The Nigerian government has reacted strongly to an alleged incident where a Chinese businessman reportedly instructed his security guard to shoot a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer at a Chinese-owned company in Abuja.
Condemning the attack, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described it as an assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty and vowed to escalate the matter with the Chinese Embassy.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, he expressed his determination to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
Expressing outrage, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that no foreign entity would be permitted to disrespect Nigerian law enforcement officers.
“This incident is deeply personal to me. I won’t mention the company’s name, but a foreign businessman told his guard to shoot one of our officers and he did. This is unacceptable,” he said.
He further declared, “These officers risk their lives for this nation. No one will come into our country and order their shooting. It will not happen again.”
To prevent future incidents, the government is enhancing its monitoring of foreign nationals.
Tunji-Ojo announced that Nigeria’s White, Grey, and Black lists would be automated to ensure better tracking of expatriates.
Additionally, a new system for managing foreign workers will be introduced from May 1st, allowing a three-month window for compliance before strict enforcement, prosecution, and deportation begin.
“From May 1st to August 1st, all expatriates must regularize their status according to our laws. After that, we will take necessary legal actions,” he warned.
Amid concerns from the Chinese delegation over alleged blacklisting, the minister clarified that Nigeria’s immigration policies were not targeting any particular country but aimed at ensuring compliance from all foreigners.
“Under this administration, we will not generalize or discriminate. Nigerians live in China, and many Chinese, Indians, Americans, and Europeans legally contribute to our economy. However, everyone must abide by our laws,”he explained.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General of NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, revealed that Nigeria’s visa system is undergoing major changes.
The number of visa categories has been reduced from 79 to 44, and a fully digital e-visa platform is being launched to streamline the process.
“We have grouped visa classifications logically to eliminate complications and enhance user experience,” she stated.
The alleged shooting of the immigration officer has sparked serious concerns over foreign business operations in Nigeria.
As investigations continue, the government is making it clear that violations of Nigerian laws will carry serious consequences.
