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Tinubu Insists Nigerians Are One

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Tinubu Insists Nigerians Are One

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has pleaded that Nigeria should not be allowed to disintegrate on the altar of political differences, calling for peace and unity in the country even as he insisted that Nigerians are one no matter whatever divide.

He made the appeal on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC) at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS in Abuja.

He described Nigerians as occupants of one building, but living in different rooms.

In his keynote address, President Tinubu said “the integration of security, whether air, land or sea embarked upon by the ministry is a fulfillment of a dream.

“From the beginning of our administration, you promised to deliver and execute innovative solutions across the government including the NIS”, he said.

He commended the Interior minister for his developmental strides saying what he has “achieved in passport alone has given this country great reputation internationally. I thank you. We must thank you”.

Tinubu said he is proud to see the NIS taking its pride of place as a frontline security agency in the country.

“Our visa approval centre will provide a one-stop shop for visa applications. What more? Nigerians and visitors can travel with ease, do business partnerships with ease and live honestly with each other. Like I always say, the world is getting smaller with ICT and the house is just a house for all of us. We hear political cracks here and there, we are one family, living in the same house but staying in different rooms. And it is in our hands to do justice to our children.

“The centre being commissioned today should provide a sustained communication architecture linking relevant agencies with a collaborative technology along a trusted information network. I am very proud of those who are involved and the leadership that you have demonstrated”, the president added.

Tinubu said a rejig of the Immigration Service and air travel will benefit Nigeria tremendously through ease of entry and ease of exit.

At the event, Interior minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the idea of the Technology Innovation Complex which houses the NIS Command and Control Centre was first mooted 18 years ago, but due to rivalry among some agencies and the lack of political will to see the idea to fruition, the complex could not be built.

Speaking on the several benefits derivable form the project, the Interior minister said the complex is not just about immigration, as all agencies in the ministry can now share information in real time, harmonize data and respond to issues efficiently.

He said: “The Command and Control Centre that we have is not just about the Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record API/PNR system. Even our border posts, over 200 points today, realtime entry and exit, over 5km in and out, we are watching the borders and getting information to be able to escalate to the armed forces when the need arises. Even our marine and air borders are covered.

“Let me say what we are commissioning today is a very massive complex. It is not just about immigration because when we came on board, we realized that we were spending money, different agencies, wasting billions every year, and we decided that we should create a centre point where all of us can feed from.

“We started with an idea of 1.4 petabyte but what we have today is 8.3 petabyte, one of the largest in the world, meaning that all the agencies in the Ministry of Interior can work together harmoniously and exchange data and at the end of the day be able to respond in record time to any emergency or security threat.

“Also, we decided that for people who, all they aspire to do, is to be able to go to some West African countries to do business, they might not be able to afford the little money for passport and so here we have an ECOWAS ID Card project. The travel document will be available for people even at the lower rungs of the ladder.

“Before Your Excellency came to office, we had a visa regime that was discretionary, but now we have an automated service. You apply online and it goes through several checks including watch lists and the visa is issued within 48 hours.

“Also, we have the Correctional Information Management System. It has already been deployed. We saw what happened during jailbreaks some years ago. It was difficult getting the identities and biometrics of the escapees but when we had the flood in Maiduguri, in less than three to four hours we had all information ready and shared with all security agencies and that led to the apprehension of so many of them”, said Dr Tunji-Ojo.

On his part, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo said he and his Interior counterpart on assumption of office resolved to tackle interagency rivalry and deliver a world-class project for the benefit of Nigerians.

Keyamo said the project is an example of interministerial cooperation between Interior and Aviation.

He said: “This initiative had been mooted many years ago in the past government but there was constant friction between both ministries as to who should be in charge.”

Keyamo added that the situation changed when he and the interior minister came on board and they decided that the project must be done for the benefit of the country.

He noted that of the 54 countries in Africa, Nigeria is one out of seven to have the system in place, according to the International Air Transport Association IATA.

Speaking on the project, the Comptroller General of Immigration Service CGIS, Kemi Nandap said the complex is more than just a building, but a bold step in modernizing immigration infrastructure, and a powerful tool in NIS’ ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s borders, manage migration effectively, and enhance national security.

She said the facility has achieved certification with the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO and integrated with the International Air Transport Association IATA, further ensuring the integrity and accountability of individuals entering our country.

She said: “Additionally, BATTIC is a multi-faceted complex comprising several critical components that will play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s security and migration management. These include the Command-and-Control Centre for Regular Migration; the NIS Data Centre and Visa Approval Centre; the Interior Data Centre; the Passport Personalization Centre; the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) Centre; and, the 0.5KW Solar Farm.

“Each of these components has been meticulously designed to meet international standards, ensuring that Nigeria not only catches up with global trends but becomes a leader in the management of migration data.

“At the heart of BATTIC’s mission is its ability to manage and analyze varying levels of data efficiently, using state-of-the-art technology. Allow me to highlight some of the key functions and capabilities of this remarkable facility:

“Advanced Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) Analysis: This enables us to assess the risk levels of passengers even before they arrive in Nigeria or depart from their country of origin.

“Identification of Suspicious Travel Patterns: By analyzing travel data, we can detect anomalies that may indicate potential security threats.

“24/7 Surveillance: The complex will support real-time video surveillance to monitor unmanned border areas across the federation, ensuring a constant watch on border activities.

She disclosed that BATTIC will facilitate seamless communication across all levels—from Border Patrol Units to Border Control Posts, State Commands, the Service Headquarters, and the Ministry of Interior.

She said: “Cross-Referencing with National and International Watchlists: Data will be cross-checked against various national and global security databases, including INTERPOL, to ensure no security threats slip through the cracks.

“In essence, BATTIC will serve as the central hub for our digital infrastructure, dramatically enhancing our surveillance capabilities, streamlining migration management, and strengthening our national security framework.
Operationalizing the Solutions in this facility will enhance migration management in Nigeria. With its advanced analytics, BATTIC will allow us to better monitor migration patterns, control border points, and prevent illegal crossings”, the CGIS added.

Tinubu Insists Nigerians Are One

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

By:Michael Mike

The federal government has granted five months amnesty for regularisation of expired visas to allow travellers comply with the new visa regime.

A statement at the weekend by the public relations officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi said the amnesty would also reinforce a secure and transparent migration system.

The statement read: “The federal government through the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, announces an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty).

“This initiative provides a unique window for foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired immigration status to regularize their stay without facing penalties.”

He disclosed in the statement that the initiative, which commenced on 1st May 2025, would run through to 30th September 2025.

He further announced that the amnesty specifically apply to individuals who have either overstayed their visas or violated their visa conditions.

He gave the categories of those affected as: Foreign nationals with Expired Visa on Arrival (VoA); Holders of Expired Single and Multiple-Entry Visas and; Individuals with an Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), where renewal has exceeded 30 days post-expiration.

Akinlabi urged all affected foreign nationals to promptly regularize their stay through
(https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng) within the grace period to avoid overstay penalties.

He said, “To ensure the Amnesty application process is seamless, the Nigeria Immigration Service has assembled a support team to assist with Amnesty applications. Contact the support team via email at:amnesty@immigration.gov.ng

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to facilitating lawful migration, safeguarding National Security, and promoting transparency and efficiency across all immigration processes.
“For further information kindly visit the Nigeria Immigration website www.immigration.gov.ng.”

Five months amnesty granted for regularisation of expired visas

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Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

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Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

By: Zagazola Makama

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Army for its unflinching commitment to national unity, security, and sovereignty over the past 162 years, describing it as the “spine of Nigeria’s sovereignty” and a “symbol of unity and duty.”

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the commendation on Sunday at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) held in Kaduna.

The President said the anniversary was not merely a ceremonial occasion, but a moment of solemn reflection, history, and collective gratitude to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation.

“This is not another entry in our calendar of commemorations. It is a time of reflection, a time of remembrance, and a time of profound appreciation,” he said.

“A nation is only as strong as the courage of those who defend it. And for 162 years, the Nigerian Army has remained the unbreakable spine of our sovereignty.”

The President recalled the Army’s historic role in bringing the Nigerian Civil War to an end, upholding the principle of national unity, quoting former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s immortal words: “No victor, no vanquished.”

He emphasized that the Nigerian Army has continued to carry the national flag high, not for conquest but for peace, and not for power but for principle — both at home and in global peacekeeping missions.

“We honour the enduring sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service, and those who continue to bear the uniform with pride and resolve. You are the sentinels of our democracy,” Tinubu said.

He expressed full support for this year’s theme, “Developing the Soldier-Based Concept: A Priority for Nigerian Army’s Transformational Drive,” describing it as visionary and timely.

“You cannot build a great army without building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts; they are the bedrock of national security,” he said.

The President praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for prioritising the welfare of troops and placing the soldier at the heart of institutional reform.

Tinubu acknowledged the numerous security challenges confronting the country, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations, which he described as existential threats that demand a united and resolute response.

“These evils do not discriminate by tribe or religion. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking how they worship,” he said.

“Our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising. And to the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this clearly: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorization and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation.”

The President paid tribute to fallen soldiers, some of whom now lie in the soil of a grateful nation, and others who carry the wounds of battle.

“To the families they left behind, I extend the deepest sympathies of a nation that will never forget. Their memory will endure for generations,” he said.

He urged serving personnel to continue in honour, guided by the Constitution and the principles of international law, saying their courage must remain anchored in justice.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, training, and operational capability of the Armed Forces.

“We will continue to invest in modern equipment, in intelligence, and in the human capital that drives your effectiveness. This is not a favour; it is a duty owed to those who defend us,” he said.

He further commended the Armed Forces’ synergy, especially with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, in tackling complex national threats.

Tinubu reminded all Nigerians that securing the country is not the burden of the military alone, but the responsibility of every citizen.

“We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay. Nation-building is the work of every leader, every institution, and every citizen,” he stated.

In his closing remarks, Tinubu saluted all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, past and present, describing them as “the guardians of our nationhood and the shield of our democracy.”

“Long live the Nigerian Army. Long live the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he declared.

Tinubu hails Nigerian Army’s role in defending national unity at 162nd anniversary celebration

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UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬‭

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UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬

By: Michael Mike

‭ In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects ‬led by grassroots organisations have been awarded ‭USD 395,000  ‬through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.

Awardees will receive between ‭US‬$5,000 and ‭US‬$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience. 

The announcement was livestreamed‭ ‬at an event showcasing the grant winners. 

The Small Grants Programme is ‭ ‬an ‭ ‬important tool for achieving the ‭G20 GLI’s mission of ‬reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.

‭Speaking during the award ceremony, ‬ Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,‭Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy‬, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be ‭supported, promoted and recognized,”‬

Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elder‭ly‬. 

The ‭ ‬programme ‭ ‬was ‭ ‬set ‭ ‬up ‭ ‬in ‭ ‬2024 ‭ ‬to ‭ ‬support ‭ ‬community-level ‭ ‬non-profit ‭ ‬organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress ‭ ‬across ‭ ‬global ‭aided ‬restoration ‭ ‬priorities, ‭ ‬such ‭ ‬as ‭ ‬soil ‭ ‬fertility ‭ ‬enhancement, ‭ ‬forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation. 

The statement added that beyond reclaiming ‭ ‬land, ‭ ‬the ‭ ‬projects ‭ ‬are ‭ ‬enhancing ‭ ‬livelihoods, ‭ ‬strengthening ‭ ‬community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and ‭eco‬-preneurship.

“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the ‭network ‬which we create and the visibility it provides ‭—‬ both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience‭,”‬ Thummarukudy added. 

Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight the‭ir‬ potential for scaling and replication across regions. 

The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future 
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.

Stressing ‭that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about ‬to start,‭” ‬Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.‭ ‬

He noted that the second ‭ ‬call ‭ ‬for ‭ ‬applications ‭ ‬will ‭ ‬open ‭ ‬in ‭ ‬2025 ‭ ‬with ‭ ‬increased ‭ ‬funding ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬expanded 
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide. 

Innovative ‭ ‬community-led ‭ ‬restoration ‭ ‬initiatives ‭ ‬are ‭ ‬essential ‭ ‬for ‭ ‬creating ‭ ‬green ‭ ‬jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.

Examples of selected 2024 grantees include‭: ‬ Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), ‭which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while ‬empowering ‭ ‬90 ‭ ‬women ‭ ‬as ‭ ‬landowners ‭ ‬of ‭ ‬fully organic cooperative ‭ ‬farms. ‭ ‬By ‭ ‬integrating climate-smart ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬artisanal farming methods, the project aims ‭ ‬to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities. 
Up2Green Foundation (India)‭ is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. ‬The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience ‭ ‬for flood prevention, and training local ‭ ‬communities in sustainable agroforestry practices. 
Sustainability ‭ ‬and ‭ ‬Environmental ‭ ‬Studies ‭ ‬Endeavor ‭ ‬(Nepal)‭ is working to restore ‬
ecological ‭ ‬balance along the mythological ‭ ‬Nagaraj Trail. By ‭ ‬revitalizing ‭ ‬degraded ‭ ‬farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes ‭ ‬nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches. 

The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing 
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.

UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide ‬

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