Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to private sector-driven reforms aimed at improving the expatriate quota system, business permits, and border control policies.
The minister spoke at a press briefing on Tuesday following
an interactive session with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association
(NECA) in Lagos.
Tunji-Ojo described the meeting as a “family discussion”
focused on strengthening government-private sector collaboration.
“NECA is a strategic partner to the ministry of interior,
and we understand the critical role the private sector plays in the
socio-economic development of the country,” he said.
“It’s about reviewing our strategies to enhance government
performance, support private sector growth, and take decisions that protect
Nigerians and the economy.”
The minister also addressed the ongoing reforms within the
ministry, particularly in the areas of expatriate quota administration,
business permits, and the combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card
(CERPAC) system.
He assured that the ministry intends to make life easier for
Nigerians and expatriates and that strategic partnerships with NECA and other
organisations are essential to achieving the goal.
Tunji-Ojo also announced plans to establish a joint
committee with NECA and other private sector representatives to facilitate the
collaboration.
The committee, according to him, will work behind the scenes
to fine-tune discussions from the meeting and develop reforms that benefit all
stakeholders.
The minister assured the committee would be set up within
the next week.
Tunji-Ojo also discussed progress in Nigeria’s passport
application system. He said the introduction of the contactless passport
application system will make life easier for Nigerians worldwide.
According to him, the system has already been implemented in
Canada and Europe and will be rolled out in Asia this month.
“What we have done in Canada, what we have done in Europe
now, and what we are taking to Asia this month is what we call the contactless
passport application, which reduces or eradicates human contact. It makes life
easier for Nigerians,” Tunji-Ojo said.
In October 2024, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
announced the launch of the contactless passport application system, with phase
one in Canada.
The second phase was rolled out in the United Kingdom,
United States, and Italy on November 15.
It added that Nigeria and the rest of the world will access
the system from December 1, marking the third phase.
The NIS noted that the process applies only to passport
renewal.
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