Nigeria Automates Expatriate Permit Process to Boost Efficiency, Curb Graft
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
|Published 3:00 PM ET, Thursday April 24, 2025|
The new digital platform, known as the Expatriate Employment Automation System (EEAS), replaces the manual process previously used for handling Expatriate Quota (EQ) approvals and renewals. It is designed to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, minimize face-to-face interactions, and create a transparent audit trail of all permit-related transactions.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while unveiling the platform in Abuja, stated that the reform is part of the broader effort by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to modernize public services and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business rankings.
“This automation marks a turning point in the administration of expatriate services,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo. “It ensures accountability, eliminates discretionary practices, and supports government efforts to create a conducive environment for foreign investment.”
The system integrates with Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) databases and allows companies to submit applications, upload documents, and track the progress of requests online in real time. It also features verification protocols to detect fraudulent submissions and flag inconsistencies.
Stakeholders in the business and expatriate communities have welcomed the move. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) praised the government for embracing digital governance, stating that the platform will significantly reduce delays and reduce room for extortion.
According to official data, Nigeria hosts tens of thousands of expatriates working in sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, telecommunications, and construction. Until now, the permit process had been plagued by allegations of graft and inefficiency, often leading to delays in critical projects.
The Ministry of Interior noted that a nationwide sensitization campaign would follow the platform’s launch to ensure companies and stakeholders understand how to use the system. Officials also pledged continuous improvements and user feedback integration to ensure a smooth transition.
The EEAS platform is now live and accessible through the Ministry’s official portal.
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