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  The National Identity Management Commission said it was prepared to work with state governments to build accurate and reliable databases to ensure that they make adequate provisions for the needs of the people. The Director General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said this when she received the General Manager of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. Coker-Odusote, in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ayodele Babalola, on Thursday, stated that the collaboration would make it easy for states to use NIMC’s database “to improve service delivery and policy formulation. “I admit that the age we are in is that of collaboration. In order to have a meaningful impact, it is important that we partner with each other. “As no man is an island, so we have to continue to push the limits by leaving our comfort zones until the collective desire of seeing the country move forward is a...

  The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has promised the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee to the Nigeria Football League. VAR is a system that helps referees to decide better about players’ fouls, if a goal was valid, red card decisions, in football matches. Gusau gave the assurance during the maiden retreat of the management and staff of NPFL in Abuja. He said the NFF will start the process of introducing VAR into Nigerian football by sending some referees to countries that have already put VAR into practice to study its application and usage. “I can assure you that VAR will be effectively put into use in our domestic football before the end of my first tenure as president of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2026. It will be gradual, but we will surely get there,” Gusau stated.    

In furtherance of my sacred duties and obligations as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is my honour to be here today to present my administration’s 2024 Budget Proposal to this Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly. This moment is especially profound and significant to me because it is my first annual budgetary presentation to the National Assembly. x Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, I commend your swift consideration and passage of the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bills and the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Your prompt action underscores your devotion to economic development and to the greater welfare of our people. It also highlights your desire to work in close collaboration with the Executive branch. We do not serve ourselves. We must always strive to work together to serve and benefit the people of our beloved country. I am confident that the National Assembly will continue to...

  The Nigerian Navy has called for closer partnership and collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the fight against illegal oil bunkering and other criminalities across the Niger Delta region. This call was made in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 by the Commander, Nigerian Naval Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Desmond Okechukwu Igbo while on a visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Commission.  He stated that he visited the EFCC to pledge his support for the anti-graft works of the Commission, adding that the Navy will continue to collaborate with the Commission in fighting illegal oil bunkering across the region.  "Our aim here is to further cement this cordial relation that has existed before now and to improve and to work in synergy to ensure that the economy of Nigeria is improved. Our dedication, working collaboratively is to improve the economy of Nigeria", he said. In his response, the P...

  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has sought France's support to end the humanitarian crisis caused by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.  The request was collectively conveyed by foreign ministers of Nigeria, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, in Paris and the secretary general of the Arab League during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, this was continued by a meeting with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Paris.  Tuggar once again reiterated the disproportionate use of violence against innocent civilians and the need to swiftly find a lasting political solution that will result in a two State solution.  The visit was part of the ongoing efforts by the Ministerial Committee constituted by the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit to find a lasting solution to the war in Gaza. In his remarks at the meeting, Ambassador Tuggar once again reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to a two-state solution and calle...

  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the FCT Administration has pegged cost of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C- of-O) at N5 million. This was disclosed by Wike at a meeting he held with estate developers on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Abuja. Wike said payment could be made within 4 months of land allocation after which the C-of-O would be handed over to the applicant. He added that he would seek the approval of President Bola Tinubu to link applicants’ National Identification Number to C-of-Os before issuance. Wike said the era where three or more persons were allocated the same plot of land with fake C-of-O was over. The Minister said, “Allocation of land to three or more persons will no longer be allowed because the C-of-O enables you to do business. “When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not. The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be ...

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shakes hands with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, during the "Compact with Africa" investment summit, at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany Nigerian and German companies on Tuesday signed two accords in Berlin that include a $500 million renewable energy pact and a gas export deal, further strengthening economic ties between the two nations, a presidential spokesperson said. Union Bank of Nigeria and Germany's DWS Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on renewable energy. The agreement seeks to harness $500 million in investment in renewable energy projects across Nigeria, mostly in rural communities, spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement. A second MoU on gas export partnership was agreed between Riverside LNG of Nigeria and Germany's Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG. Under the accord, Nigeria will supply 850,000 tons of natural gas to Germany annually which is expected to rise to 1.2 million. The first deliveries wi...

  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has joined other members of the Ministerial Committee constituted by the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit to find a lasting solution to the war in Gaza, in London, today, Tuesday, November 21, 2023, where the Ministerial Committee held an official meeting with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, David Cameron.  In his remarks at the meeting, Tuggar once again condemned the disproportionate use of force against civilians in Gaza, he stated, “At the centre of this crisis is the disproportionality of the use of force. It does not add up for us to sit by while homes in Gaza are destroyed, thousands are killed, we have to give peace a chance and that is why Nigeria is involved it is all about humanity.” The meeting discussed the need to secure safe passages to deliver humanitarian aid, food, water, fuel, and electricity to Gaza and allow international organisations to car...

Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system financing and accountability, especially the vaccine and immunisation programmes. “We are facing some fiscal and monetary challenges, but where there is the will, there is always the way. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in this country. We are committed to the welfare of our nation,” the VP declared at a high-level strategic meeting on Gavi Alliance support to the Nigerian government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.We are committed to the welfare of our nation,” the VP declared at a high-level strategic meeting on Gavi Alliance support to the Nigerian government at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Senior Special Assistant to the VP, Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled, ‘Nigeria’s healt...

  President Bola Tinubu has arrived Berlin, the German capital to attend the G20 Compact with Africa Conference scheduled for Monday. The President, whose official plane, the Nigeria Air Force 1 touched down at the Willy Brandt Berlin Brandenburg International Airport in Berlin at about 1.17 am on Sunday, was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and Charge D’Affaires of Nigeria’s Embassy in Germany, Ambassador Ingekem Regina Ocheni. Ambassador Tuggar who was the erstwhile envoy in Germany before his appointment as Nigeria’s foreign Minister will set Nigeria’s agenda as President Tinubu drives Nigeria’s participation at the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) Conference on Monday, November 20, 2023, being hosted by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Tuggar will facilitate, bilateral agreements with partners, Heads of International Organizations to deliberate on the immediate enhancement of economic and business cooperation with a view to outlining concrete meas...

  A video, code-named:  “EFCC and Army Wahala” gaining traction across the social media, once again, compels  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to reiterate its warning to skit makers and other social workers to desist from using the operational identities of the Commission illegally and irresponsibly.  In a statement by the commission's  Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, he said the said video " EFCC and Army Wahala” is a caricature of the operational etiquette of the EFCC.  The shameful characterization of supposed operatives of the Commission in the video unleashing terror on “suspects”, is not only embarrassing but indicative of deliberate attempt to cast shadows on the image of the EFCC. Operatives of the EFCC are not bullies.  They are trained as refined modern law enforcement officers rich in decency, civility and respect for members of the public, including suspects of economic and financial crimes. Skit ...

  The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has successfully kicked off the presentation of cheques for Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme to 613 beneficiaries and next-of-kins of deceased police officers for the policy years 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023.  Speaking at the ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, November 16th, 2023, the IGP highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing the administration's unwavering commitment to the welfare of all officers including those serving, retired, and deceased. During his address, the IGP disclosed that the total amount involved in the two policies is Two Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, One Hundred and Ten Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six Naira, Eighteen Kobo (N2,276,110,966.18k). He noted that this marks the third such event since he assumed office.  The IGP expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers, recognizing th...

A Coalition of All Progressives Congress, APC, support groups, on Thursday, cautioned recalled envoys and ambassadors to stop denting the country's image abroad. The groups issued the warning during a press conference in Abuja. They accused some of the envoys, particularly the Ambassador to Zambia, of sponsoring spurious media campaigns against the Federal Government and the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The press conference was addressed by Amb. Haj. Rabi Garba Dangizo, Director General, Progressive Arewa People Support, ASIWAJU/Shattima, PAPSA, and Amb. (Dr.) Adewale Adeogun. Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum And National Coordinator, Tinubu National Think Tank, TNT. They said some of the envoys were not only undermining the powers of President Tinubu, but were engaging in activities that were in breach of Nigeria's security. The groups expressed surprise that "what was supposed to be a routine Diplomatic Process has turned into a campaign ...

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has been selected by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League as part of a special delegation mandated to initiate immediate international action to halt the ongoing war in Gaza.  The decision was taken in furtherance to the resolution adopted at the Joint Arab Islamic extraordinary summit on Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people, which took place in Riyadh over the weekend. The resolution bearing the inclusion of Nigeria in the peace team states the following: "Assign the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the presidency of the 32nd Arab and Islamic Summit, along with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Palestine, and any other interested countries, and the Secretary-General of both organizations to initiate immediate international action on behalf of all member states of the OIC and the Arab League to formulate an international move to...

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has hailed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which upheld his victory in the March 18, 2023 governorship election in the state, saying it was consistent with the mandate freely given to him by the people of Enugu State. Mbah also described the verdict as victory for the people and transformation of the state in line with his manifesto, assuring that he would never fail the people. He further said the judgment had put paid to falsehoods peddled to malign the people’s government. Reacting to the appellate court’s verdict, Mbah said: "as you are aware, a few minutes ago, the Court of Appeal in Lagos, dismissed an appeal filed against us by the Labour Party of gubernatorial candidate. “The judgment of the appellate court is consistent with an earlier dismissal of the same matter filed before the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal; and both judgments are in line with the mandate freely given to us by the great people of E...

.....Calls for Calm IGP Kayode Egbekun The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault on the person of the President of the National Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero. Consequently, he has directed the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department to take over the matter with the primary objective of ascertaining the true facts surrounding the incident and to address any ambiguities that may exist as the Police has been inundated with different versions of the incident making investigations imperative to clear the conflicting accounts. In a press release issued by tHe Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP noted that the force understands the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public trust.  The IGP therefore assures the public, most especially the leadership of the organized labour, that a thorough a...

In line with the newly-reviewed procedures on arrest and bail of suspects by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede has directed that sting operations at night time be stopped in all the Commands of the EFCC. He gave the directive in Abuja on Wednesday in reaction to the arrest of 69 suspected internet fraudsters by operatives of the Ibadan Zonal office of the Commission in Ile-Ife, Osun State.     According to a press statement issued by Dele Oyewale, EFCC's  Head,  Media & Publicity, a lready, many of the suspects duly profiled by the Command have been released, while profiling of suspects yet un-released will be completed, without further delay. Dele noted that the Commission wishes to assure the public that it will not relent in its adherence to the rule of law, in the exercise of its mandate. Meanwhile, in  line with international practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commi...

  Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has tasked political anthropologists across universities in Africa on the development of an indigenous democratic culture that imbibes the traditional values of the people of the continent. He made this call while delivering the keynote address at a two-day international hybrid political conference of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka recently. The well-attended conference, which was themed, “Political Transitions and Economic Development: The African Experience” attracted political scientists from across the continent and afforded the conferees the opportunity to explore the intricacies of the practice of democracy on the continent. According to Prof. Okonkwo, developing, and inculcating, an indigenous democratic culture that embodies all traditional African values and norms may be a new roadmap towards instituting a democratic practice that is enduring as well as eliminates problematic transitions. He argued ...