The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lifted the lid over the increasing number of expatriates working in Nigeria without the required work permits, especially in roles that could easily be filled by Nigerians.
The Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, reacted strongly to a recent statement from the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who revealed that as much as 90 percent of expatriates engaged in jobs meant for Nigerians are operating without proper work permits.
Oyerinde described the situation as both “worrisome” and a serious security risk. He stressed that the findings underscored a need for urgent action to address the issue, highlighting that it further exemplifies the gaps in Nigeria’s labor migration policies and enforcement. “This comment by the Minister affirms the huge job facing the ministry, as there is a need for an urgent reversal of this trend,” he said. He emphasized that the government must ensure that Nigerians are prioritized for jobs that fall within the scope of their expertise, particularly in sectors that are currently filled by unpermitted foreign workers.
Oyerinde further added that it was imperative to implement robust structures and frameworks that protect local employment, ensuring that expatriates are only employed in roles where there is a clear shortage of local expertise. “While expatriates with legal work permits should be protected and given necessary guarantees, those without work permits should be made to either regularize their papers or be guided out of the country,” he stated.
Corroborating, Mr. Eustace James, Senior Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), advocated for the protection of migrant workers’ rights, regardless of whether they are expatriates or not. James called on the government to create clear, legal pathways for expatriates to regularize their stay in Nigeria. “Whether called expatriates or migrant workers, they have rights, and the government must pursue providing legal pathways for them to become documented,” he said.
James also underlined the importance of protecting Nigerians working abroad and ensuring the rights of non-Nigerians working within the country.
He called for a focused approach from government agencies to strengthen the enforcement of migration laws and policies that regulate labor migration. He further noted that any lapses by border management agencies allowing expatriates to work without proper documentation must be investigated and corrected. “We must advocate protection of Nigerians working outside Nigeria and non-Nigerians working in Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Both leaders called on the government to act swiftly to address the situation and curb the growing number of expatriates working in Nigeria without permits, a practice they argue undermines local employment opportunities and the country’s security. Their statements come as part of an ongoing dialogue about the enforcement of labor migration policies and the need for greater accountability in regulating the employment of foreign workers in Nigeria.