Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vehemently denounced the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer, allegedly at the behest of a Chinese company operating within the country. The incident, which transpired in Niger State, has been labeled an “attack on Nigeria” by the minister, who has pledged to escalate the matter through diplomatic channels, engaging directly with the Chinese authorities. This strong stance reflects the gravity of the situation, where a foreign entity operating on Nigerian soil directed an assault against a Nigerian government official performing his lawful duties. The minister’s forceful response underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and its officials.
The minister’s outrage stems from the blatant disregard for Nigerian law and authority displayed by the Chinese company. He emphasized the unacceptable nature of the incident, drawing a parallel to a hypothetical scenario of a Nigerian company operating in China ordering the shooting of a Chinese official. Such an action, he argues, would be unthinkable anywhere in the world. The minister’s indignation is further fueled by the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The immigration officer was simply carrying out his duties, requesting to see the company’s expatriate list, a standard procedure to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. The company’s response – locking the gate and shooting the officer – represents a gross violation of Nigerian law and an affront to the nation’s sovereignty. The minister’s unwavering condemnation signifies the government’s determination to uphold the rule of law and protect its officials from such brazen acts of violence.
Tunji-Ojo’s condemnation extends beyond this specific incident to encompass a broader warning against any company operating with impunity in Nigeria. He emphasized that no company is above the law and that the government will not hesitate to revoke licenses and declare such companies illegal. While encouraging collaboration with businesses and striving to create a conducive operating environment, the minister made it clear that mutual respect is paramount. This firm stance serves as a deterrent against future transgressions and underscores the government’s resolve to enforce its laws and regulations irrespective of the entity involved.
In addition to addressing the immediate crisis, the minister announced several measures to strengthen immigration control and streamline visa processing. One key initiative is the introduction of an Expatriate Administration System, set to launch on May 1st. This system aims to monitor foreign workers in the country, ensuring transparency and accountability. A three-month grace period will be provided for regularization of immigration status, after which enforcement, prosecution, and deportation will be implemented for non-compliant individuals. This measure seeks to prevent the abuse of immigration protocols and maintain accurate records of foreign nationals within Nigeria. The minister stressed that welcoming foreign workers is contingent upon their adherence to Nigerian laws, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity in obeying the laws of the host country.
Further streamlining visa processing, the minister also announced the launch of an Online Visa Approval Center. This online platform eliminates the need for physical visits to visa offices, thereby reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and minimizing the potential for corruption. Applicants can apply online from anywhere in the world, and approved e-visas are delivered directly to their email addresses. To enhance efficiency, a 48-hour processing deadline has been implemented for e-visas. This digitized system promotes transparency, efficiency, and accessibility, simplifying the visa application process for legitimate travelers.
Complementing the minister’s initiatives, the Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, highlighted the ongoing digitization of the e-visa platform and a significant reduction in visa classifications from 79 to 44. This streamlining aims to simplify procedures, enhance user experience, and maintain the original purpose and intent of each visa category. The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service demonstrate a commitment to modernizing immigration processes, strengthening border control, and upholding the rule of law within Nigeria. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a secure and welcoming environment for both Nigerian citizens and law-abiding foreign nationals.
