Author: Friday Omosola

In a notable reshuffle of its committee leadership, the Senate on Thursday replaced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The Senate appointed Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District to the role. The decision was announced during plenary, with no official explanation provided for the change. READ ALSO: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan writes IGP, accuses Akpabio of tarnishing her image Senator Bassey is expected to commence his new duties immediately. This marks another change in committee assignments for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. She assumed the chairmanship of the Diaspora and NGOs…

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not suspended the issuance of five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Thursday reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements and the principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations with the United States. He stated that, upon assuming office, Mr Tinubu’s administration directed all relevant service departments to implement bilateral agreements with foreign nations and ensure strict adherence to diplomatic reciprocity. READ ALSO: Nigerians slam U.S. Visa rule as ‘discriminatory, damaging’ Mr Onanuga further disclosed that…

By Friday Omosola, Fatimah Idera and Helen Okechukwu  The New Daily Prime reported on Tuesday that the United States has reduced the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens to three months, allowing only a single entry. This marks a reversal of the five-year multiple-entry visa agreement that had been in place since 2023, when both countries agreed to issue long-term visas for business and tourism purposes. The decision follows a 60-day ultimatum previously issued by U.S. authorities, urging several countries—including Nigeria—to comply with updated U.S. entry requirements. According to initial reports, the policy is driven by growing concerns within…

By Alade Adisa  The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo and affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit, the appeal by Mr Ighodalo. Mr Ighodalo has sought that the apex court nullify the election. READ ALSO: 2027: Okpebholo vows to secure 2.5m Edo votes for Tinubu He alleged that the poll was manipulated…

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday held discussions with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills in Abuja, focusing on the recently updated U.S. visa procedures for Nigerian citizens. The meeting also addressed Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring its nationals adhere to international travel regulations, particularly regarding visa overstays. READ ALSO: Tunji-Ojo advocates government-academia partnership to strengthen education  The session, attended by Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, was described by Mr Tunji-Ojo as ‘constructive.’ He stated that Ambassador Mills provided valuable insights into the revised…

The Lagos State Police Command has declared a comprehensive restriction of vehicular movement across the entire state from 3:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 12. According to the police, the declaration was to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the forthcoming Lagos Local Government Elections.  This restriction will apply to all roads and waterways within the state’s jurisdiction. READ ALSO: Deputy governor’s brother, others emerge as APC candidates for Lagos LG polls The announcement outlines strict security measures aimed at preventing disruptions during the polls. Armed escorts and security aides are barred from accompanying individuals to polling units…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerian youth to cultivate a mindset of focus, perseverance, and purpose, stressing that there are no shortcuts to achieving success. Mr Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during an interactive session with the ‘Class 2025 Scholars’ of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation (NHEF) urged the youth to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than grounds for complaint. The NHEF held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja was led by the Foundation’s Vice Chairman, Ifeoma Nwokorie. READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu advocates for professional collaboration in sustainable urban development The governor, who was represented by Deputy Governor…

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has revealed that rank-and-file officers within the Nigeria Police Force are preparing to embark on a strike action on July 21 to protest against what they describe as inadequate salaries and welfare. Mr Sowore shared this information during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Wednesday. The 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) stated that the affected police personnel, who consider their current earnings equivalent to being unemployed, have chosen this date for their planned demonstration. READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Sowore joins ‘Egbetokun Must Go’ protesters in Abuja “Our proposal, which many…

The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a consistent and dependable electricity supply for its citizens, a goal projected to necessitate an investment of $32.8 billion and the implementation of innovative solutions. Of this substantial sum, $15.5 billion is expected to be raised from the private sector. This disclosure was made by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during the ‘Mission 300’ Stakeholders Engagement meeting held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. READ ALSO: Adelabu says $10bn yearly ‘ll ensure stable electricity in Nigeria Mission 300 is an ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the World Bank Group and…

The Nigerian Presidency has emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains steadfastly dedicated to its reform agenda and fostering economic growth, despite increasing political discourse and media attention on the 2027 general elections.  Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the government will not be diverted by political distractions. While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and speech, Mr Idris underlined that the Mr Tinubu administration’s primary focus continues to be delivering the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, a mandate for transformative change entrusted to it by the populace. READ ALSO: SERAP…