A transparency group, the Coalition for Ethical Standard Accountability and Good Governance(ESAGG) has tackled the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior over alleged lack of due consultations of relevant stakeholders before the commencement of the e-Visa and e- CERPAC Regime.
According to the group, despite the commendable fact that these digital platforms aim to enhance transparency, speed up processing, and simplify immigration for expatriates entering Nigeria, all society approach should have been adopted with all stakeholders engagement, buy-in of foreign entities,the investment drivers of the nations economy and the International Communities carried along in the new policies.
The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ebuka Nwachukwu. , in a statement made available to newsmen via electronic mail, noted that while acknowledging the strides taking by both the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior,it is pertinent to echo this fact that migration to digital platform is done hand in hand with the analogue facility being issued side by side for a reasonable period and not a rush period.
According to the Statement, “The e-Visa and e- CERPAC Regime: Need for Detail Awareness Campaign and All Stakeholders Engagement;The Nigeria Immigration Service under the watch of the Ministry of Interior must understand that migration from an existing service or product to another in this digital age goes beyond a jingle on a television or advert placement on select Newspapers.”
“it is an all society approach,all stakeholders engagement and buy-in of foreign entities,the investment drivers of the nations economy,the International Communities,vital organs of government that has direct dealings with Immigration related matters and most importantly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
“While acknowledging the strides taking by both the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior,it is pertinent to echo this fact that migration to digital platform is done hand in hand with the analogue facility being issued side by side for a reasonable period and not a rush period.”
“The Amnesty period is too short for companies and organizations to start losing Millions expended for an existing facility and to start purchasing new facilities,in a nation trying to attract investors and to compete with other nations within the same region and continent, whose Immigration Policies is attracting huge number of investors and businesses to their country,countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco,South Africa,Tanzania,Benin Republic,Kenya to mention but a few,where every investment opportunity from Hospitality,Tourism,Ports activities,Sports,AI and Digital Technology, Mining are used to attract investors with flexible secured Visas and Residence Card that is also digital in nature”
“The Ministry of Interior must be mindful of the fact that she can not be the driver and passenger at the same time,the Ministry must allow the Nigeria Immigration Service to operate as the enforcement agency and service provider for which it’s operative were trained and do the needful to do a comprehensive Awareness Campaign and engage with all stakeholders,else there will be a system collapse and a backlash to Nigerian investors and Citizens in reciprocity by other countries as a response to the current rush in the name of digitization of a system.
” There is need for the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to engage thoroughly with all stakeholders not select group and to do an exhaustive Awareness Campaign to carry along beneficiaries of the services and the organisations paying the fees charged.”
“As concern citizens,the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service must realize that the system E-Visa and e- CERPAC was issued abinitio on a platform,and on agreed terms,conditions to avoid system breakdown and failure”
“There must be smooth transition,not a quick fix arrangement as obtained,a lot was committed to the production system brought in by the organisations issuing the former facility,there must be a winding process that will be healthy to both the Nigeria Immigration Service and their service providers in all the service windows,be it Passport where the Nigeria Immigration Service is opting for a centralized production,the new e- Visa and e- CERPAC,”
“These are technical services driven by technology and expertise,there is need for smooth technology transfer and let us not forget the Build,Operate and Transfer policy, the new services will be effective with proper handing over and transfer.”
“Above all, there is need for the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to allow a lawful transition,and detail brief by all parties concern which will be sanctioned by all and for the good of the nation.”
The group however called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies for the extension of the amnesty period to give room for thorough Awareness Campaign, Stakeholders Meeting and buy-in of the end users through public hearing and public engagements.
