By Palma Ileye
Federal Government in its bid to demonstrate transparency, and accountability in the conduct of its business, the Ministry of Interior resolved to partner with stakeholders in the authentication of documents received from applicants for registration of expatriate Quota.
The Permanent Secretary of Interior, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, represented by Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Comfort Kabirwa, stated this yesterday, while making her opening speech for the training of Consultants for the granting of business permits, expatriate Quota administration, Citizenship/ resident permit for the Ministry in Abuja.
She noted that the government was working in partnership with citizens who were demanding for transparency, openness, accountability, and their involvement in affairs that concern them.
Akinlade opined that in order to fully support the country’s development, the public and private sectors must collaborate for a more effective and efficient delivery of services.
She however disclosed that her ministry, in accordance with the Procurement Act 2007 (as amended), went through the processes of some companies and was subsequently selected having satisfied the basic requirements.
“May I at this juncture, reiterate that it is important to note that the roles of government are changing, government are no longer the sole decision makers. Government is working in partnership with their citizens who are demanding for transparency, openness, accountability and their involvement in Affairs that concern them,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary called on the participants to note that the objective of their training is to grant them the expertise to assist in the reduction of unwholesome practices and unnecessary delays in the application process thereby eliminating bottlenecks.
On his part, the Director of Citizenship and Business, C&B, Mr. John O. Adeniran, revealed that, considering the dynamics of time and change management, having observed the need for a review of the existing expatriate Quota handbook, (last revised 2004), the nonexistence of any in the Citizenship Division, raised stakeholders concern to articulate guidelines for the processing and grant of the various instruments.
Adeniran further expressed that the gaps in the framework guiding the instruments also exposed the whole process to gross abuses.
He subsequently cautioned licensed agents to ensure that genuine and complete documents of their clients were submitted and to reject applications that do not conform to the requirements.
Dignitaries in attendance are Directors from the Ministry, the head of the consultant, Mr Tomiwa Akinola, (Halcrow), Special stakeholders and Staff of the Ministry.
