Port Harcourt, Nigeria—The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Hon. Benibo Fredrick Anabrabra, has issued a strong appeal to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure the rigorous implementation of the state’s recently reviewed Expatriate Administration System (EAS) policy, particularly focusing on the crucial Expatriate Attachee Policy element of the Expatriate Quota (EQ) programme.
Hon. Anabrabra delivered the charge today during a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt by the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Rivers State Command, CIS Yabagi Ibrahim Abdulmajeed, and his team. The SSG underscored the vital importance of knowledge transfer as the engine for local content development and sustained economic growth.
The SSG elaborated that the primary purpose of the Expatriate Quota programme is not merely regulatory but developmental designed specifically to improve and grow local content and personnel.
“By attaching our people to expatriates, this policy will help us have efficient manpower and seamless technology transfer,” Hon. Anabrabra asserted. “Attachees learning the technology from expatriates coming into Nigeria and working here will also help us to grow our local industry.”
He affirmed that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara would continue its commitment to partnering with and encouraging the services of the NIS and sister agencies, stressing that this cooperation is essential for national security and the benefit of all Rivers residents.
“I encourage you to continue to uphold the good works as Rivers State Government will continue to work towards providing employment and an environment for the economy to thrive. It is also good that on your part, you are helping to develop our own manpower,” the SSG added, promising an “open-door policy” ready for continued participation and partnership.
Earlier in the visit, the Comptroller of the NIS, Rivers State Command, CIS Abdulmajeed, provided an update on the Command’s operations. He disclosed that the service has undertaken several key reforms in the issuance of visas and passports, aimed at enhancing efficiency and security.
Furthermore, CIS Abdulmajeed confirmed that NIS officers have been actively identifying and removing undocumented immigrants from the state. He called upon Nigerian citizens to cease collaborating with or harbouring such individuals, emphasising that this cooperation is necessary for the collective safety and security of all residents.
Source: Press Release sent to Africa Update by Juliana Masi, Head Press Unit, Head Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government. Date: October 22, 2025
