INTERIOR MINISTRY, KADUNA REVENUE SERVICE TO PARTNER ON EXPATRIATE QUOTA DATA SHARING

Comrade Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman, Kaduna Internal Revenue Service, KADIRS presenting a souvenir to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani during a visit to the Ministry on Tuesday in Abuja 

"Effective management of expatriate data requires the input of all key players." Dr Ajani, Perm Secretary Federal Ministry of Interior.

.... Says "the Ministry’s ongoing electronic reforms are already revealing valuable insights into previously undocumented activities in the sector."

"The visit was not only to present concerns but also to build lasting relationships with the Ministry for future networking and knowledge sharing". Comrade Adams, KADIRS 

.... Reaffirms confidence in the Ministry’s capacity to address the matters with fairness and speed.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the administration of the Expatriate Quota through technology-driven processes and inter-agency collaboration.

Dr. Ajani, who represented the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Kaduna State Revenue Service, led by its Executive Chairman, Comrade Jerry Adams, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Ajani commended their efforts to engage with relevant stakeholders on matters relating to the Expatriate Quota. She noted that effective management of expatriate data requires the input of all key players, adding that the Ministry’s ongoing electronic reforms are already revealing valuable insights into previously undocumented activities in the sector.

“Even as a country, we cannot yet fully assert the exact number of expatriates in Nigeria. However, with the deployment of our electronic platforms and the amnesty period granted to expatriates to regularize their stay, we are optimistic about achieving greater accuracy and transparency,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary explained that while the Ministry is open to sharing data with other government institutions, such engagement must align with extant laws, given the Ministry’s core mandate as a security agency rather than a revenue-generating body.

She emphasised the need to establish a joint technical team comprising officers from the Ministry of Interior and the Kaduna State Revenue Board to define the scope of information required and the modalities for lawful data exchange.

 “This is a government-to-government engagement. We are ready to collaborate, but it must be done responsibly and in accordance with security protocols,” Dr. Ajani stressed.

The meeting underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen transparency, compliance, and efficiency in the administration of expatriate quotas through innovative solutions and institutional partnerships.

A high-level delegation from the State Revenue Service, paid the courtesy and working visit to the Ministry of Interior to discuss areas of mutual interest and strengthen cooperation on expatriate data management and related services.

Earlier Speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Comrade Jerry Adams, outlined key matters requiring urgent attention, foremost among them is the challenge of incomplete or inaccurate reporting of expatriates, working or residing in Kaduna State.

He emphasized the importance of accurate data sharing, proposing closer collaboration with the Ministry’s relevant units and the possible deployment of API links to enhance real-time information exchange.

Other points raised included revenue reconciliation for services rendered by agencies under the Ministry, notably the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, covering January to August reporting periods.

The Executive Chairman further explained that the visit was not only to present concerns but also to build lasting relationships with the Ministry for future networking and knowledge sharing. He expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for receiving the delegation at short notice, reaffirming confidence in the Ministry’s capacity to address the matters with fairness and speed.

Present at the meeting are Okuboere S. Mukah (Mrs) Director, Citizenship & Business Department, Assistant Controller General Visa and Residency, Franca Nwanneka, representing the Comptroller General of the Immigration Service.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Ibraheem Zakariyya, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Interior and made available to Naij News Alert in Abuja.