The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    Nigeria targets $7.7trn global halal market, as Tinubu launches national strategy

    • …plan will unlock $12bn value, boost exports, jobs, halal-friendly tourism — Shettima

    The Federal Government on Thursday launched Nigeria’s National Halal Economy Strategy, as it moved to position the country to tap into the $7.7 trillion global halal market and diversify the economy through exports, industrial value chains and ethical finance.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu unveiled the strategy at the State House, Abuja, describing it as a signal of Nigeria’s readiness to take a “huge chunk” of a global market expected to add an estimated $1.5 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2027.

    Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu said “it is with this sense of responsibility that I formally unveil the Nigeria National Halal Economy Strategy”.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu said “this document is a declaration of our promise to meet global standards with Nigerian capacity and to convert opportunity into lasting economic value”.

    The Vice President called for “disciplined, inclusive, and measurable” implementation, stressing that the strategy must translate into “jobs, exports, and shared prosperity across our nation.”

    He announced that the strategy committee would be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, whom he described as “supremely competent.”

    Shettima outlined the plan’s key ambitions up to 2030, including expanding halal-compliant food exports, developing pharmaceutical and cosmetic value chains, positioning Nigeria as a halal-friendly tourism destination, and mobilising ethical finance at scale.

    According to him, the combined efforts “are projected to unlock over twelve billion dollars in economic value, while strengthening food security, deepening industrial capacity, and creating opportunities for small-and-medium-sized enterprises across our states.”

    Addressing concerns linking halal to religious affiliation, Shettima said the global halal economy had outgrown “parochial interpretations,” explaining that it is now defined by “trust,” with systems that emphasise “quality, traceability, safety, and ethical production.”

    He noted that these principles appeal widely to consumers and investors seeking certainty in how goods are produced, financed and delivered.

    The Vice President also said several Western economies have integrated halal into their export and quality-assurance systems, naming the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as among leading producers, certifiers and exporters of halal food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and financial products.

    “The halal economy is a global market framework rooted in standards, safety, and consumer trust, not geography or belief,” he said.

    Shettima said the strategy was inspired by the Tinubu administration’s commitment to diversifying exports, attracting foreign direct investment and create sustainable jobs across the federation.

    He disclosed that it was developed through partnerships involving the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, alongside Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, with technical backing from institutions including the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa.

    The Vice President also linked the initiative to Nigeria’s recent state visit to Türkiye, which he said reinforced the country’s drive to build a globally competitive halal ecosystem.

    A major outcome of that visit was the signing of an agreement on Halal Quality Infrastructure between Nigeria and Türkiye, aimed at strengthening standards, accreditation, certification and quality assurance systems to boost international acceptance of Nigerian halal products and services.

    Speaking at the event, Oduwole said the strategy was a public-private collaboration shaped through extensive stakeholder engagement.

    She said the private sector led the drive to make it a “whole-of-government and whole-of-country intervention,” with the Office of the Vice President coordinating ministries, departments, and agencies, while her ministry played a pivotal role.

    “What the Halal Strategy has done for Nigeria is to position us among countries that export Halal-certified goods across the world,” she said.

    Oduwole added that Nigeria would leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand exports of halal-friendly goods across Africa and beyond, stressing that participation would be voluntary.

    Also speaking, Chairman and CEO of Dar Al-Halal Group Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko Ladan, said an export programme was already underway through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to onboard Nigerian companies into the Saudi Arabian market and other destinations.

    He described the strategy as a landmark opportunity that would create market access and attract foreign direct investment.

    In a message from the French Embassy, Financial Counsellor Carole Lebreton, representing French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, said the strategy was significant for Nigeria–France relations, noting that France was exploring more ways to build socio-economic bridges with Nigeria.

    She said the French government was ready to support Nigeria’s export drive, especially in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

    Other dignitaries at the unveiling included the CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni; Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Olasupo Olusi; and the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle Johnson.

    The strategy, developed by HPDC of Saudi Arabia, is an outcome of the bilateral cooperation agreement signed between Nigeria and HPDC in February 2025 at the Makkah Halal Forum, aimed at deepening Nigeria–Saudi economic relations, improving market access, and integrating Nigeria into international halal value chains.

  • Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    Hundeyin’s promotion followed due process – Ex-AIG Yaro

    A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abutu Yaro, has dismissed claims that the promotion of the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin, was secretly approved by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

    Yaro said the promotion followed due process and was carried out in line with constitutional provisions and service rules, stressing that it fell within the exclusive authority of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    He described allegations of favouritism as unfounded, noting that promotions from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) are handled solely by the PSC.

    According to Yaro, Hundeyin met the eligibility requirements for the position of FPRO, which include a minimum rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, a university degree or equivalent, at least 10 years of meritorious service, emotional stability, a clean disciplinary record, and professional competence in public relations or broadcasting.

    He added that officers appointed to the role are also exposed to specialised training and capacity-building programmes supported by media consultants engaged by the police.

    Explaining the promotion framework, Yaro said promotions for constables to inspectors are handled internally by the police hierarchy, while promotions for inspectorate officers involve an Inspectorate Selection Board. However, he stressed that promotions for superior officers remain the sole responsibility of the PSC.

    Read Also: JUST IN: IGP appoints CSP Benjamin Hundeyin as new FPRO 

    “There is a clause for accelerated promotion in our service manuals,” Yaro said, explaining that officers may be promoted ahead of schedule where performance evaluations and recommendations justify such advancement.

    Addressing concerns about transparency, Yaro noted that police promotions are governed by established regulations and PSC guidelines, adding that public agitation over service matters is prohibited within the force.

    “Promotions to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police are strictly on the PSC schedule. Any inquiry into the criteria applied should be directed to the Police Service Commission, which is an independent constitutional body,” he said.

    He also dismissed claims that the IGP personally promoted Hundeyin, describing them as “misplaced and misleading.”

    “The Inspector-General of Police does not have the authority to promote an Assistant Commissioner of Police. His powers are limited to promotions from constable to inspector. Promotions from ASP to DIG are handled exclusively by the Police Service Commission,” Yaro stated.

    Meanwhile, a senior police officer familiar with internal procedures said the office of the Force Public Relations Officer is structurally designated for an officer of at least the rank of ACP.

    “Anyone appointed to the office who is below the rank of ACP must be promoted to occupy the position. This is standard practice. It is about the office, not the individual,” the officer said.

    He cited former FPROs Frank Mba, Jimoh Moshood, and Olumuyiwa Adejobi as precedents, noting that similar conventions apply across other security agencies.

    “It is not about Hundeyin. It is about the office. The office of FPRO comes with a defined rank, and whoever is appointed must meet that requirement,” he added.

    The officer further stated that the only recommendation forwarded by the IGP to the PSC was Hundeyin’s, based on his appointment.

    “Any other promotions are entirely at the discretion of the Police Service Commission. The IGP does not determine those outcomes,” he said.

  • NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

    NBA threatens boycott of Enugu CJ’s court over delay in Bright Ngene’s appeal

     The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Enugu State over what it described as persistent delays in the hearing of an appeal involving a legal practitioner, Mr. Bright Ngene.

    The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, which expressed concern that the delay raises serious issues about the protection of lawyers’ rights and public confidence in the administration of justice.

    To address the situation, NEC resolved to constitute a five-member intervention committee to interface directly with the Chief Judge of Enugu State and ensure that a hearing date for the appeal is fixed within two weeks.

    The committee is to be chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN. Other members include Mr. Musa Attah, SAN; the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, Mr. V. C. Odo, Esq.; Hon. Chidi Aroh; and Ms. Osato Uwagboe. Two senior advocates, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Mr. Abdul Muhammed, SAN, also volunteered to serve on the committee.

    According to the resolution, the committee’s mandate is to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited hearing of the appeal “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

    Read Also: NBA moves to penalise branch chairman for naming ex-convict grand patron

    NEC further warned that if a hearing date is not fixed within the stipulated period, NBA branches in Enugu State would commence a boycott of proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge.

    The Association also indicated that it would explore additional measures, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what it views as a violation of Mr. Ngene’s fundamental rights.

    The NBA said the move reflects its commitment to defending due process, protecting its members, and ensuring that delays or administrative lapses do not undermine the justice system.

  • Makinde appoints executive adviser on security coordination

    Makinde appoints executive adviser on security coordination

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Major-General Lukman Tokunbo Omoniyi (Rtd) as his Executive Adviser on Security Coordination.

    The appointment, contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, is with immediate effect.

    While congratulating Omoniyi on the appointment, Governor Makinde urged him to ensure effective coordination of security activities in the state with a view to making every part of the state safe and everyone secure.

    Read Also: HoS lauds Makinde’s foreign training for workers

    General Omoniyi (rtd) is a seasoned senior infantry officer who has held various command, staff, and instructional appointments in military formations and units.

    He holds a Master of Science Degree in Humanitarian and Refugee Studies in addition to another Master of Science Degree in Strategic Studies, both from the prestigious University of Ibadan.

    He is currently working on his Doctorate Degree in Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Studies at the University of Ibadan.

  • FG stops use of tax credits for road construction

    FG stops use of tax credits for road construction

    The federal government has ended the system where big companies use their tax money to build roads instead of paying it into the government’s account.

    From now on, the government insists that all road projects must be handled through the normal budget process approved by the National Assembly.

    The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji, made this known on Wednesday. He explained that this change is necessary to follow the Nigerian Constitution and financial laws.

    Under the old system, known as the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, major companies like Dangote, BUA, and MTN were allowed to fix federal roads and then subtract the cost from the taxes they owed the government.

    Mr. Adedeji said that even though the plan was meant to help the country, it was causing a problem with how the law works. He stated that the job of the tax office is to collect money, not to decide how that money is spent on construction.

    “No matter how good a programme is, the first thing that it must have is good products. The remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service are to assess, to collect, and to account for taxes. Appropriation is not part of the remits of the Nigeria Revenue Service,” Adedeji said.

    He further explained that when a company is given a tax credit to build a road, it is like the government is spending money without following the proper rules. He said the tax office must collect the money first and give it to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which is the body mandated by law to share and handle public funds.

    “When you give tax credits for roads, it is an appropriation act, because you spent the money, but your remit is to collect and give it to the constitutional body that will sign that money,” he added.

    Apart from the law, the NRS boss said his agency does not have the engineers or the technical skills to check if a road built by a company is actually worth the amount of tax they are claiming. He said while companies are still welcome to fund roads, the government must be the one to approve how public money is used.

    This decision comes after a big gap was created when the NNPC stopped funding roads through this scheme in 2025, leaving about N3 trillion worth of projects without money. Before now, NNPC had paid for over 21 roads, including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Because of this, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the government is now looking for new partnerships with private investors to finish these roads.

    Read Also: Hashim: New tax reforms will put Nigeria in global GDP league

    Many big projects are affected by this shift. For years, Dangote Group used tax credits for the road leading to the Lekki Deep Seaport, while BUA Group worked on the Bode-Saadu-Lafiagi Road. Other companies like MTN worked on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, and NLNG funded the Bodo-Bonny Bridge in Rivers State.

    The government believes that by going back to the central budget system, it can make sure all spending is transparent and follows the law. This ensures that every kobo collected as tax is properly accounted for before it is spent on infrastructure.

  • COAS urges AFCSC to align training with evolving security realities

    COAS urges AFCSC to align training with evolving security realities

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, to continuously align its training curriculum with the nation’s evolving security realities.

    General Shaibu said this on Thursday when he received the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Air Vice Marshal Alfred Olugbenga Shogbanmu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

    In a statement by the Army’s Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS described the College as “a critical engine for the development of staff officers whose professionalism directly influences operational effectiveness nationwide.”

    The Army Chief hailed the AFCSC for its pivotal role in producing highly competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, praising the institution for the high quality of its graduates and noting their strategic importance in strengthening command, control, and coordination across the Armed Forces.

    He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustained support for AFCSC through infrastructure development and capacity enhancement.

    Read Also: West Africa’s security hinges on strategic partnerships – COAS 

    The COAS noted that the increasingly complex and dynamic security environment confronting the nation has necessitated proactive institutional responses, including the establishment of a new Western Theatre Command to effectively address emerging threats.

    He stressed the importance of adaptive, future-oriented training that reflects operational realities and enhances joint planning and execution.

    Air Vice Marshal Shogbanmu thanked the Nigerian Army for its consistent support, particularly in the establishment of a simulation centre and the rehabilitation of key facilities, which he said have significantly enhanced training outcomes and learning conditions.

    He reaffirmed the College’s resolve to continually refine its academic and professional programmes in line with contemporary security demands and to further deepen inter-agency cooperation.

    The visit was in furtherance of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through professional military education and enhanced inter-service collaboration.

  • Abia police deny bomb discovery at Aba church

    Abia police deny bomb discovery at Aba church

    The Abia State Police Command has denied reports of the discovery of an object suspected to be an explosive at the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba.

    The denial followed criticism from the leadership of the church, which accused the police of presenting what it described as a misleading narrative to the public over the reported discovery of a bomb on the church premises.

    In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the police said an investigation carried out by the Divisional Police Officer in the area revealed that no suspected explosive was found, adding that the object in question was an iron rod that formed part of a fence pillar.

    However, it was gathered that church members, while digging to erect a new fence after a road expansion on Okiriko Lane by the state government, uncovered an object they suspected to be a bomb near the parsonage.

    Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the church board, Elder Ariomnwa Amadi, confirmed the incident and said the church held a thanksgiving service to appreciate God for what he described as the averting of a potential tragedy.

    Amadi explained that the object was discovered during excavation works for the new fence, prompting the church to alert soldiers, who subsequently arrived at the premises and evacuated the object.

    Asked whether the object could have been a relic from the Civil War era, the board chairman said its origin remained unclear, adding that the soldiers who evacuated it advised the church to be grateful, noting that the consequences could have been severe if it had exploded.

    “This was why we held a thanksgiving service last Sunday to thank God for saving our lives. It would have been a national tragedy, but God showed us mercy; nobody was even injured, not to mention losing a life.”

    Read Also: Lagos Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover firearms

    The police said, “I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area. Thorough investigations conducted through the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering the area have affirmed this.

    “The church, which had encroached on the road currently being reconstructed by the government, was asked to move back slightly to create space for the project. This directive was not complied with, prompting the military to intervene to ensure compliance.

    “During the process, an iron rod part of a pillar of the church structure that was being adjusted was removed by the military.

    “Therefore, there was nothing resembling a bomb or explosive recovered anywhere in Aba.

    “The Police, as the lead internal security agency, remain vigilant in ensuring the protection of lives and property. Officers of the Command are active, alert, and strategically deployed across the state to maintain safety and security.”

  • Okada rider, friends sentenced to death by hanging for murder of Osun widow

    Okada rider, friends sentenced to death by hanging for murder of Osun widow

    A 47-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Muyideen Tunji, his friends, Yusuf Muslim (48yrs), and Rabiu Fatai (55 years) have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo, over the murder of a 53-year-old widow for money ritual.

    The Nation recalled that the trio were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Fatimah Sodamade on January 31, 2022, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of human parts, contrary to Sections 324, 319(a), and 329A(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

    Meanwhile, the convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against them by the Osun State Government.

    At the trial, the prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Dele Akintayo, informed the court that Tunji invited the deceased, Asiata Yekeen (a widow), to his residence in Ile-Ogbo under the pretext of paying her money he owed.

    Akintayo stated that, upon Asiata’s arrival, she met Yusuf Muslim and Rabiu Fatai in the house. They strangled her shortly after she arrived at the house, dismembered her body, and buried the remains in a shallow grave behind Tunji’s house after severing vital body parts.

    He continued, “The case was reported to the police and the Amotekun Corps in Ile-Ogbo by Mr. Suleiman Akorede and Yekini Suleiman when efforts to reach the deceased failed. Witnesses who saw the deceased enter Tunji’s house, who is an Okada rider, also alerted security operatives.

    “Subsequently, Tunji fled upon learning that security operatives were searching for him and hid at the residence of Yusuf Muslim and Rabiu Fatai, allegedly taking some human body parts of the deceased along with him.”

    Meanwhile, the defence counsel to the three convicts, Barrister J.D. Olaniyan, Adesina Olaniyan, and Bayo Alade, argued that the prosecution’s evidence was hearsay and urged the court to dismiss the charge against their clients.

    But, State Counsel, Akintayo called six witnesses and tendered 13 exhibits, including the convicts’ confessional statements.

    In her judgment, Justice Sodamade held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and found the defendants guilty on all counts.

    The convicts were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder, death by hanging for murder, and five years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of human parts.

  • FG taps global capital, boosts healthcare investment

    FG taps global capital, boosts healthcare investment

    The federal government has outlined plans to secure long-term funding, strengthen governance, and expand Nigeria’s access to global debt markets, including Islamic finance

    These priorities were discussed when the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, met with top executives of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as part of efforts to strengthen financial cooperation and widen Nigeria’s access to international capital.

    During the meeting, the minister welcomed the opening of FAB’s representative office in Lagos, describing the move as a positive signal of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

    He said the bank’s increasing involvement in energy and infrastructure projects aligns with the government’s development goals.

    “The decision by First Abu Dhabi Bank to establish a presence in Lagos sends a strong message of confidence in Nigeria and its economic direction,” Mr. Edun said. “It also opens new doors for accessing global capital, including Sharia-compliant financing.”

    Both the government and the bank agreed to work more closely to develop funding solutions that improve public finances, support infrastructure projects, and encourage private sector investment. The discussions also covered Nigeria’s interest in tapping deeper into global debt markets to fund development in a sustainable way.

    In another engagement, the finance minister described healthcare as not only a social necessity but also a sector with strong potential to drive economic growth. He said building local capacity in healthcare improves productivity, keeps money within the country, and strengthens human capital over the long term.

    Mr. Edun spoke at the signing of a major agreement involving the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and MedServe. The agreement is designed to expand access to diagnostic services, cancer treatment, and heart care across the country.

    “Healthcare is critical to national development, and investing in it helps our people live healthier lives while supporting economic growth,” the minister said. “When we build strong healthcare systems at home, we reduce the need to seek treatment abroad and retain valuable capital within our economy.”

    He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to improving healthcare through increased funding and well-structured partnerships between the public and private sectors. According to him, recent budget improvements show the administration’s focus on strengthening social infrastructure.

    The minister pointed to the growing network of cancer treatment centres developed by the NSIA as evidence that high-quality healthcare facilities can be built in Nigeria. He said such investments create jobs, attract funding, and help cut the country’s heavy spending on medical tourism.

    “Our experience with the NSIA oncology centres shows that world-class healthcare services can be delivered locally,” Mr. Edun said. “This creates employment, draws investment, and saves billions of naira spent on treatment outside the country.”

    He also praised the IFC for its role in the partnership, describing the agreement as a model that blends funding with technical expertise to encourage private investment and widen access to quality care. He noted that the initiative also benefits from support provided by the World Bank.

    The minister called for the NSIA–MedServe model to be adopted in other sectors of the economy, saying it offers a practical approach to inclusive growth, better public services, and long-term economic stability.

    According to him, partnerships that combine public oversight with private sector efficiency will be central to Nigeria’s efforts to build a stronger, more resilient economy.

  • NIS inaugurates anti-corruption desk officers nationwide

    NIS inaugurates anti-corruption desk officers nationwide

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Thursday inaugurated Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Desk Officers nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen institutional integrity and eliminate corrupt practices within the Service.

    The inauguration ceremony, held at the NIS headquarters in Abuja, was attended by representatives of the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and other stakeholders. The officers were administered the oath of office during the event.

    The ACTU Desk Officers were inaugurated under the supervision of the ICPC Chairman, Barrister Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), who was represented by the Director of the System Study and Review Department, Mr Olusegun Adigun.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, warned officers and men of the Service against engaging in corruption or sharp practices at airports, borders, and passport offices, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

    She said the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption remains unchanged and has been further reinforced by ongoing reforms, adding that the initiative underscores the commitment to entrenching a legacy of transparency, accountability, and clean systems within the NIS.

    Nandap described corruption as a threat to national security, economic development, and Nigeria’s global standing, saying that the NIS established the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit to fight all forms of corruption headlong.

    “We are gathered not merely to inaugurate officers, but to entrench a proactive, grassroots architecture for ethical governance through the deployment of ACTU Desk Officers across every formation of the Service.

    “The Nigeria Immigration Service stands as a critical sentinel at the nation’s gateways. We are entrusted with the solemn responsibility of Border Governance and Migration Management.

    “This trust confers significant authority—and with it, an uncompromising obligation to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” Mrs Nandap said.

    Mrs Nandap, who said the responsibilities of the officers are contingent upon three pillars of enlightenment, deterrence, and punishment, urged the officers to demonstrate a high sense of courage, integrity, and an uncompromising stance as they would face resistance, isolation, and intimidation while carrying out their duties.

    She said they are to expose corrupt officers irrespective of their ranks, relationships, or status in the Service, stressing that the NIS would give them all necessary support to ensure zero tolerance of corruption and any form of sharp practices within the system.

     To the officers, Mrs Nandap said, “You are ethical champions, standard-bearers, and first responders within your respective formations. Your selection was neither incidental nor symbolic; it followed a rigorous process that prioritized proven integrity, courage, and sound judgment. You now serve as accessible, trusted pillars for promoting transparency and addressing misconduct at its source.”

    She urged Command Comptrollers and Heads of Formations across Nigeria to support the Desk Officers, saying “you must provide an enabling environment that allows them to function without fear, obstruction, or intimidation”.

    “Their mandate is not to undermine command authority, but to reinforce it. See them as partners in building formations defined by credibility and pride,” she added.

    In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Barrister Musa Aliyu (SAN), represented by Mr Adigun, said the ICPC was impressed by the recent developments in the NIS regarding the fight against corruption and sharp practices.

    According to him, when a review of transparency and accountability issues was conducted earlier in 2024 in the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the NIS scored 61 percent and attained 126th position out of 323 MDAs.

    He said it was obvious that the current Comptroller-General of the Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, was not happy with the result and decided to change the narratives.

    The ICPC boss explained that upon her appointment and following the pragmatic steps taken against corrupt practices, the 2025 results showed the NIS in 24th position out of 324 MDAs, with a 75 percent score.

    Aliyu said the ICPC was pleased to partner with the NIS and administered the oaths of office to the anti-corruption officers.

    Barrister Aliyu, who also handed over anti-corruption manuals to the NIS Comptroller-General to enable the officers to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and diligently, said ACTU is now a government-recognised platform to address systemic weaknesses, and serve as a strategic instrument to fight all forms of corruption, and ensure transparency and accountability within the system.