The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NIS denies report of passport issuance ban in southeast

    NIS denies report of passport issuance ban in southeast

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed reports alleging that the South East region has been disqualified from passport issuance.

    The Service said there is no truth in claims that equipment used for passport processing in the South East had been dismantled and that issuance of the documents had been halted across the region.

    “The NIS categorically states that this report is entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the ongoing government reforms to modernise passport administration,” the Service said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi.

    The Service said, “The reality is that NIS has introduced a phased onboarding system to migrate passport offices including those in foreign missions to a centralized production framework. 

    “This modernization effort, which began in 2024, is designed to enhance the efficiency, integrity and the security of Nigeria’s passport production system and not exclude any citizen.

    “The Service has successfully onboarded passport offices in the North East and North Central states of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, along with 35 international stations spread across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

    “Furthermore, scheduled migration for the five South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo; and five additional international stations (Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and Austria) is currently ongoing within the first quarter of 2026.

    “Consequently, the service has established a strict work-plan calendar to ensure this transition is seamless and does not disrupt delivery timelines as the goal is to drive the process towards greater efficiency.

    “The public is therefore advised to disregard speculative narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension, as the Service continues to implement reforms in the overall national interest. Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence.”

  • Commodore Manga takes over as Commander NNS Jubilee

    Commodore Manga takes over as Commander NNS Jubilee

    Commodore Mohammad Abubakar Manga has assumed office as the 14th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee Ship (NNS) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state.

    Commodore Manga, who took over on Friday from Commodore AA Umar, pledged to ensure strict compliance with the operational directives aimed at addressing prevailing security challenges.

    In his assumption remarks, he thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), for the confidence reposed in him. 

    The new commander reaffirmed his commitment to the CNS’s vision, mission, and Command philosophy and commended the achievements of his predecessor.

    Manga also pledged to consolidate on existing gains while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in line with the directives of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie.

    He further solicited the cooperation and support of all personnel towards the effective discharge of the Command’s mandate.

    In his valedictory address, the outgoing Commander, Commodore AA Umar, expressed gratitude to officers, ratings, and civilian staff for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

    Umar highlighted key achievements recorded during his tour of duty, including the transformation and upgrading of facilities as well as notable improvements in personnel welfare. 

    He urged personnel to extend the same loyalty and cooperation to his successor to ensure continuity and sustained progress.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the signing of the handing and taking over notes, as well as the handing and taking over of the Ship’s Flag and Staff of Office.

  • Group knocks activist over call for fragmentation of oil pipeline surveillance

    Group knocks activist over call for fragmentation of oil pipeline surveillance

    A group, Concerned Nigerians for Good Governance, has kicked against the fragmentation of oil pipeline surveillance along ethnic lines, saying it is inimical to national security and the country’s economy.

    The group was responding to a publication in one of the national dailies in which a human rights activist, Fejiro Oliver, called for the decentralization of oil pipeline surveillance jobs to accommodate ethnic groups in the Niger Delta region.

    But the national coordinator of the group, Awipi Lawson in a statement on Saturday, said that the call by Oliver was not only faulty but a misrepresentation of the Local Content Act.

    Lawson argued that the Local Content Act did not prescribe the balkanization of the nation’s security architecture along ethnic lines but recommended inclusion and participation of all Nigerians. 

    He said: “First, the Nigerian Local Content Act does not prescribe the balkanization of security architecture.

    “The Act promotes Nigerian participation in commercial oil and gas activities, procurement, services, fabrication, manpower development, not the ethnic carving up of critical national security functions.

    “Pipeline surveillance is a security operation tied to intelligence, response time, coordination and deterrence. To weaponize the Local Content Act to demand ethnic control of security corridors is a gross misreading of the law.

    “Second, the suggestion that “every tribe should manage pipelines in their localities” is operationally illiterate. Pipelines do not respect ethnic boundaries. 

    “They traverse rivers, creeks, forests and inter-community corridors. Effective protection requires unity of command, shared intelligence, logistics and rapid response, not a patchwork of competing local fiefdoms. Fragmentation would reopen the very gaps criminals exploit.

    “Since the current surveillance framework was strengthened, crude oil output has rebounded, vandalism has dropped and waterways once notorious for armed robbery have become safer for residents and commerce”.

    He further said: “Serious policy debate demands facts, performance benchmarks, response metrics, community employment figures and oversight mechanisms. Anything less is noise masquerading as advocacy.

    “Inclusion is not achieved by destruction. If the concern is community participation, the solution is enforceable local hiring quotas, transparent procurement, skills training, periodic audits and sanctions for non-compliance, all within a coordinated security framework. That is reform. What is being proposed instead is chaos.

    “We must state this plainly, Nigeria’s energy security is not a playground for personal crusades. The Niger Delta has paid too high a price in blood, lost revenue and environmental damage to return to an era of disjointed control and opportunistic agitation”.

  • Niger health commissioner urges workers to tackle poor survey indicators

    Niger health commissioner urges workers to tackle poor survey indicators

    Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Murtala Bagana, has urged health practitioners to address the state’s declining health indices, following its performance in the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

    Bagana made the call during a courtesy visit to the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Niger State Council, where he cited key indicators from the survey. 

    He noted weak results in areas such as immunisation, maternal and child health, malaria, and the integrated management of childhood illnesses.

    He expressed concern that the figures placed the state below the national average, describing the outcome as a setback when compared with the 2018 NDHS.

    The commissioner attributed the situation to gaps in implementation rather than a lack of plans, and urged health professionals to recommit to their responsibilities under the new Niger Health Agenda, which aims to strengthen existing policies.

    He also outlined the THRIVE Agenda, developed during recent retreats, which focuses on transformation, attitudinal change, financial prudence, and accountability to reposition the sector.

    The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muhammad Gana, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullahi Imam, thanked the union for hosting the delegation and commended its contributions to the sector. 

    They encouraged the union to continue advocating for improved training, appropriate curricula, stronger managerial capacity, and better service delivery.

    The Executive Director, Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Inuwa Junaid, responded to issues raised by the union and assured that management would work towards resolving them to advance the sector.

    MHWUN Chairman, Comrade Usman Abubakar Daban, highlighted challenges including inadequate logistics, workforce shortages, and concerns over promotion processes. He also called for enhanced training opportunities and a review of the retirement age.

    Daban further advocated the inclusion of Primary Health Care Directors in retreats to strengthen their capacity and improve their prospects for promotion to Grade Level 17 and possible appointment as Permanent Secretaries.

  • Mboma gains traction with “Street Voltage” EP

    Mboma gains traction with “Street Voltage” EP

    Nigerian artist Victor Uzochukwu Obikezie, professionally known as Mboma, is strengthening his foothold in the music scene with his EP, Street Voltage, released on December 19, 2025.

    Since its release, the project has recorded steady traction, with tracks such as “OT (Orientation),” “Mmiri,” and “No Bad Energy” drawing attention and connecting with listeners across digital platforms.

    Born and raised in Lagos, Mboma’s sound reflects the city’s intensity, diversity, and street culture. Now based in eastern Nigeria, he continues to draw creative inspiration from both regions, shaping music marked by energy and authenticity. Street Voltage captures themes of determination, resilience, and ambition.

    Beyond Nigeria, Mboma has taken his performances to audiences across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. He has also developed creative ties with artists in Africa and Europe, experiences that have influenced a sound that fuses African street culture with broader global elements.

    Prior to the release of “Street Voltage,” Mboma collaborated with notable industry figures such as Magnito, Dremo, and Terry Apala, further establishing his credibility and versatility in the music industry.

    With “Street Voltage,” Mboma confidently

  • Journalists urged to spotlight climate finance for global investments, job growth

    Journalists urged to spotlight climate finance for global investments, job growth

    Amid growing calls for economic resilience, a recent training initiative has equipped Nigerian journalists to highlight climate finance opportunities, aiming to attract international investments and create better jobs for citizens.

    The workshop, held in Abuja, focused on human-centered climate reporting, emphasizing how journalists can frame stories to connect environmental challenges with governance, policy, and economic prospects. 

    Organized by a consortium led by Goldapples Media Associates, in partnership with Climate Africa Media Initiative and Centre (CAMIC) and African Newspage, the sessions trained reporters from radio, TV, print, and digital platforms in solutions-oriented journalism.

    Ayo Makinde, CEO of Goldapples and consortium lead, stressed reframing climate issues as daily realities influenced by policy decisions, enhancing accountability and public awareness.

    Facilitators like Aliu Akoshile of CAMIC linked climate science, finance, emissions, and justice to Nigerian communities, while Adam Alqali of African Newspage shared ethical approaches to accountability reporting. Participants tested CAMIC’s Climate Explainer Toolkit, introduced by Helen Bassey Osijo, to simplify complex topics.

    Supported by the UK-funded Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), the program underscores journalism’s role in national development.

    PACE media advisor, Enene Ejembi, said that PACE is a UK International Development funded programme that works with the Government of Nigeria to identify governance and climate challenges and develop solutions that increase prosperity and economic development.

    According to Ejembi, PACE works closely with government institutions to unlock service delivery while also amplifying citizens’ voices by identifying their needs, priorities, and expectations.

    “The media is the fourth estate of the realm. Journalists play a critical role in aggregating citizens’ voices and ensuring accountability. That is why we engage closely with journalists and media executives.

    “Governance has more than one side. There is the government side and there is the citizens’ side. We always ask: where are the citizens in this conversation?”, Ejembi stated.

    She noted that PACE adopts a whole of society approach, working with civil society organisations, government agencies, community groups, state governments, and the press.

    Speaking on climate finance and economic opportunity, she said that when journalists highlight climate finance opportunities and resources, they help Nigeria attract global investment, deepen existing investments, and create higher incomes and better jobs for Nigerians.

    She urged journalists to approach climate and governance reporting with patriotism and national development in focus, ” What do Nigerians need to know about climate and governance? How can these lead to more investment, trade, job creation, and prosperity for Nigerians?” 

    At the end of the programme, attendees reported greater confidence in linking climate stories to human impacts, with the consortium committing to ongoing support for journalism that drives investment and growth in Nigeria.

  • Tinubu commiserates with Kwara over Woro killings

    Tinubu commiserates with Kwara over Woro killings

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the government and people of Kwara over the recent killings in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaima Local Government Area.

    Reports have it that members of an Islamist sect, Lakurawa, allegedly attacked the two communities on Feb. 3, killing many and destroying property.

    Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu on Saturday during a condolence visit to the state, described the incident as tragic and shocking, noting that the victims were peaceful residents engaged in legitimate livelihoods.

    He said that the affected communities had for centuries practiced peaceful and tolerant forms of Islam, adding that the violence was alien to their history, culture and religious traditions.

    “Please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Our prayers are with you, and our empathy is with the affected families and communities,” the Vice-President said.

    Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government had deployed a battalion of the Nigerian Army to the area, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken to restore peace and security.

    He also said that the President had directed the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency to mobilise relief materials  to provide humanitarian support to the victims.

    The Vice-President prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the losses.

    In his response, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara thanked the President  and Vice President, describing the Federal Government’s response as swift and reassuring.

    The governor said that security agencies, including troops from the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, had been deployed to the area, while NEMA officials were already on ground to assess and respond to the humanitarian needs.

    Abdulrazaq expressed optimism that sustained prayers and collective efforts would lead to improved security across the country, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting the President and national leadership.

    (NAN)

  • Firm introduces weekly lottery with live TV draw

    Firm introduces weekly lottery with live TV draw

    AfriMillions has launched a weekly progressive lottery, entering the country’s digital gaming market with one of the largest recurring jackpot offerings and a live, televised draw format.

    According to the company, the first draw aired on January 31 on Wazobia Max TV, with a simultaneous radio broadcast, marking its debut of a live draw system designed to operate under direct public and regulatory observation.

    The draw, it noted, was conducted in the presence of officials from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), including its Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Abiola Are. The company said the draw process and results will also be subject to independent verification by certified observers.

    AfriMillions operates as a mobile-first lottery platform, positioning itself within Nigeria’s expanding digital gaming sector, where regulators have increased oversight in recent years.

    “This event isn’t just about the jackpot; it’s about building public trust through live, verified broadcasts,” the company stated.

    In addition to the weekly jackpot, the platform runs daily lottery games and other digital offerings. AfriMillions also disclosed plans to introduce a shared-ticket feature that would allow up to 10 people to jointly participate in a single lottery entry, though no timeline was provided for its rollout.

    The weekly draw is scheduled to air every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on Wazobia Max TV and radio. AfriMillions is partnered with ATL Group, an international lottery technology provider, as it expands its operations within Nigeria’s regulated gaming environment.

  • PTI becomes independent trainer, says Principal

    PTI becomes independent trainer, says Principal

    The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, will soon commence the training independently without collaborating with its partner, JFD.

    The Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Onoji broke the news at the 9th Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

    The Principal also said the institute trains Youths as technicians for rescue operations in deep oil operation.

    He was the lead speaker in a panel session tagged: “People, Skill and Stories Powering Africa’s Energy Future.”

    The theme was “Talent, Leadership, and Narrative for Nigeria and Africa’s 2050 Energy Goals.”

    He said, “We train  youths  as dive medic technicians  for rescue operations in deep oil operations,  deep offshore operations. We train  others. 

    “And  I can tell you that  in the next few months from now,  PTI will be training independently  without collaborating with  JFD.”

    He said the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has been instrumental to a training program that is resulting in the establishment of Diver Centre of Excellence in PTI.

    He said PTI facilities  are  internationally accredited,  especially with International Association of drilling Contractors, and  International Work Control Forum in US.  Onoji stressed that “They have accredited our facility to train Nigerians and  Africans alike.”

    PTI, said Onoji, is in collaboration with other bilateral relationship with other sister African countries,  like South Africa.

    He said the institute has trained  participants from that country and people from Angola and Benin Republic.

    He recalled that in the last few months, specifically the last quarter of 2025, PTI trained maintenance engineers from Soros refinery in neighboring Niger Republic. 

    He said PTI has different programs such as the skill development academy, noting the institute is an academy and not a school. 

    He said being an academy, it is a centre, where Youths are better trained in aspects of oil and gas operation. 

    Onoji said the institute has a functional drilling rig and a drill simulator.

    On drilling , he said 6,000 were recently trained on drilling.

    According to him, PTI has trained  over 50,000 technicians,  technologists, and professionals  that are actually required to drive the oil and gas industry.  

    He described the institute as the grandfather of the oil and gas industry when it comes to training. 

    Stressing the importance of the youth, Onoji applauded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) slogan that says “energy today, energy tomorrow.”

    He however noted that until the youth are not well trained, there is going to be a problem.

    Calling for a well trained youth to be positioned to harness the 25 billion barrels of crude oil in Africa, he said he even in terms of energy transition, the industry has no future without the a skilful youth. 

    According to him, the African’s future is unsafe without a trained youth, which is fundamentally needed.

     He said, “Now, that’s taken in that context, it would be good that if you look at the volume of hydrocarbon in Africa, we’re at 25 billion barrels in the African continent of 2,000,000,000. In terms of gas, are talking about over 600 trillion standard cubic feet of gas. 

    “And Nigeria is about 210.5 trillion, which is more third of the gas reserves we have in Africa. Now, if these youth are not trained now, I can tell you for free that those of us who are early today will not be able to sleep with our two eyes closed. And so we need to these youth.”

  • Tinubu hails Waltersmith Petroman chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, at 65

    Tinubu hails Waltersmith Petroman chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, at 65

    …says entrepreneur’s success affirms Nigeria as fertile ground for investment

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a business leader with the “Midas touch” whose career reflects Nigeria’s enterprise potential.

    In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Isa, who turns 65, has built a reputation spanning more than three decades as a banker and entrepreneur, and now leads one of Nigeria’s most successful independent oil and gas producers.

    Tinubu said Isa’s record of transforming an indigenous company into what he described as a global brand in the oil and gas sector underscores the strength of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the country’s prospects for sustainable investment.

    “The efforts of entrepreneurs like the chairman of Waltersmith Petroman affirm Nigeria as a fertile place for investments and reinforce faith in the nation’s business environment,” the President said.

    He commended Isa for what he called his resilience and renowned business acumen, acknowledging his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly at a time when the sector is central to the country’s revenue and energy-security objectives.

    Tinubu also highlighted Isa’s philanthropic activities, especially in supporting the development of science education, urging him to remain a “lodestar and an inspiration” to younger Nigerians and emerging business leaders.

    As the Waltersmith Petroman board chairman marks the milestone, the President joined Isa’s family and friends in wishing him good health and greater success in his endeavours.