The Federal Government (FG) has strongly condemned the shooting of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, allegedly on the orders of a Chinese expatriate at a company premises in Niger State. The government has vowed to take diplomatic action and ensure that such incidents never happen again.
FG Vows to Enforce Immigration Laws Against Foreigners
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed outrage over the incident, emphasizing that no foreigner would be allowed to intimidate Nigerian security personnel.
“Some foreign companies refuse to allow immigration officers to carry out their duties. That will no longer happen. A Chinese company recently ordered the shooting of an immigration officer while on duty. That is a direct attack on Nigeria, and we will not let it go unanswered,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo warned that the government is automating its immigration watchlists, categorizing foreigners into white, grey, and black lists. Any expatriate who poses a threat to national security will be swiftly blacklisted and deported.
“We will not allow any foreigner to disrespect our security agencies. You will not come to Nigeria and treat our officers as inferior in their own country. We will take firm action against anyone who violates our laws,” the minister warned.
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Diplomatic Implications and Response to the Chinese Government
The Chinese Embassy had earlier raised concerns that Nigeria was blacklisting Chinese nationals, but the minister dismissed the claims. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong economic ties with China but made it clear that violations of the country’s laws would not be tolerated.
“China is a major trade partner, and we value that relationship. However, just as there are good Nigerians, there are also those who violate laws. The same applies to every other country. We are not targeting any nation unfairly, but we will ensure that our immigration policies are respected,” he said.
To strengthen enforcement, the government is introducing a new expatriate administration system, set to launch on May 1, 2025. This system will require all foreign workers in Nigeria to register their activities, ensuring that their presence is monitored and regulated.
A three-month regularization window will be granted from May 1 to August 1, 2025, allowing all foreign residents to comply with immigration rules. After this period, the government will begin strict enforcement, prosecution, and deportation of those who fail to comply.
Nigeria’s Visa Policy Overhaul to Improve Efficiency
As part of broader immigration reforms, Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, announced a review of the Nigerian Visa Policy 2024. Key changes include:
| Policy Change | Previous System | New System |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Categories | 79 types | 44 simplified categories |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | 2 types (Business & Tourist) | 13 specialized e-visa classes |
| Application Process | In-person embassy visits required | Fully online application & approval |
Nandap emphasized that the new e-visa system will make travel procedures faster, simpler, and more accessible, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks.
“For the first time, visa applications to Nigeria can now be completed entirely online, from submission to approval. This eliminates the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates, making the process more efficient,” she stated.
FG Sends Strong Message: No One is Above the Law
The Nigerian government has vowed to ensure that the Chinese expatriate responsible for ordering the shooting is held accountable.
“This is a serious diplomatic issue. No company or individual is above the law. Nigeria welcomes investors, but no foreigner will be allowed to disrespect our security officers or break our laws,” the minister warned.
This incident has sparked diplomatic concerns and is expected to lead to tighter immigration controls in the coming months.
