NECA Canvasses Support For Federal Gov’t On New Expatriate Reforms

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has canvassed support for the Federal Government and other stakeholders in implementing expatriate reforms, including the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria.

The director general of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated this at a high-level stakeholder dialogue titled “Sensitisation on the New Expatriate Administration and Other Reforms” held at the NECA House Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.

Smatt-Oyerinde noted that the global interest in rising nationalism and the growing emphasis on homeland security have underscored the need to align Nigeria’s expatriate and immigration systems with global best practices.

He described the Ministry’s ongoing reforms as highly impactful and commendable, emphasising that the sensitisation session allows stakeholders to gain clarity directly from the source.

“The reforms we are witnessing—particularly at our airports and immigration offices—are visible and valuable. These initiatives are simplifying processes not only for expatriates but also for Nigerians. We appreciate the Ministry’s decision to provide a three-month moratorium to allow organisations to align with the new policies before full enforcement begins on August 1, 2025,” he said.

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Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the crucial role of regulatory alignment for all business operations within the country, highlighting that the government would be rolling out several initiatives of the Ministry’s reform agenda effective May 1, 2025, with a three-month moratorium to enable proper adjustment and compliance.

Tunji-Ojo explained that the Visa-on-arrival processes have been upgraded to eliminate cases of fake visas, adding that a Centralised Interior and Management System (CIMAS) has been launched to enhance coordination and transparency across all processes.

“If you want to do business, you must do business in line with the law. This is a country where there should be no ceiling in terms of growth and development for any hardworking, productive citizen.

He added that these reforms are not just policies but practical solutions; we want to draw the line at a standard level that supports national growth and compliance without compromising efficiency,” he added.