By Hillary Asemota
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior and in demonstration of transparency, accountability in the conduct of its business has resolved to partner with the private sector and other relevant stakeholders in the authentication of documents received from applicants for registration of expatriate Quota.
The Permanent Secretary of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, represented by the Director Special Duties, Mrs. Comfort Kabirwa, stated this on Monday, in her opening speech for the training of consultants for the granting of business permits, expatriate quota administration, citizenship/resident permit for the ministry in Abuja.
She underscored that that the roles of government are changing, adding that government are no longer the sole decision makers.
According to the Permanent Secretary, government is further reinforcing its role to work in partnership with their citizens who are demanding for transparency, openness, accountability and their involvement in affairs that concern them.
Akinlade, opined that in order to fully support the country’s development, the public and private sector must collaborate for a more effective and efficient delivery of service.
She however disclosed that her Ministry in accordance with the Procurement Act 2007 (as amended), went through the processes of some companies and were subsequently selected having satisfied the basic requirements.
The Permanent Secretary called on the participants to note that the objective of their training is to grant them the expertise to assist in the reduction of unwholesome practices and unnecessary delays in the application process thereby eliminating bottlenecks.
On his part, the Director Citizenship and Business (C&B), Mr. John O. Adeniran, revealed that considering the dynamics of time and change management, having observed the need for review of existing expatriate Quota handbook, (last revised 2004), nonexistence of any in the citizenship division, raised stakeholders concern to articulate guidelines for the processing and grant of the various instruments.
Adeniran, further said that the gaps in framework guiding the instruments also exposed the whole process to gross abuses.
He subsequently cautioned licensed agents to ensure that genuine and complete documents of their clients are submitted and reject applications that do not conform to the requirements.
Dignitaries in attendance are Directors from the Ministry, the head of the consultant, Mr. Tomiwa Akinola (Halcrow), Special stakeholders and staff of the Ministry.
Signed: Afonja Fatai Ajibola
Director of Press (Press & PR).
