In a stern announcement, the Immigration Chief Controller General of Immigration (CGI), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, declared a crackdown on the practice of employing foreign prisoners within foreign-owned companies operating in Nigeria. The warning came during a press conference held at the Immigration’s headquarters in Abuja.
CGI Adepoju Immigration Chief asserted that under her leadership, the toleration of such practices would cease. She emphasized the need for strict regulation and thorough screening of individuals entering the country, particularly focusing on the issuance of work visas to prevent the employment of foreign prisoners in Nigerian companies.
The announcement follows recent revelations made by members of the Senate’s Interior Committee during the budget defense of the Ministry of Interior. The senators alleged that prisoners from foreign countries were being employed in construction companies owned by expatriates in Nigeria. Committee Chairman Adams Oshiomhole expressed disapproval of the practice and insisted that it must be halted immediately.
Oshiomhole stated, “This is even different from the age-long fraud the oil companies have been carrying out in the country through the policy of expatriate quotas by making our own qualified engineers work under foreign technicians.” He highlighted concerns about non-Nigerians, including foreign prisoners, working in Nigeria and stressed the need for corrective action.
Addressing the specific issue of engaging foreign prisoners, CGI Adepoju responded, “If there was a failure in that aspect in the past, there is a new sheriff in town. Under my administration, we will ensure that such will not happen.” She underscored the importance of conducting thorough investigations on intending migrants to Nigeria and tightening the screening process to prevent such incidents.
In addition to the crackdown on the employment of foreign prisoners, CGI Adepoju highlighted the challenges posed by migrant smuggling, describing it as a serious transnational crime. She emphasized the need for collaboration to combat this illicit trade, which not only exploits vulnerable individuals but also undermines national security.
Furthermore, CGI Adepoju revealed that 522 victims of trafficked persons had been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). As part of efforts to discourage irregular migration, she launched a campaign while noting that migration itself is not a crime.
The CGI assured the public, “I will take it as a challenge and by God’s grace, we will begin to sing a new song,” signaling a determined effort to address issues within the immigration system under her administration.
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