The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has strongly condemned the recent shooting of an immigration officer, allegedly carried out on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria.
Describing the incident in Niger State as an “attack on Nigeria,” the minister vowed to escalate the matter to the highest diplomatic level, particularly with Chinese authorities.
Speaking on Thursday at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo insisted that such an act would not be tolerated anywhere in the world.
Minister Outraged Over Incident
Expressing his outrage, the minister said, “I will not go to any country, open a company, and say the immigration service cannot come out. I will not do that.”
Without mentioning the company’s name, he revealed that its security attaché had been ordered to shoot a Nigerian immigration officer.
“That happened a couple of weeks ago in Niger, and we are going to take it up with the Chinese embassy because it’s a Chinese company,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the officer was simply performing his lawful duties when the attack occurred.
“For a father to leave his children to fulfil his legitimate responsibility, go to a company, and ask to verify the list of expatriates—only to be locked in and shot at? That is unacceptable.”
Government to Take Firm Action
Declaring that such incidents would no longer be tolerated, the minister warned that the government has the authority to revoke business licenses and take legal action against companies operating with impunity.
“No company is above the law. We will not tolerate it. No agent, no company is above the law.”
While assuring that the government would not disrupt legitimate businesses, he stressed the need for mutual respect.
“We will not disturb your business or overburden your operations. But don’t make us inferior in our land. We are going to be very tough on this.”
Tunji-Ojo also announced the introduction of an Expatriate Administration System, set to take effect from May 1, to enhance monitoring of foreign workers in Nigeria.
“We will not allow the abuse of our immigration protocols. From May 1, we will track expatriates and foreign workers to ensure full accountability. A three-month window—from May 1 to August 1—will be given for regularisation of immigration status. After that, enforcement, prosecution, and deportation will follow.”
New Visa Policy to Improve Efficiency
The minister also unveiled the Online Visa Approval Center, aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and reducing corruption in the visa application process.
Commissioned by the President in December, the digital platform ensures applicants no longer need to visit visa offices, make personal connections, or lobby for approvals.
“If you apply for a Nigerian visa anywhere in the world, you do so online. We process it here in Nigeria, and if approved, you receive your e-visa via email.”
To enhance efficiency, the government has mandated a 48-hour deadline for processing e-visas.
“It is unprofessional and unacceptable for the Nigeria Immigration Service not to approve or provide feedback within 48 hours,” the minister added.
NIS to Digitize Visa System and Simplify Procedures
The Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, disclosed that the NIS would fully digitize its e-visa platform while reducing visa classifications from 79 to 44 to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
“The Nigerian Visa Policy 2024 underwent a comprehensive review, resulting in a reduction of visa classifications from 79 to 44. These categories have been logically grouped to simplify procedures, reduce complexities, and improve user experience.”
She assured that the reforms would maintain the original purpose of each visa class while modernizing the country’s immigration processes.
