Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

The United States government has announced a major shift in its visa policy that will affect Nigeria and 18 other countries, effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST. The change comes under Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” According to the U.S. Department of State, visa issuance will be partially suspended for nationals of the following 19 countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Which Visas Are…

US President, Donald Trump has reportedly recalled the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, along with a wide slate of other career diplomats, in a decisive move to bring America’s overseas representation firmly in line with his “America First” foreign policy agenda. The recalls, mark a deliberate effort by the Trump administration to ensure that US ambassadors abroad are unequivocally aligned with the president’s priorities, values, and strategic direction. Who’s Affected — And When A State Department official confirmed that the diplomats affected by the shake-up were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Their tenures as…

Hosts, Morocco got their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign off to a winning start, defeating minnows Comoros 2–0 in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday, 21 December, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The victory, achieved on a wet and cold night, sets the Atlas Lions up for the tougher tests to come in Group A against Mali and Zambia. Frustrating First Half for Morocco The match began with Morocco dominating possession and pressuring the Comoros defense. They were rewarded early when Brahim Diaz was tripped inside the box by Iyad Mohamed in the 10th minute, earning…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced a firm deadline of January 31, 2026, for all Capital Market Operators (CMOs), to complete their annual registration renewal, underscoring its ongoing efforts to modernise and streamline capital market regulation in Nigeria. In an official directive issued on December 21, 2025, the SEC said that the renewal window will run from January 1 to January 31, 2026, and that CMOs must complete the process within this period to remain duly authorised to operate in the Nigerian capital market. Digital Transition to Improve Efficiency As part of its drive toward a more technology-driven…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a prominent civil society organisation, has issued a seven-day ultimatum deadline to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the publication of certified true copies of Nigeria’s recently enacted tax laws and warning that it will pursue legal action if the government fails to comply. In a Freedom of Information (FOI), request dated 20 December 2025 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to widely publish certified copies of the tax bills as…

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Africa’s premier football tournament, will officially be played every four years starting from 2028. This landmark decision signals a major restructuring of the continent’s football calendar and reflects growing efforts to modernise African football and align it with global standards. Motsepe Makes the Announcement The change was revealed on Saturday by Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Speaking on the future of the game, Motsepe described the move as part of a broader vision to strengthen African football on and off the pitch. “We have the most exciting new structure…

Overview The United States government has temporarily suspended the processing of green card (permanent residency), and U.S. citizenship applications for Nigerians and nationals of several other countries following an expansion of the U.S. travel ban. This move, part of broader immigration policy changes announced by the Trump administration, has sparked international attention and concern, particularly in African and Asian nations now included on the expanded restrictions list. What Did the US Government Do? According to U.S. officials and multiple reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has been directed to suspend legal immigration benefits — including: Adjustment of Status applications…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially written to the House of Representatives, requesting to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. The letter, read on Thursday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, requested the presentation to take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025. “I write to crave the kind indulgence of the House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025, to formally present the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly,” the letter read. Budget Size: N54.46 Trillion The 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), following the Senate’s confirmation of the board members on December 16. The development represents a strategic step in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen regulatory governance and accelerate reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector. The approval was announced in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the newly reconstituted board will be chaired by Dr. Mulisiu Olalekan Oseni. Board Leadership Dr Oseni began his service at NERC as a Commissioner in January 2017 and was later appointed Vice…

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has publicly condemned the title of a newly released Nollywood film, A Very Dirty Christmas, and is demanding a formal apology from its producer, popular actress Ini Edo. The association described the title as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith and its sacred observances. Sacred Celebration Under Scrutiny In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday and signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian umbrella body said that Christmas is a sacred season marking the birth of Jesus Christ — a time symbolising purity, peace, love, and redemption. According to the…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the release of eleven Nigerian soldiers, who had been held in Burkina Faso for ten days after their aircraft made an unscheduled landing. Punch gathers this from Kimiebi Ebienfa spokesperson of the ministry on Wednesday night, “The soldiers have been released. I just confirmed with our Head of Mission in Burkina Faso.” However, it remains unclear when the personnel will return to Nigeria, as their travel arrangements are yet to be verified. Background: Unscheduled Landing and Detention The incident began on December 8, 2025, when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C‑130 military transport…

The Senate on Wednesday deliberated on the confirmation of nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), taking decisive action on two key nominations. The report of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, presented by its chairman Cyril Fasuyi, covered the nominees Idahagbon Omoregie, representing Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo states, and Ngbea Gabriel, representing Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states. Omoregie Nomination Stepped Down The nomination of Omoregie was stepped down following objections raised by several senators, including Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North). Oshiomhole questioned Omoregie’s conduct during his previous tenure as a federal commissioner, citing…