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NDLEA destroyed 14 hectares cannabis farms in Edo

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NDLEA destroyed 14 hectares cannabis farms in Edo

NDLEA destroyed 14 hectares cannabis farms in Edo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have destroyed over 14 hectares of cannabis cultivated farms in Edo State.

This is part of continued nationwide ‘offensive action’ against drug traffickers in the past week, by the anti-narcotics agency during which hundreds of kilogrammes of illicit substances were seized at the airports, courier firms, hideouts.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi said Edo operatives stormed remote forests in the Ovia North East area of the state between 8th and 16th Sept, destroyed over 14 hectares of cannabis farms, and recovered 172.6 kilogrammes of cannabis. 

He said three female and a male suspects were also arrested in raids across Owan East and Akoko Edo areas of Edo state during which different quantities of cannabis and local mixtures called monkey tail were recovered.

In another clampdown, attempts by a female passenger, Isesele Obehi and one Emmanuel Chibuzor Omebere to export illicit drugs to Europe through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja were thwarted by narcotic officers who arrested them shortly before they boarded their flights. 

Also Read: Zulum, Dantata, Adadevoh get fellowship from National…

Babafemi said while Isesele was nabbed on Saturday 11th September, 2021 during outward clearance of Ethiopian Airline flight at Gate B departure hall of the Lagos airport on her way to Milan, Italy with 312 sachets of Tramadol, weighing 1.5 kilogrammes, concealed in crayfish and dried vegetables, Chibuzor was caught with 137.45 grammes of the same drug concealed in foodstuff at the Abuja airport on Thursday 2nd Sept during outward clearance of Turkish Airline flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

He also said efforts by desperate traffickers to export varying sizes of consignments containing cocaine, heroin and other illicit drugs through courier firms were also foiled. 

Some of the seized drugs include 475 grammes of heroin concealed in food items going to Canada; 202 grammes of cocaine hidden in body cream containers going to Australia; 720 grammes of Cannabis Sativa tucked in computer hard drives heading to United Arab Emirates, UAE and another 2.1 kilogrammes of cannabis hidden in body cream bottles going to Oman, while 60 grammes of cocaine concealed in degree certificates meant for Australia was also seized, all from three courier firms in Lagos.

He revealed that a 38-year-old pregnant woman, Kate Nwuju was arrested on Tuesday 14th Sept at her residence in Rumueme, Mile 4 area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state with 4.5 kilogrammes of cannabis following intelligence that she sells drugs.

Another person, Aliyu Saidu, suspected to be a fake soldier was arrested with 2.3 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in a commercial bus from Lagos to Makurdi, on Monday 13th of Sept at Aliade checkpoint, Benue State.

In Kano, one Shuaibu Yusuf, was arrested on Friday 17th Sept with 537 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, concealed among bags of cement in a truck, while in Ogun state, five persons were arrested on Tuesday 14th Sept after their truck conveying 552 kilogrammes cannabis was intercepted at Ogere Remo, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway. 

In a related development, narcotic officers on motorised patrol on Friday 17th Sept, arrested a 21-year-old Law Ubi at Marian Road, Calabar, Cross River state with 67.4 kilogrammes cannabis while a follow up search of his residence the following day, Saturday, led to the recovery of 4.2 grammes of Cocaine from his apartment.

Speaking on the latest arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd)

commended the officers and men of the Lagos airport, Abuja airport, Benue, Kano, Ogun, Rivers, Cross River and Edo commands as well as those of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI, of the agency for maintaining the heat on drug dealers.

He said their efforts “further reaffirm our determination that those in this criminal trade will always have the new NDLEA to contend with; whether in their homes, on the streets, at the ports and deep in the forests, we’ll chase them with every legitimate force and smoke them out, up to the last man or woman if they fail to repent.”

NDLEA destroyed 14 hectares cannabis farms in Edo

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FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

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FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has officially validated the Revised 2024 National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan.

The validation event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marked the culmination of months of extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with inputs from government agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations.

The updated policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading migration governance efforts in Africa, while aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework.

Speaking at the high-level validation session, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche praised the inclusiveness and depth of Nigeria’s policy-making process.

She said: “This policy is the product of rigorous consultations, late-night research, and inter-agency collaboration. It’s not just a technical validation; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping inclusive and globally-aligned migration systems.”

The revised policy arrives at a time when global migration trends are shifting rapidly. With over 281 million international migrants worldwide and remittances to low- and middle-income countries reaching $669 billion in 2023, migration continues to be a key development driver.

Nigeria, which received an estimated $19.5 billion in remittances last year, relies heavily on these funds to support household needs such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Director General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the updated policy responds to both national realities and global migration dynamics.

He said: “We need adaptive and inclusive frameworks to tackle modern migration challenges such as climate-induced displacement, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.”

Ahmed explained that the revised policy was developed through a structured review process led by a 19-member committee, guided by the United Nations Network on Migration’s six-step approach to implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants abroad. Referring to the recent rescue of 231 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.

She said: “Migration is not a crime. We must do more to protect our citizens from exploitation and abuse. This policy must not just exist on paper, it must actively guide public awareness campaigns and cross-border interventions.”

The revised policy prioritises improved coordination among government agencies, better migration data governance, climate resilience strategies, diaspora engagement, and legal migration pathways.

Dimanche noted that effective coordination remains key to implementatio, adding that: “Nigeria has proven that harmonising efforts across ministries and sectors is not only possible but essential for results”, she added.

The IOM’s technical support and funding, through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, were crucial to the development of the new policy, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with international standards.

With the validation phase completed, the next step is to secure Federal Executive Council approval, after which the policy will guide Nigeria’s migration agenda in the years ahead.

“The presence of all stakeholders here today shows our shared vision. Together, we can build a migration system that is humane, coordinated, and development-focused”, Ahmed said.

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

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FG Declares 1st May, Public Holiday

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FG Declares 1st May, Public Holiday

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 1st May, 2025 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialization and economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo commended workers for their diligence and sacrifice. He noted that workers’ efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria commands in the comity of nations.

According to the Minister, ”There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do, is vital to nation-building”. He therefore urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.

Tunji-Ojo encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade to drive and upgrade the bar of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth.

He assured Nigerians that, “this Administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigners in the country.”

While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised.

FG Declares 1st May, Public Holiday

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European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos

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European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos

** As VP Shettima restates President Tinubu’s resolve to sustain stronger ties with EU

** Welcomes partnership with Asian Consortium to manufacture electric cars, solar equipment in Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian government has reiterated its deep commitment to strategic partnership with the European Union, as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to open its first West African office in Lagos.

Nigeria officially became the EBRD’s 77th shareholder in February 2025, following the bank’s limited and incremental expansion to sub-Saharan Africa approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.

Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the EU’s longstanding support, highlighting the growing opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, and youth empowerment.

“You are our natural partners and allies. Beyond the geography that binds us, we have a cultural affinity that goes back centuries,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President noted that Nigeria is entering a new phase of economic openness under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said took bold steps from day one to dismantle key structural challenges.

He said, “Some of the dysfunctions in the Nigerian economy – the opaque exchange rate regime and the fuel subsidy – President Tinubu had the courage to remove them. All the encumbrances toward investment in this country are gradually being eliminated.”

Welcoming the EBRD’s expansion into Nigeria, VP Shettima said the opening of its Lagos office is a symbolic and strategic development for both parties, as “it will send a message across the borders.

“More than ever before, Nigeria is ready for business,” he added, emphasising that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU extends beyond economics, just as he made reference to the EU’s significant humanitarian and stabilisation efforts in conflict-affected regions such as Borno State, where he served as governor.

“I know the prominent role that the EU played in stability and humanitarian support in Borno State. You deserve commendation, not condemnation. We will always stand by those who stood by us in our hours of need,” VP Shettima said.

The Vice President also spoke on migration cooperation, expressing satisfaction with ongoing engagements under the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, and called for a revitalisation of youth-focused programmes like the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).

“There is a need for us to recalibrate the programme for the good of our young men and women,” VP Shettima said.

Earlier in his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mignot, said given the turmoil and very difficult political climate globally, it is important to have a reliable relationship with Nigeria, noting that the European Union sees Nigeria as a key partner in the 21st century.

Mr. Mignot explained that all the EU ambassadors in Nigeria have met to reaffirm their partnership with Nigeria.

He stated that the EU is a strong supporter of the UN Charter, the Sustainable Development Goals, and global gender equality initiatives of the international community.

“The EU believes in free and fair trade, international partnerships as relations among equals, mutual benefits and respecting sovereignty. West Africa and Nigeria are priorities for us because we are neighbours and our destinies are closely linked.

“Therefore, we are determined to keep our commitment globally and here in the region and Nigeria in terms of partnerships, cooperation and humanitarian aid,” he said.

VP Shettima Welcomes Partnership With Asian Consortium On Electric Cars, Solar Equipment Manufacture In Nigeria

In another development, Vice President Shettima applauded the proposal for partnership between Nigeria and the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) of South Korea for solar equipment and electric vehicle manufacturing, as well as for advanced Information Technology for security enhancement in Nigeria.

He said Nigeria was ready for partnerships that would advance the industrialisation agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and improve the lives of the citizens.

The Vice President stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the AEDC South Korea led by its Chairman, Mr Yoon Suk-hun, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Senator Shettima added that Nigeria is open to and interested in any form of arrangements that would lead to the transfer of technology and the establishment of industries for solar equipment production and electric vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria, among others.

He reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to creating the enabling environment for private investments in the country, assuring the delegation of the government’s cooperation.

“This government wants to be the facilitator for businesses to thrive in Nigeria. We will create a safe passage and a conducive environment for private businesses like yours to thrive.”

The Vice President commended South Korea’s commitment to the development of Africa, given their shared history, just as he praised the country’s investments in human resource development and technological advancement, especially in automobile manufacturing and the alternative energy sector.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Suk-hun, said the delegation was in the country to explore areas of partnership in solar technology, electric vehicle manufacturing and information technology infrastructure for security enhancement, among others.

He said the AEDC believes in the present leadership of the country to harness the enormous potential there, leveraging technology and the resources that abound across the country.

Mr Suk-hun said the organisation’s proposal for investment in Nigeria was not for profit maximisation but to ensure the transfer of technology in key areas, including solar technology, electric vehicle manufacturing and information technology capacity for security enhancement.

Also present at the meeting were the Founder/Chairman of AMMASCO Group, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad; Shin Kyeong-seub; Kim Se Hun and Yang Jin Won, all from the AEDC.

European Reconstruction Bank Sites First West African Office In Lagos

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