The Federal Government is set to unveil further guidelines governing the acquisition of Combined Expatriate Residence Permits and Aliens Cards, border control, expatriate quota, new visas and issuance of business permits.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known during a meeting with the stakeholders, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Organised Private Sector at the NECA House, on Tuesday.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised that the reforms will leverage automation and technology to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance the acquisition process for CERPAC, visas, and business permits.
He expressed concern over the current three-month waiting period for expatriates to obtain CERPAC, noting that such delays pose a national security risk.
He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to automating processes to improve efficiency and combat corruption.
“The reforms have to continue. It’s work in progress. It’s our responsibility to make life easier for Nigerians and expatriates.
“A lot was done today with regards to CERPAC, expatriate quota, our business permits, our border control, how our workflow affects the border control, how it affects the Nigerian Immigration Service and of course, the private sector.
“I am working with Professor Ali Pate on issues that even affect the public health sector. The most important thing is that we have to make decisions that will protect the interest of Nigerians, decisions that will not sacrifice our businesses, not discourage our investment, but protect their interests. So we have to come up with creative strategies,” Tunji-Ojo said.
