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Nigeria unveils diplomatic duty free village
Nigeria unveils diplomatic duty free village
By Michael Mike
Nigeria has unveiled the Diplomatic duty free village in Abuja.
The establishment of the village is in compliance with the United Nations Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which domesticated by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1961, through the diplomatic immunities and privileges act of December 1962.
This statutes provide for the exemption of diplomats from all duties and taxes, whether national, regional or municipal.
“Specifically, the diplomatic immunities and privileges act of 1962 empowers the Ministry of Finance to exempt diplomats from all taxes.
The minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said on Tuesday during the unveiling of the village, said diplomats are already enjoying duty free shopping facilities in several countries, such as South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, most of the EU countries and a few others, insisting that it in line with government’s responsibilities to ensure same in Nigeria.
Ahmed said that the facility is only for diplomats and members of their household, while noting that the facility became important to ensure coordination of imports for the diplomats.
The village she said is for “strict control or cessation of individual requests for waivers on imported items by diplomats which presently, is largely uncoordinated and originated. Another number six digital connectivity largely uncoordinated and originated.
She also said that the duty free facility will enable government to maintain a database of products.
The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada said the facility will also help in reducing the level.of shipment by various diplomats as the facilty, which is one-stop shopping village will take care of all the needs of the diplomats in Abuja.
He also assured the diplomatic circle of their safety saying that the government will provide adequate security at the village.
He said, “No doubt the services provided by the duty free facility will drastically reduce the volume of diplomatic shipments into the country.
“It is my hope that the services of the duty free facility will further provide an additional platform and opportunity for members of the diplomatic community to enjoy this dividend stay in our country. I understand that the facility has different interesting and top notch sections ranging from shopping centre recreational services, spa, eye centre, restaurants and us.
“They need to affirm that the federal government of Nigeria has so far demonstrated his commitment towards ensuring the success of the duty free facility by giving the needed support for each operation, which will by no small measure contribute immensely to the economic growth of Nigeria.”
The Managing Director, Diplomatic Village, Uche Odozor said that the project which started since 2010, noted it is to meet the needs of the diplomats in accordance to the Vienna convention.
“We have within this facility a wellness and fitness centre comprising of a spa for those who enjoy wellness and beauty if you go around this country and this city, you will find nothing like these within these premises. “We also have laundry services person wants to do yoga, but we also have above all, our diplomatic village clinic.”
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1,Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested three suspected drug peddlers during a raid on a notorious hideout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 29 at the Congo-Russia area following sustained efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
According to the sources, the troops arrested three suspects identified as Abubakar Abdulrahman, 23; Muhammadu Abubakar, 28; and Awal Ali, 33.
The sources said quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa and other illicit drugs were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The arrested suspects have been profiled and are undergoing further investigation, while appropriate legal action will follow.
The military said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny drug traffickers safe havens within Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Court Grants Sowore N200m Bail
*Lists fresh conditions
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, granted bail to online publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Aside a N200 million bail with two sureties, one of them must be a traditional ruler in Sowore’s community in
Ese-Odo Local Government Area in Ondo State.
The second surety, the court ruled, must have landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Also, Sowore is to surrender his international passport to the court’s deputy registrar for safekeeping. The court held that both sureties must be verified by counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.
Following Sowore’s absence in court, the judge, on June 16, 2026, revoked the bail he granted Sowore on “self-recognition” last December. Thereafter, he issued a bench warrant for the politician’s arrest after he failed to appear in court for his trial on allegations bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation.
Last Tuesday, Justice Umar ordered that Sowore be kept in the Kuje Correctional Centre until his motion for a stay of the execution of the order for the revocation of his bail and bench warrant is determined.
Justice Umar dismissed Sowore’s other application that the judge be withdrawn from further presiding over his trial on the ground of alleged bias.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation arising from claims that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts made on his official X and Facebook accounts.
The defendant’s lawyer, R. O.
Adakole, however, appealed to the judge that Sowore be released to him to enable him get his passport from the US embassy in Lagos.
Justice Umar Mohammed adjourned to July 6, 2026, for continuing of hearing.
Court Grants Sowore N200m Bail
*Lists fresh conditions
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a farmer who was shot by suspected armed herders during an attack in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on June 29 around Jebbu Miango community, where the assailants attacked a farmer identified as Mr. Lambat.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area before they could inflict further harm.
During the intervention, the troops rescued the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds, and evacuated him to ENOS Hospital in Miango for urgent medical treatment.
The troops also recovered a herd of cattle abandoned by the fleeing suspects. The animals were moved to a secure location pending identification of their rightful owners and further necessary action by the relevant authorities.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
Nigerian Army Boosts Training Capacity as COAS Inaugurates Modern Training Facilities in Plateau
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Jos Raid
Court Grants Sowore N200m Bail*Lists fresh conditions
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