By Hyacinth Eku
Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s migration management framework through targeted reforms aimed at enhancing national security, improving service delivery, and facilitating investment.
In a press release e-signed by Mary Ali (Mrs) Head, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo said effective collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) is critical to achieving government policy objectives, particularly where coordinated implementation is required. He noted that the RMAFC plays a strategic role in promoting institutional alignment and supporting revenue optimization across government.
“The Ministry is committed to repositioning Nigeria’s migration system to be more efficient, transparent, and supportive of economic activities, while maintaining the highest standards of national security,” the Minister stated. He disclosed the introduction of an electronic visa system to address processing challenges and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as an investment destination. The system enables end-to-end digital processing, including secure, QR-coded visas, to reduce timelines and administrative bottlenecks.
He also revealed the deployment of an integrated digital platform for administering the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) and expatriate quota system. The platform facilitates real-time data exchange with the Nigeria Immigration Service, eliminates unauthorized intermediaries, and enhances transparency and accountability. He added that citizenship matters are strictly regulated by the Constitution, while investor-friendly residency options may be pursued within existing laws.
Earlier, RMAFC Chairman Dr. Shehu highlighted the Commission’s mandate to ensure all revenues due to the Federation are properly collected and distributed, determine remuneration for political office holders and judicial officers, and review the revenue allocation formula for the three tiers of government. He commended the Ministry for its contributions to improved revenue inflows and reaffirmed the Commission’s role in monitoring agencies like NNPC, NUPRC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the solid minerals sector to ensure accurate remittance to the Federation Account.
Also speaking, Hon. Enefe Ekene, Chairman of the Commission’s Investment Monitoring Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, said the visit sought a strategic alliance with the Ministry on citizenship by investment and safeguarding the solid minerals sector. He added that the Committee oversees government initiatives designed to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria.
