The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the administration of expatriate quotas. This is following recent allegations of irregularities in the oil sector.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria had last week protested at Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company’s headquarters in Lagos. The union accused the oil company of prioritising expatriates over qualified Nigerian professionals.
The incident subsequently raised concerns over the management of expatriate quotas in the country.
Addressing the issue in a statement on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, said the government acknowledged the concerns raised on the issue, assuring the public that proactive steps are being taken to address the issues.
She said, “The Ministry of Interior is aware of recent allegations on national TV regarding the administration of expatriate quotas in the oil sector. The Ministry wishes to inform the public that these allegations are being taken seriously and that proactive steps to address the concerns have been taken.”
Ajani said the ministry had earlier, in a circular dated February 12, 2025, announced a major review of the approval process for Expatriate Quota and Citizenship applications.
Under the new framework, she said all approvals are now centralised under the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Permanent Secretary, instead of being handled by directors as previously done.
Ajani said, “It is noteworthy that the Ministry had earlier announced a review of the approving authority for EQ and Citizenship applications, in a circular dated 12 February 2025. Consequently, in the new framework, all approvals are now domiciled with the Minister and the Permanent Secretary, a swift and necessary shift from its initial administration by Directors.
“The review is in line with the Ministry’s commitment to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the administration of EQ and Citizenship applications as it also seeks to address concerns related to potential abuse and irregularities within the system.”
She also said the minister and key stakeholders, including top management officials of the Ministry, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association met in Lagos on March 4, 2025, adding that emphasis was laid on creating a business-friendly environment while ensuring the protection of Nigerian workers’ interests.
Ajani said, “Rising from the meeting, a review committee was set up consisting of the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service and the organised private sector under NECA.
“This committee, according to the Minister, is tasked with examining the current expatriate quota policy as well as making recommendations for improvement where necessary. The Minister, again, wishes to assure the public that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that the administration of expatriate quotas is fair, transparent, and in the best interests of Nigerians. “