FG decries abuse of ECOWAS free movement policy over proliferation of small arms

Abdulrahmam Dambazau, Minister of Interior on Tuesday expressed concern over the abuse of the ECOWAS free movement policy by some illegal migrants into Nigeria.

Dambazau made the observation during an interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior who were on oversight function to the Ministry in Abuja.

The Minister who frowned at the development, unveiled plans to review the policy, expressed concern over proliferation of inflow of light weapons and ilkict drugs into the country.

“The ministry is looking into a proposal by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to give amnesty to illegal migrants for them to come out and register.

“We are also looking at the implications of people taking advantage of ECOWAS free movement. This has led to proliferation of light weapons and drugs; some of them are cloning remita, receipts and expatriate certification,” he said.

The Minister who reiterated the Ministry’s move to address the issue of foreigners overstaying their time, tasked National Assembly on the need to come up with legislations that will define businesses foreigners living in Nigerian can engage in during their stay across the country.

Dambazau also decried the connivance of some Nigerians with illegal immigrants to engage in various illegal commercial ventures and perpetrate crime in the society.

According to Dambazau, some Nigerians go up to the level of renting out their shops to these foreigners as well as cover their illegal activities.

In his remarks, Adams Jagaba, Chairman, House Committee on Interior said that the committee was mandated by the House to investigate alleged abuse of expatriate quota by some immigration personnel.

“So we need the cooperation of this ministry to succeed in this task because if the trend is not checked, our heritage will be taken away,” Jagaba said.

On his part, Garba Mohammed (APC-Kano) who called for proactive steps towards addressing situations where some foreigners take-over small scale businesses in major cities across the country.

“For instance in Kano some of the foreigners have taken over the business of dying clothes. This must be addressed because they are succeeding in taking away our businesses.

“Our artisans and craftsmen are out of job and if this continues, there will be no hope for them in the next 20 years,” Mohammed said.

 

KEHINDE AKINTOLA, Abuja