The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabrabra, has called on the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure the rigorous and effective implementation of the recently updated Expatriate Administration System (EAS) policy, which includes the Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme within the state.
The SSG made the appeal on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt by the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Rivers State Command, Yabagi Abdulmajeed, and his delegation.
Anabrabra stressed that the transfer of knowledge is vital for fostering local content development and stimulating economic expansion.
According to the SSG, the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to collaborating with and supporting the NIS and related security agencies to enhance national security and benefit all residents of Rivers State.
Anabrabra elaborated on the purpose of the policy: “The Expatriate Quota (EQ) program was established to enhance and develop our local content and workforce. By pairing our citizens with expatriates, this policy is designed to facilitate the smooth transfer of technology and create an efficient local workforce.”
He added that having local staff attached to and learning technology from expatriates working in Nigeria will be crucial for the growth of local industries.
The SSG commended the NIS for its efforts and pledged that the state government will continue to work to generate employment and maintain a conducive environment for economic prosperity.
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He noted that the Immigration Service’s role in developing local manpower is also commendable. “We will maintain an open-door policy, ready to partner, participate, and encourage the service,” he affirmed.
Earlier, Abdulmajeed, mentioned that the service has undergone several reforms regarding the issuance of visas and passports.
He also highlighted that Immigration officers have successfully identified and apprehended undocumented immigrants, urging Nigerians to refrain from collaborating with or concealing such individuals for the collective safety of all.
