Oshiomhole asserts that jobs meant for Nigerians are being filled by foreign prisoners

Former labor leader, Adams Oshiomhole has expressed concern about the high unemployment rate in Nigeria. He attributed this issue to foreign individuals, falsely posing as tourists, who take jobs that should be available to Nigerians. 

Oshiomhole made these remarks during a 2024 budget hearing with the Joint Committee on Interior on December 6, 2023.

He highlighted the presence of people engaging in informal businesses, such as selling local furniture and electronics in Abuja, some of whom live in containers.

Oshiomhole boldly stated that there are foreign prisoners working in Nigeria, serving their sentences and earning minimal wages, particularly in construction companies.

He emphasized that prisoners shouldn’t be working in their home country if the products are meant for export, but in Nigeria, this seems to be happening.

Expressing concern about the influx of such individuals, Oshiomhole called for decisive action.

He urged the Ministry of Interior to promptly address this issue, emphasizing the need to prioritize job opportunities for Nigerian citizens.

He even suggested that the government, if necessary, should seek financial assistance without compromising the nation’s sovereignty.

Furthermore, Oshiomhole raised the issue of individuals entering the country as tourists without proper work permits, engaging in illegal employment.

He emphasized the importance of protecting jobs for Nigerians and urged the Ministry of Interior to take immediate steps to remove such individuals from the country.

In response to Oshiomhole’s concerns, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, appealed for increased funding to empower the immigration service to tackle illegal migration effectively.

Oshiomhole’s remarks emphasize the difficulties arising from the intersection of unauthorized immigration and the involvement of foreign inmates in labor activities within Nigeria.

He advocates for a thorough strategy to ensure the protection of employment opportunities for Nigerian citizens.

In simpler terms, Oshiomhole is pointing out the problems caused by people coming to Nigeria without permission and foreign prisoners working here.

He wants a detailed plan to make sure that jobs for Nigerians are secure.