Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to reforms aimed at improving the expatriate quota system, business permits, and border control policies. He emphasized that these reforms are intended to create a conducive environment for private sector growth and enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Tunji-Ojo made this statement during a press briefing on Tuesday, following an interactive session with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos. He described the meeting as a “family discussion” that focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector.
He highlighted that NECA is a crucial partner in the Ministry of Interior’s efforts to enhance government performance and support private sector growth. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reviewing strategies and making decisions that protect both Nigerians and the economy are essential to achieving sustainable development.
The minister addressed key reforms in the Ministry of Interior, particularly the expatriate quota system, business permits, and the combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC). He assured that the government is committed to making life easier for both Nigerians and expatriates, with strategic partnerships being vital to the success of these reforms.
To deepen collaboration, Tunji-Ojo announced the establishment of a joint committee with NECA and other private sector representatives. This committee will work on fine-tuning the discussions from the meeting and developing reforms beneficial to all stakeholders. He assured that the committee will be set up within the next week.
The minister also spoke about progress in Nigeria’s passport application system, particularly the introduction of the contactless passport application process. This system, already implemented in Canada and Europe, will be rolled out in Asia later this month.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the contactless system reduces or eliminates human contact, making the process smoother and more efficient for Nigerians. The system has already been introduced in Canada and Europe and will be expanded to other regions soon, including a global rollout starting in December 2024.
In October 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched the contactless passport application system in Canada, followed by a second phase in the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy. The final global phase is set to begin in December 2024, initially applying to passport renewals.
Minister Tunji-Ojo’s address underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing both public sector performance and private sector participation in national development. The reforms outlined are intended to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and ultimately create a more business-friendly environment in Nigeria.
