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FG Launches Passport Front Office in Auchi, Promises Home Delivery of Passport
FG Launches Passport Front Office in Auchi, Promises Home Delivery of Passport
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has launched an additional Passport Front Office in Auchi, Edo State, as part of it’s effort towards effective service delivery to Nigerians. This is just as it promised to launch a home delivery service of passport.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke at the opening of the Nigeria Immigration Service Passport Front Desk Office in Auchi, Edo State on Saturday, said that it is the intention of the government to provide the passport for anyone desirous of it within reasonable time at affordable price and without any stress.
He said the launch of another Passport Front Desk Office is significant as the Nigerian Passport is a proof of existence especially for those outside the country, warning that inability to produce it on demand may bring untoward consequences.
The Minister said: “What we are doing here is significant for two main reasons. The first is the right (and even the necessity) of Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora to hold the Nigerian passport. Except for those travelling outside the country or intend to, most of those who hold the passport do so for identification purposes. For some, it is also a thing of pride to be able to brandish the green back of the passport. But for those outside the country, the passport is the proof of their existence. Inability to produce it on demand may bring untoward consequences. The government therefore wants to provide the passport for anyone desirous of it within reasonable time, at affordable price and without any stress whatsoever.
“The second is the need, flowing from the first, to break out of the regular.”
Aregbesola promised to conclude negotiations with NIPOST on the usage of its speedy mail service to start delivering passport to Nigerians who opt for such service.
He revealed that: “We are in the final stage of concluding negotiations with NIPOST to begin using its speed mail service to deliver passports to Nigerians wherever they are in the world after production.”
Aregbesola, while stating that Edo State has one of the highest passport applications in Nigeria, also revealed that the waiting period between application and collection would likely increase due to the recent increase in demand.
He said: “Our current working schedule is that fresh application would take six weeks after biometric data registration and three weeks for renewal. This is reasonable, competitive and in line with the global best practices.
“The challenge however is the waiting period at the point of application and data registration. All applicants will be put on a queue, depending on the centre of their choice, to determine the registration date. Regrettably, it might take two months in some highly competitive centres where application is very high. We have no control over this.”
He however said that the Federal Government is intentional about opening more front desk offices, in order to increase the registration centres and reduce the waiting period before biometric data capture.
He said: “It is our projection that by the time we open more front offices like this, the waiting period will not be more than three days. Indeed, the more front offices we have, the less the waiting period. Our long term plan will be to involve private operators who will provide the lounge for a fee, but the equipment and personnel will be provided by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).”
Commending the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for improving on their services, which includes issuance of top quality passport booklet, Aregbesola affirmed that Nigeria is among the first five countries in the world and the first in Africa to have the enhanced e-passport.
Adding that: “The reform introduced to the NIS led to the Automated Passport issuance process which has eliminated touts and racketeers in Passport administration, introduction of E-border Management, MIDAS and the commencement of E-Passport across Passport Control Offices and Diplomatic Missions.”
He therefore advised applicants not to go through third parties but apply on any internet enabled device through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. This is as he lamented the prevalence of a few unscrupulous officials subverting the system, cornering applications, inflating prices, extorting from applicants and hiding already produced passports.
The Minister said: “I will therefore plead with applicants not to go through them and other touts hanging around passport offices, soliciting from applicants. The application can be done in your bedroom on your android phone through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. You do not need a third party. Those who patronise them are the ones encouraging their nefarious activities and frustrating our efforts at transparency and providing seamless service.”
He also urged applicants to plan ahead for their travelling, as travelling requires long term planning, whether for education, work, leisure or migration, except for urgent national assignment or medical emergency.
This year alone, the Minister of Interior have been in Daura in Katsina State, Alimosho in Lagos, Ilesa in Osun, Zaria in Kaduna and Oyo in Oyo State to commission Passport Front Desk Offices.
Speaking earlier, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Isah Idris, said that the choice of Auchi is apt, as Edo State ranks fifth amongst states with the highest volume of passport applications locally.
According to him, “In the past 365 days,
Edo state has processed 56,291 applications out of the 1.5 million
passports produced in Nigeria. The commissioning of this front office will no doubt go a long way in reducing the traffic in Edo State and other neighbouring States.
The NIS CG restated the necessity for prospective applicants to synchronize the data in their passport application with the information in
their National Identification Number.
He said: “May I quickly add that for the enhanced e-passport, it is essential to ensure that prospective passport applicants synchronize the data in their passport application with the information in their NIN (National Identification Number).”
While maintaining that the unveiling of front office and others like it, are crucial to achieving the NIS mandate of ensuring that the e-passport issuance process is brought closer to the people, Jere seized the opportunity to affirm the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to meeting the rising demands for Passport services globally, thereby repositioning the Service towards attaining a truly world-class status to compete with its counterparts worldwide.
Meanwhile, during a visit to the Otaru of Auchi’s Palace, the Otaru, HRH, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III, turbaned Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and then installed him as the Rafeeq of Auchi Sacred Kingdom. The traditional ruler revealed that the title means Ogbeni Aregbesola a bossom friend of the Auchi Kingdom.
In response, the minister declared that, “everything happening here today is a surprise to me. I am excited, happy and joyous because it is coming at the right time. The depth of my joy has no word to describe it. When I retire, I plan to always wear my turban as a true and proper Muslim,” the minister declared.
FG Launches Passport Front Office in Auchi, Promises Home Delivery of Passport
News
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN militia on Wednesday launched a coordinated armed attack on joint police patrol teams along the Abatete–Eziowelle road in Anambra State, injuring an officer and carting away two service rifles.
Zagazola gathered that the gunmen, armed with general-purpose machine guns and AK-47 rifles, operated with a white Toyota Hummer bus, a black Lexus 350 SUV, and a white Toyota Highlander, all with registration numbers yet to be identified.
The attackers, dressed in full military and police uniforms, opened heavy fire on personnel from the Department of Operations (DOPS), State Headquarters, Awka, and the Special Anti-Cultism Squad. The patrol teams engaged the militants in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to retreat.
During the exchange of fire, rounds fired by the assailants struck the patrol bus of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, setting it ablaze, while the DOPS patrol pickup van was sprayed with bullets and damaged.
Sources said that during the operation, Insp. Uduak Anthony of MOPOL 29 Awka, attached to the DOPS patrol team, lost his Type 06 rifle (Breech No. 10967) loaded with 35 rounds of ammunition after it slipped from his grip as he dashed for cover. The weapon was carted away by the militants.
As the gunmen fled, they reportedly snatched a Mercedes Benz SUV from a motorist, Eze Tochukwu, from Enugu State, and headed towards Umuoji in Idemili North LGA.
At Umuoji, the attackers sighted two police inspectors attached to former Anambra Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige. The officers, Insp. Eniobong Roberts of 29 PMF Awka and Insp. Udezike Kingsley of DOPS, were travelling in a vehicle when the militants double-crossed them and opened fire.
Insp. Udezike was shot in the left leg as he attempted to take cover, and his AK-47 rifle was stolen. Insp. Roberts engaged the attackers, forcing them to abandon the snatched Mercedes Benz SUV, which was later recovered by police.
The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at Crown Hospital, Nkpor, and is responding well.
A senior police officer revealed that the Command’s tactical units have been fully activated and are “currently combing suspected hideouts, camps, and escape routes of the terrorists” to arrest the attackers and recover the stolen firearms.
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
By: Michael Mike
Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Paradigm Communications Ltd. | Paradigm News, an International Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta and Paradigm News, a publication of Paradigm Communications Ltd., have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic media partnership aimed at enhancing visibility, communication, and public engagement surrounding the Consulate’s diplomatic activities in Malta and internationally.
Under this agreement, Paradigm News is officially accredited as the African Media House for the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic communication, promoting Côte d’Ivoire’s interests, and supporting accurate, responsible journalism across regional and global platforms.
Speaking at the signing, H.E. Mrqs. Anthony C. Coleiro, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta, emphasized the significance of the collaboration:
“This partnership marks an important milestone in reinforcing Côte d’Ivoire’s presence and engagement in Malta. Through Paradigm News’ professional coverage, we aim to ensure that our diplomatic initiatives, bilateral engagements, and cultural activities receive the visibility and clarity they deserve.”
Representing Paradigm Communications Ltd., H.E. Ambassador Raymond Enoch noted:
“We are honoured to serve as the official African Media House for the Consulate. Paradigm News is committed to providing accurate, ethical, and comprehensive coverage that reflects the diplomatic aspirations and international outreach of Côte d’Ivoire.”
Scope of the Partnership
Through the MoU, Paradigm News will:
Provide professional coverage of the Consulate’s diplomatic activities, official events, and public engagements. Report on governmental delegations from Côte d’Ivoire visiting Malta and cover international conferences, summits, and events involving the Consulate. Notwithstanding publishing of information related to bilateral cooperation, cultural programmes, business initiatives and disseminate content through its regional and global media channels.
The Consulate, in turn, will:
Grant Paradigm News official accreditation as its African Media House, providing timely press releases, updates, and access to relevant events, subject to protocol. The Consulate will recognize / Paradigm Communications Ltd. as its media partner in appropriate communications and events.
Both parties commit to maintaining professionalism, transparency, and respect for diplomatic sensitivities, ensuring that all published material reflects accuracy and integrity.
About the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Malta:
The Honorary Consulate works to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and Malta, promoting diplomatic cooperation, business engagement, cultural exchange, and support for Ivorian nationals.
About Paradigm News / Paradigm Communications Ltd.
Paradigm News is a respected media organization committed to delivering global news and insights. Through its international correspondents and editorial network, Paradigm News covers stories of local, regional, and global relevance with accuracy, neutrality, and journalistic professionalism. Paradigm News International is a Media Partner of ECOWAS Commission, Foreign Affairs Ministry in Nigeria, Germany Embassy in Nigeria and CDD/ WADEMOS West Africa.
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
News
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
By: Michael Mike
The European Union- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (EU-IIDEA), as well as relevant stakeholders has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s Social Development Act (SDA), insisting that it may be impossible to achieve inclusive growth or protect vulnerable groups in the country under the current fragmented framework.
The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at the National SDA summit, organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), a programme funded by the European Union under its CSOs-Bridge Strengthening Project, in Abuja.
The SD Act was first conceptualised in the 1970s and enacted in 2004 as the central framework for coordinated and inclusive social development in the country.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Children, Gender and Social Development, Valentina Enih, while delivering the keynote address, decried that the existing Act, originally enacted as Decree 12 in 1974 and later reissued in 2004, does not any longer reflects the country’s realities.
She described the Act aa older than many of people in the hall, insisting that outdated provisions and emerging social challenges demand urgent reform.
She also stressed that unity among civil society organisations (CSOs) remained essential for progress, adding that personal interests often overshadowed collective objectives.
She noted that: “One stick is easily broken, but a bundle of broomsticks is not. We must speak with one voice,” while appealing to lawmakers to increase funding for ministries responsible for women affairs, poverty eradication and social protection, added that: “Many times, we use our personal resources just to ensure the work is done.”
On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Partners, Hon. Victor Obuzor acknowledged the legislative gaps that have hindered effective coordination of social development nationwide.
He said the National Assembly had made the Act’s review a priority, noting that: “Fragmentation, institutional reassignments and multiple regulatory frameworks have weakened the effectiveness of the Social Development Act.
“Our Committee is reviewing historical gaps, engaging stakeholders and supporting the development of a modernised civil society regulatory bill.”
He said the revised law would create clearer lines of authority, harmonise federal and state mandates and institutionalise civil society participation.
The Deputy Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Peter Audu, said the forum aligns with federal reforms targeting gender equality, social protection and national cohesion.
He noted that the government was committed to building stronger collaboration across ministries, development partners and state institutions.
“This forum provides an important opportunity to consider proposed amendments and develop a national coalition for sustainable financing and measurable results,” he said.
The CEO of the Accountability and Transparency Initiative, Dr. Fumi Akinyele, called for the revised law to embed gender responsiveness from the design stage.
She noted that many rural women were excluded from social protection programmes due to requirements such as smartphones, bank verification numbers and digital literacy.
“Inclusion must go beyond words. We need clear definitions, gender-responsive budgeting and disaggregated data. Committees must be balanced so that different voices are heard,” she said.
The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, Prince Chris Azor, shared experiences illustrating the challenges faced by sub-national CSOs, including inconsistent regulations that once led to the closure of community organisations’ bank accounts.
“We were stranded. Even registration processes were unclear. When grassroots operators cannot function, you are shrinking the civic space,” he said.
He urged that the amended Act provide states with a clear legal framework for social protection and civil society participation. “We want a standing law that expands the civic space and ensures citizens are part of governance.”
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
IPOB attacks police patrol teams in Anambra, snatches rifles, and abandons stolen SUV after shootout
HONORARY CONSULATE REPUBLIC OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE – MALTA
EU–IDEA, Stakeholders Call for Urgent Review of Social Development Act, Seek National Alignment
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