The Federal Government, led by the Ministry of Interior, has launched an efficient online passport application portal, allowing Nigerians to seamlessly apply for their passports. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed the completion of a 99% automated application system, emphasizing the inclusion of passport photo and document uploads. Nigerian applicants seeking a 32-page passport with a five-year validity are required to pay N35,000, while those opting for a 64-page passport with a 10-year validity will pay N70,000. Foreign applicants, on the other hand, will pay $130 for a five-year, 32-page passport and $230 for a 10-year, 64-page passport. Here’s a…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
In a recent public notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that Glo subscribers may soon be unable to make calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. In a recent public notice, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that Glo subscribers may soon be unable to make calls to MTN lines due to unresolved interconnect charges. The NCC granted partial approval for the disconnection, citing Glo’s insufficient justification for non-payment. The disconnection is set to take effect on January 18, 2024, allowing in-bound calls to the Globacom network. This is not the first instance, as in 2019, MTN…
The Africa Trade Council has announced a significant rebranding initiative, unveiling its new identity as the US-Africa Trade Commission. Titus Olowokere, the Executive Director/CEO of the Commission, shared this transformative move in a statement on Monday. Olowokere highlighted that the name change signifies the organization’s dedication to expanding its focus and enhancing bilateral trade relations between the United States and Africa. Emphasizing the commitment to fostering economic partnerships, seizing business opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth throughout Africa, he stated, “The change to the US-Africa Trade Commission represents an exciting evolution for our organization.” The commission aims to play a pivotal…
The Supreme Court is gearing up to assess the governorship election appeals in Ebonyi and Benue States, led by Justice John Okoro and a panel of five justices. Notably, Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Sam Ode of Benue State, are personally attending the hearing. In the Benue State governorship battle, Titus Uba, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is challenging the victory of Governor Hyacinth Alia from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite the Court of Appeal Abuja affirming Alia’s election, Uba contends that the forgery allegations against Deputy Governor Sam Ode should be addressed at the high court.…
In a verdict delivered last Friday, the Supreme Court has unequivocally granted the Federal Government full control over the country’s inland waterways. This landmark decision, stemming from an appeal filed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and other key entities, dismantles states’ constitutional rights to impose levies and asserts NIWA as the singular agency with the authority to levy and license operators in this critical sector. The Supreme Court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro and Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled that states’ attempts to control and levy businesses in inland waterways were not only wrong but also deemed unlawful and…
Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based media network, reported on Sunday the tragic death of two of its Palestinian journalists, Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, in an Israeli strike on their car. The media network described the incident as a “targeted killing.”Hamza and Mustafa, who also worked as a video stringer for AFP and other news organizations, lost their lives while on their way to fulfill their duties for Al Jazeera in the Gaza Strip. A third freelance journalist, Hazem Rajab, traveling with them, was seriously injured. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza confirmed the deaths, attributing them to an Israeli…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted a shipment of ‘Colorado,’ a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States. The consignment, weighing 1.80 kilograms, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos on New Year’s Day. NDLEA’s weeklong intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, 38-year-old Olorunfunmi Saheed Olakunle, who distributed the psychoactive substance across Lagos. In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi disclosed that the suspect admitted to delivering such consignments on behalf of his childhood friend, US-based Sagir Salami. Meanwhile, a parallel operation…
Somalia’s president signed a bill on Saturday nullifying a preliminary agreement allowing Somaliland to provide Ethiopia with port access to its coast. This symbolic move aimed to rebuke both parties over a deal that has heightened tensions across the Horn of Africa.Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a civil war and has operated autonomously since. The memorandum of understanding, signed between Somaliland’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister, outlined the broad outlines of a potential pact. It included granting Ethiopia access to the Gulf of Aden in exchange for shares in Ethiopian Airlines and recognition of Somaliland’s independence. While…
The Police Service Commission announced the initiation of the Constable Cadre recruitment for the Nigeria Police Force starting Monday, January 8th, 2024. The six-week application period will be followed by thorough physical and credentials screening in accordance with Federal Character Commission requirements. Chairman Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP Rtd) declared this recruitment as more than just an exercise, describing it as an epic saga with far-reaching consequences. During a pre-deployment briefing at the Commission’s headquarters, he urged PSC staff to uphold professionalism and integrity, emphasizing that each decision will play a crucial role in shaping the Commission’s legacy. As the first…
President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by clearing the N12 billion outstanding backlog owed by the Federal Government to Nigeria’s national sports teams, including the Super Eagles. This substantial outstanding payment encompassed various financial aspects crucial to the functioning of the national sports teams, with a primary focus on the revered Super Eagles. The commitment involved clearing arrears of senior national team coach salaries spanning 15 months, as well as settling outstanding allowances and promises owed to both the senior national teams, female counterparts, and the Under-20 national team. The announcement, disseminated through the official handle of Tinubu’s Media…
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, stands firm amidst controversy, dismissing attempts to tarnish her image. In response to the leaked memo instructing a N585 million transfer to a private account, Edu asserts that the plans to besmirch her reputation will fail. The leaked letter dated December 20, 2023, reveals Edu’s directive to the Accountant-General for the payment, raising public concerns. Edu addresses the issue on social media, emphasizing integrity and accountability under her watch, denying any wrongdoing. Her media aide, Rasheed Zubair, insists the transfer followed due process, countering the growing public outrage. Social media users…
In anticipation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeria has officially unveiled the squad numbers for their 25-man roster. Francis Uzoho, donning the prestigious no1 shirt, is set to take on the role of the primary goalkeeper during the tournament. This strategic move signals the team’s confidence in Uzoho’s abilities between the posts. As expected, Napoli’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, has been assigned the iconic no9 shirt, a clear indication of his central attacking role for the Super Eagles. Additional key players and their respective numbers include Ahmed Musa (7), Joe Aribo (10), Victor Boniface (24), Alex Iwobi…