FG Moves to Curb Abuse of Expatriate Quota System

THURSDAY April 17, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

In a decisive move to address the long-standing abuse of expatriate quotas and job displacement of Nigerian workers, the Federal Government has unveiled a new Expatriate Administration framework. This initiative, led by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was introduced during a sensitisation programme organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) in Lagos.

The development follows recent allegations by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which claimed that a Lagos-based oil firm employed over 10,000 expatriates, including personnel in non-specialised roles such as cooks and security staff. Though these claims remain unverified, they have intensified scrutiny of Nigeria’s expatriate quota system.

Speaking at the NECA forum, Dr. Tunji-Ojo decried the widespread abuse of expatriate permits, with many companies importing foreigners to fill roles readily available to qualified Nigerians. He specifically cited a company’s request for expatriate cooks and HR officers as examples of unacceptable practices.

“This government will no longer approve requests for expatriates where competent Nigerians exist. The era of bringing in foreigners to take over jobs meant for our people is over,” the Minister stated firmly.

He further disclosed that fewer than 50,000 expatriates are officially registered in Nigeria, suggesting a large number are operating illegally. According to the Minister, beginning August 1, 2025, companies and individuals found in breach of expatriate quota regulations will face strict sanctions.

However, in a bid to support compliance, the government has announced a three-month immigration amnesty program starting May 1, offering a grace period for the regularisation of documentation.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo also introduced a range of reforms to modernise and secure Nigeria’s immigration framework. These include the launch of an e-CERPAC system—offering machine-readable, virtual resident permits linked to Interpol—as well as the introduction of a Temporary Expatriate Resident Permit (TERP), and digitisation of landing and exit card processes.

The Minister directed the establishment of an Expatriate Support Desk at immigration offices nationwide and reassured stakeholders that the fees for Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) will remain unchanged.

NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, commended the Ministry’s reforms, noting improvements in business permit processing and visa issuance. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to strike a balance between ease of doing business and homeland security.

With these reforms, the government is positioning itself to uphold national interests, protect local jobs, and rebuild confidence in the country’s immigration protocols.