National News
FG Assures Nigerians in Diaspora Seamless, Efficient Passport Processing System
FG Assures Nigerians in Diaspora Seamless, Efficient Passport Processing System
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians in Diaspora have been assured that their pains in getting Nigerian passport would soon be a thing of the past as multi-faceted approach is underway to ensure seamless and efficient passport processing system.
The Federal Government said it will roll out enhanced e-Passport facilities at selected Nigerian Embassies across the globe as a test run of introducing the system all over the world to position Nigeria as a leader in technological innovation within the African continent
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said, the enhanced e-Passport, compliant with all International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, ensures international recognition and security.
Given The assurance on Tuesday during the inaugural 2024 Diaspora Webinar Lecture Series of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) entitled: “New Passport Policy/Processes for Nigerians in the Diaspora.”
The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian government towards delivering a seamless and efficient passport experience for Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora.
He noted that this was the directive from President Bola Tinubu to him and other cabinet members towards the attainment of his renewed hope agenda for the nation.
Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of providing top-notch service befitting Nigeria’s stature as the giant of Africa.
He said effective from the 8th of March 2024, Nigerians will benefit from a contactless passport application process, reducing the time required to complete the entire process to a maximum of seven to 10 minutes.
He noted that this monumental reform is part of the overarching efforts to modernise the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and enhance service delivery to citizens.
Highlighting the achievements and sweeping reforms within the Ministry and its parastatals, particularly the NIS, the Minister underscored milestones such as the clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs within three weeks of his assumption of office and the deployment of E-Gates at international airports to streamline entry and exit processes.
The Minister also outlined plans for the installation of a modern control centre across international airports in Abuja and Lagos, aimed at enhancing immigration officers’ capacity and providing Nigerians with a seamless travel experience.
He stressed on the importance of leveraging on technology to simplify passport acquisition, stating that Nigerians will only need their National Identification Number (NIN) for passport applications and biometrics.
He said: “Through an automated system, data will be pulled from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database to fill application forms, reducing the risk of identity fraud and ensuring a single point of contact for citizens.”
The Minister added that plans are underway to automate the passport enrollment process, enabling online application, biometric capture, and home delivery of passports, thus eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
The Minister addressed concerns raised by participants from various continents regarding current challenges in passport application and delivery processes, assuring them of the government’s commitment to resolving these issues soonest.
He urged Nigerians to take pride in acquiring their passports, as the new process heralds a new era of hope and progress for the nation and its diaspora community, adding that the Ministry will partner with NIDCOM.
Earlier, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission,
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO, commended the Minister’s efforts, highlighting the significance of the Diaspora Lecture Series in keeping Nigerians abroad informed about programmes and reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In her presentation, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, emphasised that the new process would significantly reduce human interaction, thereby eliminating inconveniences associated with passport applications and saving time for both applicants and immigration personnel.
Adepoju said the Service has produced 1, 033,506 million passports in 2021, another 1, 597,729 million in 2022, while in 2023 over a record 2,141,300 million (were produced amidst various challenges.
She, however, said that many Nigerians did not come forward to pick up their passports at various centres she visited recently both within and outside Nigeria, promising that from March, there will be positive improvement in passport production without going through any stress or interventions.
FG Assures Nigerians in Diaspora Seamless, Efficient Passport Processing System
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Police Force(NPA) Lagos Command has arrested three suspects involved in an alleged human trafficking operation and successfully rescued two teenage girls who were being trafficked to Libya for prostitution.
Police sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that at 8:20 AM on March 7, officers of a tactical team based in Amuwo-Odofin received credible intelligence about the illegal movement of two underage girls via Kano State.
Acting on the tip-off, a team of special operatives intercepted the traffickers at Bokori Park, Kano State, where the victims, Ikimot Moruf (17 years old) and Rodiot Jelili (15 years old), were rescued unharmed.
Following the interception, three suspects were tracked and arrested in their hideout at No. 12/22 Akintunde Street, Alakuko, Lagos. The suspects were identified as: Yakubu Arise, Kalimot Moruf and Musilyat Balogun 54 years old.
The victims have been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
National News
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
By: Michael Mike
In a major stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration, the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, marking a pivotal development in the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). This partnership aims to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.
The launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders which took place in London on Tuesday, represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border
creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development. Both events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as Film and TV, Music, Fashion & Design, Architecture, Advertising, and Gaming.
A statement by the British High Commission in Nigeria, said: “By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.”
It revealed that a Terms of Reference and joint workplan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.
Speaking on the significance of the launch, Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked: “Today marks a significant moment as we launch the UK-Nigeria Creatives Working Group. Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film,fashion, and arts.
“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries. By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”
Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, Mr. Obi Asika,, said: “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators. From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”
Representing Mr., Obi Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations: “The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides.”
Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs Adedayo Ayoade, said:“The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”
The launch of the Working Group and match-making event which took the form of a series of in person dialogues attended by officials from the UK and Nigerian
governments as well as creatives and served as an institutional framework for deliberations and actions.
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Launches Creative Industries Technical Working Group
National News
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representative committee on Public Petitions has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi for numerous achievements made by the NSCDC in ensuring a crime-free mining environment.
The lawmakers expressed their delight in the operational plan of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the relentless onslaught against economic saboteurs within the mining sector.
“We are impressed with the Mining Marshals’effort to salvage the nation from the hands of thieves and infiltrators”.
While charging the Corps to keep up the good work, the House Committee further requested the Marshals to provide the activity schedule of operations within four weeks.
Representing the NSCDC Commandant General; the Mining Marshals Commander; ACC John Onoja Attah made the presentation and assured the committee of a thorough judicial process and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring the every case is prosecuted diligently and justly at the closure of a thorough investigation.
ACC Attah hinted that the Corps under the Audi led administration had reinvigorated and repositioned the NSCDC to prosecute it’s statutory mandates with due diligence and loyalty.
He said there are no daunting challenges that could outweigh the deliberate commitment made by the Corps to ensure sanctity within the Mining industry.
LAWMAKERS COMMEND NSCDC BOSS FOR LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBATING ILLEGAL MINING, HARPS ON SUSTAINED ZEST TO CURTAIL ECONOMIC SABOTAGE
Gas Tanker Explosion Kills Two, Destroys Property in Lagos
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
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