By Josephine Agbonkhese

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Tuesday, reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to collaborate with the organised private sector for more strategic reforms that will ensure happier lives for Nigerians across the world.

Speaking to newsmen immediately after a closed-door meeting with organised private sector stakeholders hosted by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, in Lagos, the minister said a more strategic partnership with the private sector and other organisations will birth the achievement of “the unimaginable”.

“A lot have been done today with regards to the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, CERPAC; expatriate quota; business permits; workflow; the public health sector; border control; the Nigerian Immigration Service, and more.

“Consequently, we have to take decisions that will protect the interests of Nigerians and their businesses, and, at same time, not discourage investments.

“A committee will work behind the scene between NECA, the organised private sector and us, to be able to fine-tune the outcomes of our discussion within the next one week. After that, we will come up with more reforms that we are sure everybody will be happier with,” the minister assured.

Highlighting reforms recently undertaken by the ministry, Tunji-Ojo said the newly-introduced Contactless Passport Application scheme; the E-gate solution which has streamlined the verification of travelers’ identities and enhanced transparency within the immigration system; as well as reduced wait time for the CERPAC work permit card, have, altogether, made life easier for both Nigerians and expatriates.

“The essence of technology is to make life easy. I do not see any reason why a person has to wait for three months before getting a work permit. We have, therefore, eliminated the long wait time for this process.

“Also, with regards to passport reforms, Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, will confirm that it is not business as usual. What we have done also in Canada and Europe, and will be taking to Asia this month, is what we call the Contactless Passport Application, which will eradicate the old process.

“It makes life easier for Nigerians. One does not need to travel from Columbia to Ottawa to renew a passport,” Tunji-Ojo stressed.

Also speaking, the Director-General, NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, commended the ministry’s efforts in strengthening partnership with the private sector.

He called for more of such collaboration between other ministries and the organised private sector for more meaningful reforms in the country.