Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has revealed that more than 60 per cent of certain expatriate quotas issued in the past were fraudulent, attributing the development to weak system integration among relevant government agencies.
Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure in Abuja while receiving Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), during a courtesy visit to his office.
According to the minister, the discovery emerged from ongoing reforms within the Federal Ministry of Interior aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the administration of immigration services.
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He explained that poor coordination and lack of digital integration between key agencies created loopholes that were exploited in the expatriate quota system.
“The absence of a properly harmonised digital framework made it difficult to verify and track approvals across agencies, thereby enabling irregularities,” he said.
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Expatriate quotas allow companies operating in Nigeria to employ foreign nationals for specific roles, typically where local expertise is unavailable.
However, concerns have long been raised about abuse of the system, including inflated approvals and non-compliance with local content requirements.
Tunji-Ojo announced that the Federal Government has deployed a comprehensive digital platform that enables companies to independently track their expatriate quota applications and approvals in real time.
“Under the new framework, manual processes are being phased out, reducing physical interaction with officials and limiting opportunities for manipulation.
“Businesses no longer need to visit Abuja or know the minister to conduct legitimate business. The system is open, transparent, and efficient,” he said.
The minister noted that the reform is designed to ensure that only genuine applications are processed, while protecting Nigeria’s labour market and ensuring expatriate roles are justified and properly monitored.
Tunji-Ojo said the digital overhaul forms part of broader government efforts to improve Nigeria’s business environment, attract investment, and curb capital leakages associated with administrative inefficiencies.
He stressed that building a transparent and predictable immigration system is essential to enhancing investor confidence and strengthening regulatory oversight.
The minister also underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration in driving reforms, describing policymaking as a shared responsibility.
He commended NECA for its engagement and assured that the ministry would continue to consult key partners in refining policies that affect the private sector.
