We’re Ready To Work with Govt On Migration Reforms — Employers

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the federal government and relevant stakeholders to implement ongoing migration reforms to promote dignity, compliance, and sustainable economic growth.

The director general of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated this during the Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Workshop on Expatriate Quota Reform, New Visa Regime, and Post-Amnesty Programme held recently in Kano.

Oyerinde noted that NECA remains dedicated to fostering an economy where law, enterprise, and opportunity coexist. He emphasised the importance of collaboration with stakeholders to make the post-amnesty process a model of structured inclusion. He added that such collaboration would help transform compliance into confidence and strengthen sustainable development in Nigeria and Africa.

According to him, the post-amnesty programme aligns closely with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enabling freer movement of goods, services, and people across the continent. He stressed that transparent and efficient migration systems form the backbone of economic integration.

“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, must lead by example in demonstrating that lawful mobility and economic opportunity can coexist within a secure and predictable policy environment,” Oyerinde said. “For the private sector, the post-amnesty programme is both timely and necessary. It ensures employers operate within clear legal parameters, protects enterprises from liability, and strengthens workforce integrity.”

He reiterated NECA’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) through continuous engagement, capacity building, and advocacy to ensure the reforms achieve their objectives.

Commending the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his visionary leadership in driving the migration reform agenda, Oyerinde said the post-amnesty programme demonstrates that migration can be managed in a manner that safeguards national interest, promotes human dignity, and stimulates economic growth. He also lauded the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap, for her commitment to operational excellence and humane enforcement.

“The ministry’s ambitious reforms, including the post-amnesty enforcement sensitisation, reflect the federal government’s determination to align with global best practices through fairness, clarity, and firmness,” he said.

Oyerinde explained that the post-amnesty initiative offers foreign nationals who have fallen out of compliance with immigration regulations a lawful path to regularisation, reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty and adherence to the rule of law.

“When governed by clear rules and strong institutions, migration becomes a source of national strength,” he added, stressing that regularisation creates visibility within the system, enables better government planning, and allows migrants to contribute productively to the economy.

Highlighting the economic benefits of migration, Oyerinde said properly documented migrants are more likely to work lawfully, pay taxes, and participate in the formal economy, thereby boosting social cohesion and reducing vulnerabilities associated with irregular status.

He further noted that the Ministry of Interior’s actions are in line with international labour and migration standards, positioning Nigeria as a regional model for humane and structured migration management.

“Countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Argentina that have implemented similar regularisation exercises recorded measurable socio-economic gains, including improved labour compliance and expanded tax bases,” he said. “Nigeria’s post-amnesty programme has the same potential to strengthen border management, support legitimate businesses, and enhance the nation’s reputation as a rule-governed destination for investment and skilled migration.”