Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Federal Government Bans MDAs From Procuring Foreign Goods And Services Nigeria Can Produce. In a landmark move to bolster local industry and promote self-reliance, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive ban on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) procuring foreign goods and services that can be produced domestically. The directive, effective immediately, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports. The announcement, made earlier today by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Aisha Mohammed, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering indigenous manufacturing and service sectors. “This is a bold step towards economic…

U.S. Announces Revised Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Effective May 2025. The United States has unveiled updated visa application fees for non-immigrant categories, set to take effect from May 2025. The revised fees, which must be paid at the time of application, apply to individuals travelling for purposes such as tourism, education, business, temporary employment, and cultural exchange. The announcement is particularly significant for Nigerian applicants and other global travellers, who are urged to verify payment procedures to avoid delays. The new fee structure covers a range of non-immigrant visa types, with most categories set at $185, while others, such as…

New NIN Authentication Service Launched To Streamline Identity Verification In Nigeria. In a significant step towards enhancing digital security and accessibility, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the launch of a groundbreaking service by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The new NIN Authentication service, designed to simplify and secure identity verification using the National Identification Number (NIN), promises to revolutionise how Nigerians access government services. The NIN Authentication platform, officially rolled out on Tuesday, allows users to verify their identities seamlessly through multiple channels, including web portals, mobile applications, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This versatile approach…

Residents In Anambra Protest Soaring Electricity Bills Exceeding National Minimum Wage. Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area have taken to the streets to protest against what they describe as “exorbitant” electricity bills issued by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). The demonstrators, comprising local workers, families, and business owners, voiced their outrage over monthly charges that reportedly surpass Nigeria’s national minimum wage of ₦70,000. The protest, which unfolded peacefully, saw residents marching through the community, holding placards and chanting slogans demanding fair billing practices. Many expressed frustration that the soaring costs were unsustainable, particularly for low-income…

Nigeria Boosts Infrastructure With £1.2bn Road Projects Across 13 States. In a landmark move to enhance Nigeria’s infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has approved a staggering N787.14 billion (£620 million) and $651.7 million (£510 million) for transformative road projects spanning 13 states. The announcement, made following a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, signals a bold commitment to improving connectivity, trade, and economic growth nationwide. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, revealed the details to journalists, outlining a series of new and revised contracts designed to address critical infrastructure needs. Among the flagship projects is the dualization of the Akure-Eta-Ogbese-Iju-Ekiti border…

Nigeria’s Power Sector Set For Transformation As Tinubu Unveils $122.2 Billion Investment Plan. President Bola Tinubu has launched a historic initiative to revolutionize Nigeria’s power sector, approving the National Integrated Electricity Policy, a 21-year plan designed to attract $122.2 billion in investments. The policy aims to deliver lasting reform to the nation’s power sector, prioritizing energy diversification and sustainable power supply. Key Highlights of the Policy – Energy Diversification: The policy focuses on diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources, incorporating solar photovoltaic technology, biomass, wind, gas projects combined with carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, nuclear, concentrated solar power, and bioenergy.…

Cricket Takes Centre Stage In Ogun As NCF Upgrades Facilities. The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has upgraded the turf wicket at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to host cricket matches. NCF President, Uyi Akpata, revealed that the federation is committed to ensuring that cricket facilities in Nigeria meet international standards. According to Akpata, the upgrade is part of the NCF’s efforts to accelerate the growth and development of cricket in Nigeria. The federation has been working to deliver four new facilities, including the one at the MKO Abiola Stadium, to provide a sustainable platform for the sport.…

Champions League Semifinal Showdown: Inter Milan And Barcelona Set For Thrilling Decider. The battle for a spot in the Champions League final between Inter Milan and Barcelona reaches its climax today, with the two giants set to clash in the second leg of their semifinal tie. Last week’s encounter at the Camp Nou ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, setting the stage for a nail-biting conclusion. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, the youngest goal scorer in Champions League semifinal history, will be a key figure for the Catalan side. The 17-year-old’s inspired performance in the first leg, including a goal and…

Babcock University Denies Involvement In Student’s Disappearance, Threatens Legal Action. Babcock University has refuted allegations of negligence and complicity in the disappearance of one of its students, Oladipupo Siwajuola. The university claims that Siwajuola left the school unlawfully, without following established protocols or obtaining proper clearance from authorities. In a statement, the university’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Joshua Suleiman, criticized Siwajuola’s mother for taking to social media to sensationalize the matter and accuse the institution and its students of negligence. Suleiman emphasized that the university takes the safety and well-being of its students seriously and has robust protocols…

Prophet Discharged And Acquitted By Magistrate’s Court In Ogun. A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Abeokuta has discharged and acquitted Prophet Godwin Ojerinde, a cleric, over a criminal allegation of indecent assault levelled against him by his female tenant, Mrs Motunrayo Saheed. The defendant was arraigned before Her Worship O.M. Somefun on March 25, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution’s case relied solely on the testimony of Mrs Saheed, who alleged that the defendant physically assaulted and stripped her in her apartment. However, the prosecution failed to tender documentary evidence or call other witnesses to corroborate…

Low Uptake Of Student Loan Scheme In South-East And South-South Regions — Says NELFUND. The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has expressed concern over the low number of student loan applications from the South-East and South-South regions. As of May 4, 2025, the South-East Country region had 27,098 applications, while the South-South region had 37,180 applications. In contrast, the North-West region had the highest number of applicants, with 157,831 students, followed by the North-East with 127,058 applicants. Skepticism about the Scheme The low uptake of the student loan scheme in the South-East and South-South regions has been attributed to…

NIPOST To Go Cashless: A Step Towards Modernisation. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced a significant shift in its operations, as it prepares to transition to a fully cashless system. Starting July 1, 2025, all NIPOST counters nationwide will no longer accept cash payments for their services. Instead, customers will be required to use approved electronic channels for all transactions. *Modernising NIPOST* This move is part of NIPOST’s ongoing reforms, themed “Change of Renewed Hope Berths at NIPOST Shores,” aimed at transforming the institution into a modern entity focused on innovation and digital advancement. The reforms are…