Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro
Senator Iroegbu
The Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has assured that new quota system and visa regime introduced according to the global standard practices and Nigeria's peculiar needs will not in any way compromise overall security and economic considerations of the country.
Moro stated this Monday while speaking at the stakeholders' conference in Lagos on Expatriate quota administration.
He also said that the agenda of the conference will dwell on the need to articulate a compact between the Ministry of Interior and all relevant stakeholders on expatriate quota administration in the country.
He said: " The virtues of spontaneity, convenience and timeliness of the new Visa regime will not compromise overall security and economic considerations of the country".
"In addition, the compact if developed and approved will be the building blocks and provide touchstones for consideration in all approvals of quota facilities granted by the Ministry".
"Such touchstones will also serve as credible monitoring matrix as well as the condition of mutual accountability of efficient service delivery for both the Ministry and relevant stakeholders", he added.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman Senate Committee on Labour, Senator Wilson Ake, the Vice Chairman, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Chairman House Committee on Interior, Honourable Peter Eden assured the commitment of the National Assembly to make relevant legislation to address the problems and challenges of expatriate quota administration in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Daniel- Nwaobia commended the timing of the conference as Nigeria is presently yearning for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), transfer of technology and mobilisation of highly skilled migrant human capital into the country.
Also, the Managing Director of Anchor Dataware Solutions, Mr. Joel stated that when fully deployed, it will grant unrestricted access to all stakeholders from any part of the point of domicile.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Samuel Ortom, Minster of Labour, Chief Emeka Nwogu and the former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Others are Controller General of Prisons, Mr Zakari Ibrahim; Commander General of Fire Services, James Olusegun Okedirun; and Commander General of NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin amongst others.
The two day event was attended by expatriates, employers of labour and the organised private sector.