IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior has launched the pilot program of a mandatory online service.

What does the change mean? The new service, eCitiBiz, was launched May 7 and will eventually replace the hard-copy application process for business permits, expatriate quotas and citizenship applications, and applicants will receive application file numbers and verification codes to track applications online. During the pilot, however, only expatriate quota applications will be completed through the portal.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Business permits, expatriate quotas and citizenship applications.
  • Business impact: Migrating the application process to the new portal may cause delays and extend processing times.
  • Next steps: Future applicants for business permits or citizenship in Nigeria should anticipate using the eCitiBiz portal if the pilot is successful.

BAL Analysis: Due to possible delays in moving the process to the new portal, companies and applicants are encouraged to apply for expatriate quotas as early as possible.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Nigeria. For additional information, please contact africa@bal.com.

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