FG talks tough as Chinese company ‘orders’ shooting of Nigerian immigration officer

The Federal Government has condemned an alleged incident involving a Chinese expatriate who reportedly instructed a security officer to shoot a personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on duty at a Chinese-owned company.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the act as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and vowed that the government would not overlook it.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, he stated:”I will not go to any country, open a company, and tell their immigration service they cannot come in. An incident happened, and I am taking that very personally. A Chinese company ordered a security officer to shoot our immigration personnel, and he did. That alone is an attack on Nigeria.”

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the matter would be escalated with the Chinese Embassy, asserting that such actions would not be tolerated.”This is unjust, and we are going to take it up. These officers put their lives on the line to serve this country, and no one will come from anywhere to shoot them in their fatherland. That officer is a father, a son, a husband—his life matters,” he added.

As part of ongoing immigration reforms, the minister revealed that the federal government is automating its White, Grey, and Blacklists to identify and blacklist foreign nationals who pose security risks. Additionally, he announced that from May 1, 2025, Nigeria will launch an Expatriate Administration System to monitor foreign workers, with a three-month grace period for compliance before enforcement begins.

“We will not allow the abuse of our immigration protocols. We want you in Nigeria, but only if you obey our laws,” Tunji-Ojo warned.

He also addressed concerns from the Chinese diplomatic delegation, led by the ambassador, regarding alleged blacklisting of Chinese nationals, clarifying that Nigeria was not singling out any country.”We will never paint an entire nation with a single brush. There are many Chinese, Indians, Americans, and Europeans contributing positively to our economy. But we will not tolerate abuse of our immigration policies,” he said.

The minister further announced revisions to the Nigerian Visa Policy 2024, streamlining visa classifications from 79 to 44 to improve efficiency. Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nana Nandap, explained that the new system includes an expanded e-visa framework with 13 specific categories, allowing applicants to complete the process entirely online.

“For the first time, with the introduction of e-visa classes, visa applications to Nigeria can now be completed entirely online, from submission to approval, thereby eliminating the need for in-person visits to embassies or consulates,” Nandap stated.

She noted that the updated framework would accommodate various short-term travel purposes, making the process more accessible and user-friendly.

Reaffirming the government’s stance on protecting its citizens, Tunji-Ojo declared:”As long as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in power, no foreigner will be disrespected in Nigeria. But we demand the same respect in return. No company is above the law.”