FG to Overhaul Expatriate Quota System

The Federal Authorities has reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability within the administration of expatriate quotas. That is following current allegations of irregularities within the oil sector.

The Petroleum and Pure Fuel Senior Workers Affiliation of Nigeria had final week protested at Sterling Oil Exploration and Vitality Manufacturing Firm’s headquarters in Lagos. The union accused the oil firm of prioritising expatriates over certified Nigerian professionals.

The incident subsequently raised issues over the administration of expatriate quotas within the nation.

Addressing the problem in a press release on Monday, the Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Inside, Magdalene Ajani, stated the federal government acknowledged the issues raised on the problem, assuring the general public that proactive steps are being taken to handle the problems.

She stated, “The Ministry of Inside is conscious of current allegations on nationwide TV concerning the administration of expatriate quotas within the oil sector. The Ministry needs to tell the general public that these allegations are being taken severely and that proactive steps to handle the issues have been taken.”

Ajani stated the ministry had earlier, in a round dated February 12, 2025, introduced a significant assessment of the approval course of for Expatriate Quota and Citizenship purposes.

Below the brand new framework, she stated all approvals are actually centralised underneath the Minister of Inside, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Everlasting Secretary, as a substitute of being dealt with by administrators as beforehand accomplished.

Ajani stated, “It’s noteworthy that the Ministry had earlier introduced a assessment of the approving authority for EQ and Citizenship purposes, in a round dated 12 February 2025. Consequently, within the new framework, all approvals are actually domiciled with the Minister and the Everlasting Secretary, a swift and obligatory shift from its preliminary administration by Administrators.

“The assessment is according to the Ministry’s dedication to boost transparency, accountability, and operational effectivity within the administration of EQ and Citizenship purposes because it additionally seeks to handle issues associated to potential abuse and irregularities throughout the system.”

She additionally stated the minister and key stakeholders, together with prime administration officers of the Ministry, the Comptroller Basic of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Affiliation met in Lagos on March 4, 2025, including that emphasis was laid on making a business-friendly setting whereas guaranteeing the safety of Nigerian staff’ pursuits.

Ajani stated, “Rising from the assembly, a assessment committee was arrange consisting of the Ministry of Inside, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the organised non-public sector underneath NECA.

“This committee, based on the Minister, is tasked with analyzing the present expatriate quota coverage in addition to making suggestions for enchancment the place obligatory.

“The Minister, once more, needs to guarantee the general public that the Ministry stays dedicated to making sure that the administration of expatriate quotas is honest, clear, and in one of the best pursuits of Nigerians.”