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…

The House of Representatives has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the planned retirement of 1,000 staff. The apex bank is said to be preparing to retire 1,000 officials and provide them with a severance package totaling over N50 billion. During Tuesday’s plenary, the house resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the “process and legality” of the exercise to “ensure transparency, accountability, and…

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has directed the chairmen of the 18 local government councils in the state to submit their account statements within 48 hours. The statements, covering the period from 4th September 2023 to the present, are to be submitted to the Assets Verification Committee via the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The governor issued the order during a meeting with the council chairmen…

Operatives of the Zone 2 Command in Lagos have arrested Paul Ilechukwu Okeke, a 48-year-old sales manager, for allegedly misappropriating spare parts worth ₦100 million belonging to his employer, Anthony Ohinweuba. Okeke, who managed a shop at the Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, is accused of selling the spare parts and diverting the proceeds instead of depositing them into his employer’s account. The alleged fraud came to light…

The mother of Sylvester Oromoni, the deceased pre-teen secondary school student who was the subject of a high-profile bullying case involving Dowen College in Lagos, Rosemary is dead. According to a Cable report, family source said the bereaved mother passed away in late November after an intermittent blood pressure-related illness. Rosemary’s passing comes a little over seven months after a special court in Lagos ruled against the family on the…

The Senate on Tuesday at plenary confirmed the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Tinubu. The confirmation followed adoption of report of the Committee on Army on screening of Oluyede. The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC-Katsina). Yar’adua said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements and excellence stated…

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, in South Africa called for the potential establishment of an anti-illegal mining group among African nations. Speaking at the 11th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, the president stressed that the continent’s natural resources should be mined for the betterment of its people, not exploited illegally. He said, “One thing I would like this edition of the BNC to explore…

The Police at Lion Building have arrested Mrs Sadiku Ruth Olubunmi, a 39-year-old banker with Seedwest Limited on Balogun Street, Lagos Island, over allegations of stealing ₦116 million from customers’ accounts. Olubunmi is accused of forging documents, including a letterhead of Towade Global Business Ventures, purportedly bearing the signature of Mrs Adelakun Funke, to fraudulently withdraw ₦15 million. Police also alleged that she diverted ₦101 million received from various customers…

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…

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…

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…

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,…