Author: Friday Omosola

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has unveiled a groundbreaking Contactless Biometric Passport system, which took effect on December 1. NIS in a statement on its X page Tuesday said the innovative initiative aims to enhance security, streamline the passport application process, and provide greater convenience for Nigerian citizens. According to the service, the Contactless Biometric Passport system will initially cater to applicants renewing their passports and individuals aged 18 and above. NIS added that applicants can choose between the new contactless option or the traditional physical capture process. “This flexibility ensures that users can select the method that best suits…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of activist and human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, arrested over alleged defamation.   Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), confirmed the arrest in a post on his X handle on Tuesday. Mr Sowore said the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force arrested Mr Farotimi following a defamation complaint filed by the Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu. He said Mr Elumelu’s petition alleged Mr Farotimi of defamation, which prompted his arrest. Mr…

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 into law.  The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Conference Room of Lagos House, Alausa Ikeja, marking a critical step toward addressing longstanding challenges in the state’s energy sector. The Lagos Electricity Law 2024 is a cornerstone of the governor’s commitment to fostering industrial growth, improving quality of life, and promoting energy equity, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability in Africa’s largest city. The newly signed law is designed to create a technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated Lagos Electricity Market. Its key objectives include: ensuring access…

Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has called on the National Assembly to suspend ongoing debates on the tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024. Pantami in a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday asked the lawmakers to allow for wider consultations with relevant stakeholders. The four tax reform bills successfully passed their second reading in the Senate on Thursday and were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa of Niger East, for further legislative action, including a public hearing. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also directed the committee to…

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has reiterated his administration’s resolve to drive digital transformation in the state, underscoring its potential to improve governance, economic growth, and inclusivity. The governor made this known during an inspection of facilities at Galaxy Backbone Limited, a leading information and communication technology (ICT) service provider in Abuja. The visit was part of the state government’s efforts to introduce e-governance initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. Describing Galaxy Backbone as a national asset, Governor Mutfwang praised its role in fostering good governance and digital inclusivity. “This visit has been both enlightening…

On 1 December, the Nigerian government began deducting a ₦50 electronic levy (E-Levy) from transactions conducted through financial technology platforms like Opay and Moniepoint. In September, The New Daily Prime reported that Opay and other fintech companies had announced plans to impose a ₦50 charge on customer transfers of ₦10,000 and above. The companies clarified that these charges are not a source of revenue for the payment platforms but are mandated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as part of government policy. The electronic levy (E-Levy) is a tax imposed on digital financial transactions. Its purpose is typically to generate revenue…

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, inaugurated a Technical Committee on Monday to oversee the establishment of a Youth Bank.   Announcing the initiative on his X page, Olawande highlighted the committee’s vital role in providing young Nigerians with access to financial support, resources, and mentorship. He noted that the Youth Bank is a cornerstone of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to empower the nation’s youth and harness their full potential. “I was pleased to see representatives from the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Ministry of Youth Development come…

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting fish farmers in the state, emphasising the sector’s role in job creation, food security, and nutrition.  This declaration came as the state celebrated World Fisheries Day under the theme, “The Economic Significance of Fishery to the Development of Kwara State.” Speaking at the event, which was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, highlighted Kwara’s leading role in catfish production in Nigeria. He assured fish farmers of continuous government support, including access to…

The Kwara State Ministry of Finance has clarified why some government workers have yet to receive their November salary and bonus.  In a statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Finance, Hauwa Nuru, explained that payments are linked to workers’ compliance with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA) registration directive. Nuru revealed that many state government workers have already received their salaries, with others still being credited. Nuru added that workers who have not completed their KWSRRA registration remain unpaid. The Commissioner said the registration process was mandated more than six months ago, and the government had earlier announced…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has renewed calls for intensified efforts to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030. Speaking on Monday during an awareness walk organized by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), the governor urged stakeholders to sustain the fight against the epidemic while supporting people living with the virus. The awareness walk, part of the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, began at the Government House, Alagbaka, and concluded at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure. This year’s theme, “Take the Right Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV among children to end AIDS in Nigeria…