Thelish Eye Centre has commended the Ministry of Interior for its Expatriate Quota and understudy policy, saying the initiative has played a significant role in developing Nigerian specialists and strengthening local expertise in the eye-care sector.
The commendation was made when a delegation from THELISH, led by Dr. Amaka Etuk, paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, Dr. Ajani congratulated THELISH on its 30th anniversary and commended the organisation for its contribution to specialised eye care in Nigeria.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to using the Expatriate Quota system to promote knowledge transfer, build Nigerian capacity and improve service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the policy was designed not only to regulate the engagement of expatriate professionals but also to ensure the transfer of knowledge and development of Nigerian expertise.
Dr. Ajani also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing digital reforms in its Citizenship and Business Department, noting that businesses can now process Expatriate Quota and related applications through online platforms.
According to her, the digital platforms are reducing reliance on intermediaries while promoting greater transparency, efficiency and accessibility in the processing of applications.
She encouraged businesses to designate competent in-house officers to interface directly with the Ministry’s platforms rather than rely unnecessarily on agents for routine processes.
Dr. Ajani further assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to engage them and utilise their feedback to strengthen its reforms and improve service delivery.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Etuk commended the Ministry’s administration of the Expatriate Quota and understudy policy, saying it had helped THELISH develop a strong team of Nigerian eye-care specialists.
She disclosed that THELISH, which at one time engaged eight expatriates, had successfully developed Nigerian specialists capable of performing procedures previously handled by foreign professionals.
She said the growth in local expertise had also enabled the hospital to expand its operations, including the establishment of a new centre in Abuja.
“Today, we are smiling. THELISH is happy because Nigerians have become the experts by virtue of the Ministry of Interior’s policy,” Dr. Etuk said.
She also praised the Ministry’s digital reforms, particularly the online processing of Expatriate Quota applications.
Dr. Etuk said a recent quota renewal by THELISH was completed entirely online without the involvement of intermediaries, physical visits to the Ministry or unofficial payments.
The development, she said, demonstrated the positive impact of the Ministry’s efforts to make its processes more transparent and efficient.
The organisation also invited the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to its 30th anniversary celebration, describing the event as an opportunity to mark three decades of excellence and contributions to the transformation of Nigeria’s eye-care sector.
Responding, Dr. Ajani thanked the THELISH delegation for the commendation and invitation and confirmed that the Minister would be represented at the anniversary celebration.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, efficient and accessible service delivery, while ensuring that the administration of the Expatriate Quota system contributes meaningfully to local capacity development, knowledge transfer and technology advancement.
