In a bid to ensure the success of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Gombe State, the National Population Commission (NPC) has called upon residents and stakeholders to actively support the ongoing survey. The commission’s Chairman, Alhaji Isa Kwarra, emphasized the collaborative nature of the survey’s success during the inauguration of the main fieldworks in Gombe on Wednesday. Represented by Mr Jude Maigari, the NPC Director in the state, Kwarra highlighted the shared responsibility among stakeholders, stressing the importance of community support for the exercise. Kwarra urged traditional, religious, and community leaders to encourage residents to actively…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has declared its intention to make international passports mandatory for all Nigerian citizens, both within the country and abroad. Aminu Shamsuddin, the Comptroller of Immigration for Kwara Command, shared this development during a news briefing held in Ilorin on Wednesday. Shamsuddin credited the proactive efforts of Caroline Adepoju, the Controller-General of NIS, for spearheading initiatives aimed at ensuring widespread possession of international passports among Nigerians. One notable measure has been the approval of a Passport Front Office in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara, designed to facilitate easier access to passport services and alleviate congestion…
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced its intention to remove unverified individuals posing as portfolio investors from the farmers’ register. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, shared this plan during a meeting with Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, at his Abuja office. Kyari emphasized the importance of collaboration with state governments for the successful implementation of the Federal Government’s objectives. “We are committed to exceeding Mr. President’s target by providing 500 hectares of arable land this year. Our first step is to collaborate with states and local governments to compile a genuine and verifiable…
In a strategic move to enhance security and safeguard its operations, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has earmarked a substantial sum of N600 million for the construction of police stations along its standard gauge corridors. The initiative is a direct response to the increasing challenges of insecurity that have adversely impacted the corporation’s efficiency and financial performance. Additionally, the NRC is seeking an additional N600 million for the acquisition of rail inspection vehicles, as revealed in the 2024 budget proposal for Government-Owned Entities (GOEs). In recent times, insecurity has emerged as a formidable adversary, negatively affecting the profitability of railway…
In a race against time, Nigerian bank customers are urged to secure their Bank Verification Number (BVN) as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) deadline looms just 21 days away. According to recent data released by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), a significant milestone has been achieved with over 60.2 million Nigerians successfully registering for their BVN. This marks a substantial increase in compliance since the inception of the BVN initiative. The BVN is a unique identification system that links individuals to their banking transactions, enhancing security and reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. With the deadline…
Hon Chidi Amadi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, has tendered his resignation, marking another departure of a key figure from Fubara’s administration. The announcement of Amadi’s resignation was made official on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson. Amadi, known for his loyalty to ex-governor and current Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is among the latest wave of Wike’s loyalists parting ways with Fubara’s government. Johnson, speaking on behalf of Governor Fubara, confirmed the departure of Amadi and assured the public that a replacement would be named in…
In a bid to enhance transparency in its auctioning process, the Nigerian Customs Service is set to launch an electronic platform to streamline applications from interested Nigerians. The announcement came during a press conference on the Service’s 2023 Performance and Forecast for 2024, held in Abuja yesterday, where the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, provided insights into the upcoming initiative. Adeniyi emphasized the strategic design of the electronic auction (e-auction) platform, highlighting its role in bolstering transparency. He stated, “In the upcoming week, the NCS is set to inaugurate an electronic auction (e-auction) platform, strategically designed to enhance transparency…
In its January 2024 “Global Economic Prospects” report, the World Bank anticipates a substantial 3.3% growth for Nigeria’s economy in the coming year. The key drivers behind this optimistic projection are the anticipated fading effects of petrol subsidy removal and the stabilization of exchange rates. The Bretton Woods institution emphasizes that structural changes will play a pivotal role in boosting fiscal income throughout Nigeria’s economic landscape in the specified timeframe. Additionally, the World Bank anticipates a gradual easing of the country’s inflation rate in 2024, further contributing to the positive outlook. According to the report, Nigeria’s per capita income is…
The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Okey Ahiwe, challenging the election of Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. The five-member panel of judges, led by Inyang Okoro, made this decision on Wednesday after considering final arguments from the involved parties. In a statement by Kazie Uko, the spokesperson for Governor Otti, it was revealed that the PDP’s legal team, headed by the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, had presented arguments through Uche Ihediuwa, also a SAN and a member…
In a strategic move to counter the escalating prices of sugar, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is partnering with key companies operating under the pioneer status of the National Sugar Master Plan. Revealing this development, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite, shared insights after touring various sugar companies. The minister emphasized the importance of this initiative in maintaining price stability, especially in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan period. Scheduled from March 10 to April 9, 2024, Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims worldwide, characterized by fasting and prayer.…
In a significant move to fortify Nigeria’s battle against corruption, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, spearheaded a crucial meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The meeting, held at the EFCC headquarters on Tuesday, brought together the leadership and management teams of both anti-graft agencies to deepen mutual cooperation and synchronize efforts for a more impactful anti-corruption drive in the country, along with exploring other potential areas of collaboration. Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, emphasized the importance of the existing relationship between the two agencies and expressed ICPC’s commitment to providing…
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the travel documents of the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouk. The move comes as part of the intensified scrutiny into allegations of a N37.1 billion fraud during her tenure. Sadiya Umar Farouk, who is currently undergoing interrogation at the EFCC headquarters, had her travel documents confiscated, signaling a deepening focus on ensuring her full cooperation with the investigation. The former minister’s session of questioning at the EFCC will continue today, as investigators seek to uncover more details surrounding the alleged…