The Federal Government has denounced the recent shooting of a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer, allegedly carried out on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the incident as a “blatant violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty” during the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 held in Abuja on Thursday.
The shooting reportedly occurred in Niger State, where a security attaché working for the Chinese company allegedly shot an NIS officer.
Government to Engage Chinese Embassy
Speaking at the workshop, Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government would engage the Chinese Embassy on the matter, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated in any sovereign nation.
“I will not go to any country, open a company, and say the immigration service cannot come out. I will not do that,” he said.
The minister condemned the company’s actions, calling them an attack on Nigeria.
“I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, enter a company, and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world,” he said. “That officer is a father, a son, a husband—his life matters.”
Enhanced Immigration Reforms Underway
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted ongoing immigration reforms aimed at strengthening national security. According to him, the government is automating its White, Grey, and Blacklists to track and blacklist foreign nationals deemed to pose security risks.
The minister warned that the government would not tolerate any abuse of its immigration laws, particularly by foreign companies operating in Nigeria.
New Expatriate Monitoring System from 2025
As part of broader reforms, the minister announced the launch of an Expatriate Administration System starting May 1, 2025. The system will monitor all foreign workers in Nigeria to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Tunji-Ojo explained that a three-month grace period would be given for companies to comply. After this period, the government would begin enforcing regulations through prosecution and deportation of violators.
“We will not allow the abuse of our immigration protocols. We want you in Nigeria, but only if you obey our laws,” he warned.
Bottom Line
The Federal Government has made a strong stance against the shooting incident, reflecting its commitment to defending national sovereignty and protecting government officials. With plans to engage the Chinese Embassy and implement stricter immigration controls, Nigeria is signalling a tougher approach to foreign companies that violate its laws.
