The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday convened a major stakeholders’ sensitisation programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to explain key reforms in visa issuance, expatriate employment, and post-amnesty voluntary return initiatives.
The event, held at the Federal Secretariat on Aba Road, brought together business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders.
Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, represented at the event by Deputy Comptroller-General Franca Nwanneka, described the programme as a strategic engagement aimed at promoting transparency, efficiency, and compliance in migration management.
Nwanneka explained that the forum would provide stakeholders with a clear understanding of the Expatriate Quota Reform, the new visa regime, and the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme.
According to her, “These reforms are designed to modernise Nigeria’s migration system under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our goal is to ensure that migration management is not only effective but also transparent, business-friendly, and technologically advanced, ” Nandap said.
The Comptroller-General outlined the digital-driven initiatives being rolled out, including the e-Visa platform, e-CERPAC (Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Automated Card), e-TWP (Temporary Work Permit), and electronic landing and exit cards.
She further emphasised that the Expatriate Quota Reform simplified foreign employment procedures, reducing bureaucratic delays while strengthening compliance monitoring.
Nandap also highlighted the Post-Amnesty Voluntary Return and Documentation Programme, which followed a five-month amnesty period from May 1 to September 30, 2025.
“This initiative provides a lawful and compassionate avenue for migrants with irregular status to regularise their stay or leave the country voluntarily, avoiding penalties,” she said.
The Comptroller-General urged full participation from stakeholders to enhance service delivery and deepen collaboration between the NIS and the private sector.
“We are committed to making Nigeria a secure, welcoming, and competitive destination for foreign investment and tourism,” she further added.
Comptroller Yabagi Abdulmajeed of the Rivers State Command praised the sensitisation, noting it strengthened understanding and collaboration between the NIS and the local business community.
He reiterated the Service’s commitment to transparency and service excellence, encouraging stakeholders to actively support the integrity of Nigeria’s migration system.
The Rivers State Government, through Secretary to the State Government Benibo Anabrabra, called for rigorous implementation of the Expatriate Administration System (EAS) and the Expatriate Quota programme to boost local content and economic development.
Anabrabra stressed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration would continue to partner with NIS to ensure security while creating an enabling environment for businesses and residents.
“We remain committed to an open-door policy, ready to collaborate and support the Nigeria Immigration Service in its mandate,” the SSG said.
Abdulmajeed also warned Nigerians against assisting undocumented immigrants, underscoring that NIS officers have apprehended irregular migrants to protect public safety.
The programme marks a significant step in modernising Nigeria’s migration management framework, integrating technology-driven solutions, promoting transparency, and supporting economic growth through improved visa and expatriate policies.
