The Federal Government (FG) through the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has condemned in strong terms the shooting of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, allegedly on the orders of a Chinese expatriate at premises of a company in Niger State.
The is just as it vowed to take diplomatic action and to also ensure that such incidents does not repeat itself.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, Tunji-Ojo, expressed outrage over the incident, warning that no foreigner would be allowed to intimidate Nigerian security personnel. .
According to him, “Some foreign companies refuse to allow immigration officers to carry out their duties. That will no longer happen. A Chinese company recently ordered the shooting of an immigration officer while on duty. That is a direct attack on Nigeria, and we will not let it go unanswered.”
Tunji-Ojo informed that the government is automating its immigration watchlists, categorising foreigners into white, grey, and black lists and that any expatriate who poses a threat to national security will be swiftly blacklisted and deported.
In his words, “We will not allow any foreigner to disrespect our security agencies. You will not come to Nigeria and treat our officers as inferior in their own country. We will take firm action against anyone who violates our laws.”
On the diplomatic Implications and response to the Chinese Government, the Chinese Embassy had earlier complained that Nigeria was blacklisting Chinese nationals, but this allegation was swiftly refuted by Tunji-Ojo
He restated Nigeria’s strong economic ties with China but made it abundantly clear that violations of the country’s laws would not be tolerated.
“China is a major trade partner, and we value that relationship. However, just as there are good Nigerians, there are also those who violate laws. The same applies to every other country. We are not targeting any nation unfairly, but we will ensure that our immigration policies are respected and obeyed,” he said.
The Minister said that the Federal Government is introducing a new expatriate administration system to strengthen enforcement, which according to the Minister will be unveiled on May 1, 2025.
This system, he noted will require all foreign workers in Nigeria to register their activities, ensuring that their presence is monitored and regulated, adding that a three-month regularisation window will be granted from May 1 to August 1, 2025, allowing all foreign residents to comply with immigration rules.
He pointed out that after this period, the Federal Government will begin strict enforcement, prosecution, and deportation of those who fail to comply.with Nigeria’s Visa Policy overhaul to improve efficiency.
He explained that the move is part of broader immigration reforms.
Key changes include: Policy Change Previous System New System Visa Categories 79 types 44 simplified categories Visa on Arrival (VOA) 2 types (Business & Tourist) 13 specialized e-visa classes Application Process In-person embassy visits required Fully online application & approval Nandap emphasized that the new e-visa system will make travel procedures faster, simpler, and more accessible, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“For the first time, visa applications to Nigeria can now be completed entirely online, from submission to approval.
This eliminates the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates, making the process more efficient,” she stated.
No One is Above the Law The Nigerian government has vowed to ensure that the Chinese expatriate responsible for ordering the shooting is held accountable,” the Minister said
“This is a serious diplomatic issue. No company or individual is above the law. Nigeria welcomes investors, but no foreigner will be allowed to disrespect our security officers or break our laws.” he warned
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