The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s migration management framework as part of efforts to enhance national security, improve service delivery, and attract foreign investment.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters.
Tunji-Ojo said ongoing reforms within the Ministry are aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s migration system to become more efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly while maintaining strong national security safeguards. He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in achieving government policy objectives.
According to him, the Ministry has introduced an electronic visa system designed to simplify visa processing, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance Nigeria’s appeal to investors. He explained that the platform enables end-to-end digital processing, including QR-coded visas, to ensure faster and more secure approvals.
He further revealed that an integrated digital system has been deployed for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) as well as the expatriate quota process. The system, he said, connects directly with the Nigeria Immigration Service, eliminates unauthorized intermediaries, and improves transparency and accountability in application handling.
The Minister also clarified that citizenship matters remain strictly governed by the Constitution, while investor-friendly residency options are being explored within existing legal frameworks.
Earlier, the RMAFC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, noted the Commission’s constitutional responsibility in revenue collection, allocation, and periodic review of the revenue-sharing formula among the three tiers of government. He commended the Ministry of Interior for its contributions to improved revenue inflows.
Shehu also reaffirmed RMAFC’s oversight role over key revenue-generating agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the solid minerals sector.
In a related remark, Hon. Enefe Ekene, Chairman of RMAFC’s Investment Monitoring Committee, said the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry on citizenship-by-investment frameworks and safeguard investments in the solid minerals sector, with a broader goal of attracting foreign direct investment into Nigeria.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to continued reforms that will enhance efficiency, accountability, and economic growth.
