In a revealing statement before the National Assembly, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, disclosed that a staggering 90% of expatriates working in roles meant for Nigerians do not possess the required work permits. The minister made this revelation on Wednesday, January 15, while defending the 2024 budget of the Interior Ministry before the joint committees of the National Assembly.
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The issue of expatriates taking over jobs that Nigerians are qualified to perform has long been a contentious topic in the country. Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, did not mince words as he criticized the Ministry for allowing an influx of foreign workers into Nigeria.
“No country in the world allows all manner of people to come under all kinds of guises and be given visas and whatever it is to reside in the country,” Oshiomhole stated. “Visit the commercial centers, and you will find expatriates selling tables, chairs, bread – jobs that Nigerians can clearly do.”
In response, Minister Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing the need for effective migration management. He revealed that the Ministry is working on an automation process to address the issue of illegal work permits and improve border management.
“We try to solve compound problems by solving them in silos… 90% of the people that you spoke about do not have permits, and that is the essence of the automation process that we are doing,” the minister explained. He further stressed that effective border management is the foundation of any country’s migration system, a principle Nigeria must adopt to tackle the problem.
Tunji-Ojo also hinted at underlying issues that cannot be discussed publicly but require closed-door sessions for resolution. This suggests that the problem of expatriates taking over Nigerian jobs may be more complex than it appears on the surface.
The minister’s disclosure has sparked renewed debate about Nigeria’s immigration policies and the need to protect local jobs. Many Nigerians have expressed concern over the growing presence of foreign workers in sectors where local expertise is readily available.
As the Ministry of Interior moves forward with its automation process, stakeholders are hopeful that this will lead to stricter enforcement of work permit regulations and create more opportunities for Nigerian citizens.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Should Nigeria tighten its immigration policies to protect local jobs, or is there a need for a more balanced approach? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and other news from Nigeria and beyond.
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