Author: Dr. Olaoluwa Vincent Ajayi

Starting September 1, 2024, the cost of obtaining a Nigerian passport will rise significantly. The 32-page passport, valid for five years, will now cost N50,000, up from N35,000. Meanwhile, the 64-page passport, with a ten-year validity, will increase to N100,000, previously N70,000. This change was announced by Nigeria Immigration Service spokesperson DCI K.T. Udo in a statement on August 21, 2024. Notably, passport fees for Nigerians living abroad will remain unchanged. This fee adjustment comes shortly after the Nigerian passport was ranked 92nd out of 199, with access to 45 visa-free destinations, by the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the challenges…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reassured the global community that the current spread of Mpox, particularly the new and more dangerous strain emerging from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains under control. Despite these assurances, rising concerns persist as the virus has begun spreading to other African countries and potentially beyond. Monkeypox outbreaks are currently reported in several regions, affecting both adults and children alike. Monkeypox is transmitted from animals to humans and can also spread between humans. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, and a rash that closely resembles chickenpox, making…

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is urging former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider running in the 2027 presidential election. This call comes as dissatisfaction grows, particularly among northern elites, with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has publicly supported Jonathan, praising his resilience and integrity, and highlighting his potential to lead the nation again. Senator Bala Mohammed made the recommendation at an event organised by a non-governmental organisation, Save Africa Initiative, in Abuja. However, this move may cause tension within the PDP, particularly among supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also has his eyes…

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) of withholding petroleum products worth N75.142 billion, paid for by its members since June. This refusal, according to IPMAN, has significantly worsened the ongoing fuel shortages, particularly in the South West region. Nigeria, one of the world’s largest petroleum producers, is paradoxically facing a severe fuel crisis. The scarcity has led to skyrocketing prices and widespread shortages, crippling daily life and stifling economic activities across major cities. In Abuja, the nation’s capital, a litre of petrol is sold at N1, 000, while black…

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward ensuring financial autonomy for Nigeria’s local governments by inaugurating a 10-man inter-ministerial committee tasked with enforcing a recent Supreme Court judgment. Delivered on July 11, 2024, the ruling mandates direct financial allocations to local governments, bypassing state governments, to foster effective governance at the grassroots level. The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, includes key ministers and officials, such as the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General of the Federation. Their primary mandate is to ensure that local governments operate independently, free…

Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Tuesday, August 20, declined to appear for a scheduled police interview regarding allegations of terrorism financing and other serious accusations. Ajaero, who had been summoned by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) just a day earlier, cited prior commitments as the reason for his non-attendance. Through his legal representatives at Falana and Falana Chambers, the labour leader communicated his intention to reschedule the meeting for August 29, 2024, and requested detailed information about the allegations leveled against him. The police summons, which was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of…

The Nigerian government’s recent acquisition of a $100 million presidential jet has ignited widespread criticism, with many questioning the necessity of such a purchase during a period of intense economic hardship. As protests over rising poverty and hunger continue, citizens are increasingly vocal about the government’s priorities. Bayo Onanuga, a government spokesperson, shared images of the new jet on his verified X handle, giving the public its first glimpse of the latest addition to the presidential fleet. These images have quickly become a focal point of controversy, fueling the growing debate over whether the government is out of touch with…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the reinstatement of Philip Shaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal by the Edo State House of Assembly to sustain his impeachment. Shaibu, who was impeached on April 8, 2024, for alleged misconduct, including the disclosure of government secrets, was previously reinstated by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who declared the impeachment unconstitutional. The appellate court’s decision further intensifies the ongoing political struggle in Edo State, where tensions between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki have been mounting. Nigerians across the country are now closely…

In a tearful farewell at the Democratic National Convention, President Joe Biden announced his decision to step down from his bid for a second term during a heartfelt speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. The 81-year-old leader, wiping away tears, delivered a farewell address that underscored his deep connection to the nation and the legacy he has built over more than five decades in public service. Biden’s decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris came after weeks of intense discussions within the Democratic Party. Senior party leaders, including former President Barack Obama, had privately expressed…