The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a strong condemnation of a recent incident in which an immigration officer was reportedly shot on the premises of a Chinese-owned company in Niger State.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during a stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, the minister described the incident as unacceptable and pledged to escalate the matter to the highest diplomatic levels.
“This is not just about the individual involved. This is an attack on Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stated firmly, expressing outrage that a government official carrying out his lawful duties could be harmed under such circumstances. “No foreign company has the right to operate in Nigeria with impunity.”
According to the minister, the immigration officer had visited the company to verify expatriate compliance with immigration regulations when the firm’s security personnel allegedly opened fire under instructions.
He declined to name the company involved but confirmed that it is a Chinese-owned enterprise.
Tunji-Ojo said the government would engage with the Chinese Embassy on the matter and reiterated that under no circumstances should the presence of foreign investors translate to disregard for Nigeria’s laws and institutions.
“You cannot go to China and assault a uniformed government official. Why should it happen here? We will not allow any entity, foreign or local, to treat Nigerian institutions with contempt,” he said.
In response to rising concerns about immigration compliance and national security, the minister also announced the launch of a new Expatriate Administration System, effective May 1, 2025.
The platform is designed to track, monitor, and regulate foreign workers operating in the country, with a three-month window for regularisation ending August 1, 2025.
“We want to know where you are, what you are doing, and under what legal basis you are here,” he said. “Beyond that date, we will commence enforcement, which includes prosecution and deportation.”
As part of broader immigration reforms, the minister also introduced Nigeria’s Online Visa Approval Center, aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing transparency in visa processing.
The digital platform enables global applicants to apply for visas and receive approvals via email within 48 hours, streamlining the process and reducing opportunities for corruption.
“No one should have to know someone or lobby to get a Nigerian visa,” Tunji-Ojo noted. “This system is about ease, fairness, and restoring confidence in our immigration process.”
He further warned that the government reserves the right to revoke operating licenses of companies found to be violating immigration laws or engaging in acts of impunity.
“We will be firm, but fair. What we ask is simple—respect Nigeria, its laws, and its people.”
The minister’s comments come amid growing concerns about the conduct of foreign entities in Nigeria and reflect a shift towards stricter enforcement of immigration protocols under the new visa regime.
Industry stakeholders and foreign investors are now expected to align their operations with Nigeria’s evolving compliance requirements, as the government strengthens institutional oversight and reasserts its authority.
