Four months after being repatriated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a group of Chinese nationals have reportedly returned to Nigeria.
The development has sparked controversy and raised questions about enforcement within the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.
The five Chinese workers, initially arrested at Royal Castle Ceramics Company Limited in Ogun State for allegedly working illegally, were quietly deported in October 2025.
Recall that the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, had ordered the re-arrest of the five alleged illegal immigrants employed at Royal Castle Ceramics in Ogun State.
The directive followed public outrage over the sudden release of the Chinese nationals, who were initially arrested and slated for deportation under Section 44 of the Immigration Act.
Reports indicated that their discharge was allegedly secured through unofficial lobbying by a retired senior NIS officer.
According to an internal memo, the service mandated the immediate re-apprehension of the five expatriates effective from the close of work on Friday, August 22, 2025.
However, just days after their exit, there are feelers that they re-entered the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, without facing prosecution, fines, or other penalties.
The workers, including Zhang Damou (46) and Qian Jin (48), were reportedly operating on Temporary Work Permits (TWP) and business visas, visa categories explicitly barred for long-term employment. Investigations also allege that their employer, Hairun International Industry Company Limited, lacked the necessary business permits and expatriate quota approvals.
The development has triggered public concern over possible high-level interference within the NIS.
Speaking on the matter, Chief Lekan Adebisi, a community leader in Sagamu, Ogun State, expressed worry over the implications for local labour and public trust.
“When foreign nationals who are deported can return so quickly, it undermines confidence in our laws and hurts local workers who follow the rules,” he said.
“We hope the authorities act decisively and transparently to ensure fairness and accountability.”
Several efforts to reach Kemi Nandap, NIS spokesman were futile as her number was switched off.
However, a source with officials of the Ministry of Interior told our reporter that measures are being taken to ensure all foreign nationals comply with Nigerian laws.
“A full investigation has been launched; any personnel found culpable would face sanctions,” the source, who said she was not authorized to speak on the matter, said.