By Dele Ogbodo
Speaking from the hindsight of recent infractions of Nigerian laws, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has warned foreign companies operating in Nigeria that while the country is receptive to investments and collaboration, they must abide by the nation’s laws and regulations.
The Minister made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday at an ongoing dialogue on the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, expressing displeasure over an incident in Minna, Niger State, where operatives of Chinese Company were alleged to have ordered the shooting of an officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on official duty to the firm.
While condemning the act as unacceptable, he acknowledged that no company has right to refuse or intimidate NIS from discharging its legal responsibility.
The Minister said that will never happen, adding, I will not go to any country, open a company and say immigration services are not allowed.
He said: “And I am taking that very personally. One of them shot one of our employees. The owner of a foreign company told the security attaché to shoot our officer. That happened a couple of weeks ago.
“We are going to take it up with the Chinese Embassy. I won’t go to China and open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform.
“That alone is an attack on Nigeria. It will never happen. These officers put their lives on the line. You will not come from anywhere and ask to shoot them in their fatherland. It will no longer happen. We will take it up with you.
“I can’t imagine it for a father to leave his children, go in defense of Nigeria, to do his legitimate responsibility and go to a company to ask questions. And then, you say they should shoot him. This is a diplomatic issue. We will handle it. We will not tolerate this. Please, no agent, no company is above the law.
“We are doing our best to collaborate with you. But please, we beg you. Do not insult us. We will not disrespect you, no one will disrespect you in Nigeria. What we ask for is the reciprocity of respect.
The essence of this is not just a meeting.It is for you to have your input before the final document.”
The Minister also warned that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for people of questionable characters and that so long as you are straightforward, no one need to lobby to get Nigerian Visa.
“Because we are automating our grey and black list of immigration. If you keep violating our immigration laws, I’m sorry, Nigeria is not interested in you.
For illegal and unlawful activities, we will put you on the black list. So even if you apply, that’s it. And henceforth, for visa overstayers, after the period, there will be a penalty for overstaying of your visa.
“And if you go beyond a certain time in terms of overstay, we will suspend you. And if you go beyond that, there will be a black list. So we are going to have three lists. The white list, the grey list, and the black list. In the white list, you are free to come and we will open our borders.
“If there are minor infractions and you pay the penalties, that’s the grey list. But if there are serious infractions that bother on our national security, that bother on the abuse of our immigration laws, it is going to be on the black list.”
Earlier in her Opening Remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani said that
the Nigerian Visa Policy 2025 document marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to foster a modern, transparent and globally competitive visa regime.
“The Nigerian visa policy 2025 reflects the government’s commitment to an immigration system that balances national security with economic development, streamlines visa procedures and enhances Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for investors, tourists and skilled professionals.
“This policy is as a result of extensive consultations, technical evaluations and collaboration among key ministries, departments and agencies and other stakeholders. The imputes from the private sector, diplomatic missions and international development partners have been invaluable in shaping this reform.
“The NAP 2025, as we have acknowledged, is built on four fundamental pillars.
One, enhancing national security through modernized border management, improved biometric verification and digitized processes with a view to strengthening Nigeria’s ability to regulate migration while preventing security threats.
“The second pillar is facilitating economic growth by streamlining visa procedures, reducing bureaucratic burdens to attract foreign direct investment and boost tourism. We also intend to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring a seamless experience for business travelers, investors and skilled professionals seeking to contribute to Nigeria’s economy. And lastly, we intend to promote safe, orderly and legal migration into Nigeria.”
