By Damilola Adeleke

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has revealed that 90% of expatriates working in roles designated for Nigerians lack the required work permits. He made this assertion on Wednesday while addressing the joint National Assembly committees on the interior during the ministry’s budget defense.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, expressed concerns over the influx of expatriates occupying jobs that Nigerians are qualified to perform. He criticized the ministry for granting visas and permissions indiscriminately, allowing foreign nationals to take up menial roles such as selling furniture and bread in commercial hubs.

“No country in the world permits unrestricted access to foreigners who take up jobs its citizens can perform,” Oshiomhole stated.

In response, Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the issue, emphasizing the need for effective migration and border management. He disclosed that most expatriates working in such capacities do so without proper documentation.

“We face a significant problem with migration management. Ninety percent of these expatriates lack permits, and this is why we are prioritizing automation to address these lapses,” the minister explained.

He also noted that border control is crucial for managing migration effectively, hinting at undisclosed complexities surrounding the issue that require private discussions.Tunji-Ojo’s remarks underline the government’s efforts to curb illegal practices and ensure job opportunities are preserved for Nigerians, aligning with broader national employment and immigration reform agendas.