THE NIGERIAN government has vowed to take diplomatic action following the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer, allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in the country. The incident, which occurred in Niger State, has sparked outrage, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing it as an “attack on Nigeria.”
The minister, while speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 in Abuja, declared that such an act would not be tolerated anywhere in the world.
Tunji-Ojo condemned the action, stating that it was unacceptable for a foreign company to order an attack on a Nigerian officer who was simply carrying out his lawful duty.
“I will not go to any country, open a company, and say the immigration service cannot come in. I will not do that,” he stated.
“I don’t want to mention the company here, but they shot one of our immigration officers. They told their security attaché to shoot our officer, and he did— a foreign company? 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.”
The minister made it clear that Nigeria would not accept any form of disrespect towards its security personnel.
“I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, enter a company, and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world. That alone is an attack on Nigeria.”
Tunji-Ojo vowed to escalate the matter at the highest diplomatic level, stressing that no foreign company operating in Nigeria would be allowed to act with impunity.
In response to concerns over the treatment of Nigerian immigration officials and other security agencies, the Federal Government announced stricter measures to monitor expatriates and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
The minister disclosed plans to introduce an Expatriate Administration System from May 1, 2025, which will provide a comprehensive database of all foreign workers in Nigeria.
“We will not allow the abuse of our immigration protocols. We will not accept that. By May 1, for expatriates and foreign workers in Nigeria, there will be a new Expatriate Administration System,” he explained.
According to the government, the new system will ensure accountability for every foreign national residing in Nigeria.
“There will be a three-month window— from May 1 to August 1— for the regularisation of immigration status in line with our laws. After that, we will move into enforcement, prosecution, and deportation. Anyone who does not comply has ulterior motives for being in Nigeria.”
The minister emphasised that Nigeria welcomes foreign investors and workers but only under the condition that they respect the nation’s laws.
“When I visit the U.S., the U.K., or China, I obey their laws. Nigeria is not inferior. If you come to Nigeria, obey its laws. It’s not too much to ask.”
The government is also reforming the country’s visa framework to enhance efficiency and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. As part of this effort, the Online Visa Approval Center has been launched to digitise the application process.
Tunji-Ojo stated that the system, commissioned by President Bola Tinubu in December, ensures a seamless visa process without the need for in-person visits.
“We don’t have a physical Visa Approval Center. 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 in your email.”
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The minister added that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been mandated to process all e-visa applications within 48 hours, ensuring faster approval timelines.
“It is unprofessional and unacceptable for the Nigeria Immigration Service not to approve or provide feedback within 48 hours,” he stated.
To further streamline Nigeria’s immigration system, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, revealed that the government had reduced the number of visa classifications from 79 to 44.
She explained that this reform was aimed at simplifying the visa process, making it easier for foreign nationals to visit and work in Nigeria.
“At the core of this policy is the new e-visa platform. A fully digitised, centralised system that revolutionises how foreign nationals interact with our country’s entry procedures,” Nandap stated.
“These categories have been logically grouped to simplify procedures, reduce complexities, and greatly improve the user experience. Importantly, we have maintained the original purpose and intent of each visa class throughout this reform.”
She added that the e-visa platform would eliminate the need for physical visits to embassies, ensuring that applicants can complete their visa process entirely online.
“Whether you are a tourist, a business traveller, an academic, or a Nigerian with dual nationality, the process is now simpler, faster, and more accessible.”
Beyond visa reforms, the Nigerian government is also introducing an automated immigration watchlist, categorising foreigners under White, Grey, and Black Lists based on their security risk level.
Tunji-Ojo stated that any foreigner who poses a threat to Nigeria’s national security would be swiftly blacklisted and denied further entry into the country.
“We are going to be very tough on this. No company is above the law. We will not tolerate it. No agent, no company is above the law,” the minister warned.
“We are doing our best to make things easier and to collaborate with businesses. But please, we beg you, do not insult us. We will not disrespect you. As long as the president remains in office, nobody will disrespect you in Nigeria. All we ask for is mutual respect.”
