The Federal Government has clarified its stance on Expatriate Quota Board policies, saying it is not opposed to the hiring of expatriates but emphasised the need for companies to justify their requests.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalena Ajani, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a stakeholder engagement and sensitisation on Expatriate Quota Reform, the New Visa Policy, and the Post-Amnesty Programme.
While stressing that the ministry was not against hiring expatriates, Ajani maintained that companies must provide clear justification for their requests.
In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ibraheem Zakariyya, the Permanent Secretary insisted that companies must demonstrate that the required skills are not available in Nigeria.
She, however, expressed concern that some companies, despite operating in Nigeria for decades, continue to bring in expatriates for every project.
Ajani emphasised the importance of developing local talent and ensuring that Nigerians are given priority in employment opportunities.
Regarding suggestions for amnesty for expatriates, she clarified that the ministry would not grant amnesty for non-compliance with expatriate quota regulations, stressing that companies must adhere strictly to the rules and guidelines governing expatriate employment.
She reiterated the need for companies to prioritise local talent and develop the skills of Nigerian professionals, noting that the ministry is committed to ensuring Nigerians are given opportunities in their areas of expertise.
‘The Ministry of Interior remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of expatriate quota policies. We urge companies to comply with the regulations and prioritise the development of local talent,’ Ajani stated.
In her welcome address, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s migration landscape through technology, collaboration, and people-centred policies.
‘These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to excellence in border governance and migration management,’ she said.
‘Leadership is not just about managing systems-it is about inspiring change, empowering people, and ensuring that every reform enhances both our national security and the dignity of those we serve.’
The event was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), who applauded the ministry’s reform efforts and commended the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for modernising the ministry’s operations.