The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the administration of expatriate quotas, following recent concerns over alleged irregularities in the oil sector.
Last week, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria staged a protest at the headquarters of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company in Lagos, accusing the company of favoring expatriates over qualified Nigerian professionals. This sparked broader concerns about the management of expatriate quotas in the country.
Responding to the issue in a statement on Monday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, acknowledged the concerns and assured the public that proactive measures were being implemented to address them.
“The Ministry of Interior is aware of recent allegations regarding the administration of expatriate quotas in the oil sector. These concerns are being taken seriously, and decisive steps are already underway to address them,” Ajani stated.
She further disclosed that, as part of ongoing reforms, the ministry had issued a circular on February 12, 2025, announcing a major review of the approval process for Expatriate Quota and Citizenship applications. Under the revised framework, all approvals now fall under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Permanent Secretary, rather than being handled by directors as previously done.
“This review aligns with the ministry’s commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the administration of expatriate quotas and citizenship applications. It also aims to address concerns regarding potential abuses and irregularities within the system,” Ajani explained.
She also noted that on March 4, 2025, the Minister of Interior met with key stakeholders in Lagos, including top ministry officials, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and representatives from the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA). The discussions focused on fostering a business-friendly environment while safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers.
Following the meeting, a review committee was established, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the organized private sector under NECA.
“The committee has been tasked with assessing the current expatriate quota policy and recommending necessary improvements. The Minister assures the public that the ministry remains committed to ensuring that expatriate quota administration is fair, transparent, and in the best interest of Nigerians,” Ajani concluded.
