The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FG

  • FG targets full paperless Civil Service by December 31

    FG targets full paperless Civil Service by December 31

    The Federal Government would leave no stone unturned to achieve a fully paperless Civil Service by December 31st, 2025, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, HCSoF, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has said. 

    She said already 34,000 Civil Servants across the country are on-board the “War Room” initiative of Galaxy Backbone limited which provided platform for deployment of widespread GovMail for seamless execution of government services in the country. 

    Walson-Jack also praised the Galaxy Backbone (GBB) for its fibre connectivity to 28 states of the country, saying that the agency’s infrastructural spread remains a positive testimony for the country. 

    The HCSoF made the remarks during a tour of digital and ICT infrastructures at GBB National Shared Service Centre (NSSC) and Corporate Headquarters of the Agency in Abuja. 

    She was conducted round the infrastructures by the Management of GBB led by its Managing Director/CEO, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju. 

    She also toured GBB Network Operations Centre (NOC), Security Operations Centre (SOC), and Uptime Institute Certified Tier III Data Centre; all built to ensure a secure, scalable, and sovereign digital infrastructure for Nigeria’s public sector.

    Walson-Jack, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Mr Adeladan Rafiu and other senior government officials, said the visit was meant to deepen collaboration between the government and Galaxy Backbone limited. 

    She commended the world-class infrastructure and strategic digital solutions developed by Galaxy Backbone, stating that her perception of the agency had been greatly enhanced following the tour.

    “This visit has opened my eyes to the enormous potential and capacity that Galaxy Backbone brings to Nigeria’s digital journey.

    Read Also: Federal Civil Service Commission Next Level Reform Implementation Agenda

     “I now see GBB not just as an ICT agency, but as a strategic partner in the realisation of our dream to build a modern, agile, and paperless civil service, ” she said. 

    The HCSOF further highlighted several strategic areas where partnership with GBB is critical, especially in the areas of full implementation of the 1Government Cloud to host and manage Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA) operations.

    Other areas include the Adoption of an Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) to streamline records and workflow automation across MDAs, and Synergy between the 1Government Cloud Academy and the Civil Service Academy to enhance capacity development.

    Adeyanju expressed appreciation for the visit, noting its alignment with GBB’s mandate to support Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.

  • FG begins phase 7 Kainji mass trial of terrorism suspects

    FG begins phase 7 Kainji mass trial of terrorism suspects

    The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has commenced Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials for terrorist suspects.

    According to a statement from the Strategic Communication Office of the NCTC, over 50 suspects have begun the process, starting yesterday, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.

    The Nation recalled that, in December 2024, the Federal Government secured the conviction of more than 200 terrorists successfully prosecuted during the Phase 6 terrorism trials held at the Kainji detention facility in Niger State.

    Speaking at the flag-off of the trial, yesterday, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, emphasised that the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and reaffirm its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

    “These trials are a cornerstone of our national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism,” he said 

    Laka noted that Nigeria had recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences. 

    He highlighted that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

    “Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he said.

    Read Also: Medical academics demand ₦3m monthly salary, give FG 15-day ultimatum

    He commended the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice. 

    Laka also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

    He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring justice for both victims and accused persons, within a framework that upholds the rule of law and respects human rights.

  • FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    FG expresses concern over the U.S. new visa regime for Nigeria

    The federal government has expressed deep concern over the new United States’ visa policy for Nigeria.

    The new policy restricts visa applicants from Nigeria to three-month single-entry visas.

    The US argued that the decision, which took effect from Wednesday, 9 July 2025, was based on a reciprocity policy.

    But, the Nigerian government in a statement said the decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    The statement, which was signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged the US government to reverse its decision.

    The Ministry also assured Nigerians that diplomatic engagements are ongoing.

    Ebienfa also hinted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

    “The federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

    Read Also: Mission 300: FG targets $15.5bn private sector investment in power sector — Adelabu

    “The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.

    “Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

    “While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.”

  • BREAKING: FG sets university admission age at 16

    BREAKING: FG sets university admission age at 16

    The Federal Government has formally set 16 years as the minimum age for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this during the opening session of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 2025 Policy Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

    ”This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. 16 years is non-negotiable,” he said.

    He warned that the heads of institutions found to be engaged in admission fraud would face prosecution.

    He stressed that the age requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable, adding that heads of institutions found complicit in admission fraud will face strict legal consequences.

    Details shortly…

  • FG seeks new dispute resolution approaches to strengthen capital market confidence

    FG seeks new dispute resolution approaches to strengthen capital market confidence

    The federal government has urged the judiciary to develop new approaches to resolving disputes within Nigeria’s capital market, describing the market as more than a simple trading platform but a critical pillar for economic transformation.

    Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, special adviser to the president on economic affairs, made the call on Monday at the 2025 Capacity Building Interactive Workshop on Capital Market Law, Ethics and Judicial Interpretations for Judges of Superior Courts. The event was organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Abuja.

    Shettima pointed out that the capital market plays a central role in diversifying Nigeria’s economy from its reliance on a single commodity. According to him, the market helps channel national savings into productive investments, promotes indigenous industrialisation, and attracts both domestic and foreign investors.

    “A well-functioning capital market can unlock latent wealth, deepen financial inclusion, and ultimately improve living standards,” he said. “The effectiveness of any capital market depends on trust. Investors will only commit funds where they feel assured of the security of their investments, transparency in transactions, and protection of their rights.”

    The Vice President explained that trust stems from robust regulations, efficient market operations, and a dependable system of resolving disputes. He noted that the federal government is encouraging the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) tools, such as mediation and arbitration, which can offer faster, cost-effective, and specialised solutions for commercial disagreements, including those that arise within the capital market.

    “While litigation remains an important option, promoting ADR can ease the pressure on the courts and provide solutions tailored to the financial sector’s complexities,” Shettima added. “Weaknesses in our dispute resolution framework risk diverting capital elsewhere. Delays, inconsistent judgments, or limited specialist knowledge can create systemic threats and discourage investment.”

    He told participating judges that the workshop was not just an academic exercise but an opportunity to deepen understanding of the market’s complexity, better appreciate the economic impact of judicial decisions, and ensure closer coordination between regulators and the courts.

    Shettima noted that repositioning the Nigerian capital market is more than an economic goal; it is essential for national development. “The judiciary, through its impartial handling of disputes, holds a powerful key to unlocking this potential,” he said. “This administration is fully committed to strengthening the market and enhancing justice delivery. We know a strong judiciary supports a stable democracy and a thriving economy.”

    He also pledged the government’s support to ensure institutions like the SEC can effectively carry out their mandate, including building judicial capacity, encouraging consistent rulings on market issues, identifying systemic challenges, and ultimately boosting investor confidence.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah also addressed the workshop, noting the growing complexity of modern financial markets. She pointed to emerging areas such as digital assets, cryptocurrencies, green finance, and cross-border securities transactions that challenge traditional legal approaches.

    “It is not enough to apply existing legal principles without adaptation,” she said. “Nor should we assume new developments erase the need for precedent. We must engage these issues to keep legal consistency while staying responsive to commercial change.”

    Kekere-Ekun welcomed the recent enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which introduces clearer regulations and better investor protections. However, she cautioned that even the most advanced laws are ineffective without thoughtful interpretation that reflects legislative intent and economic logic.

    Read Also: Otu excited as FG unveils strategic roadmap for Bakassi deep seaport

    “The decisions we make in capital market cases go beyond the courtroom,” she said. “They shape public confidence, guide investor behaviour, and affect the stability of financial institutions.”

    Speaking at the event, SEC Director General Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the workshop was part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and ensure that the ISA 2025’s provisions are widely understood.

    “The ISA 2025 brings significant changes, including stricter penalties for market abuses, improved corporate governance standards for listed firms, and new dispute resolution processes designed to speed up justice,” Agama explained. “Through these reforms, we hope to restore investor confidence and encourage broader participation of Nigerians in wealth creation.”

    The workshop brought together judges, legislators, regulators, legal and capital market experts to discuss ways to modernise dispute resolution in Nigeria’s capital market and ensure the system keeps pace with evolving financial practices.

  • FG revokes development approvals in coastal, highway, shoreline setback zones

    FG revokes development approvals in coastal, highway, shoreline setback zones

    The federal government has revoked all prior approvals granted for developments within national corridors and ecological zones setbacks, as it begins strict enforcement of development control regulations along federal highways, coastal roads, shorelines, and the Lagos Lagoon corridor.

    This followed the directive issued by President Bola Tinubu, mandating the immediate halt of unauthorised developments in these areas, according to the Surveyor General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adebomehin.

    He said the enforcement applies to all affected zones and nullifies all previously granted planning approvals.

    According to him, State governments have been expressly directed to suspend further planning approvals within the designated corridors unless done in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation.

    To ensure compliance, Adebomehin stated that all development approvals granted on or before July 2, 2025, must be submitted to the Office of the Surveyor General for verification, harmonisation, and compilation.

    Approvals not submitted, or those issued after September 30, 2025, will be deemed invalid, he warned.

    He also ordered the immediate cessation of all ongoing unauthorised reclamation works, stressing that the indiscriminate creation of artificial islands and unapproved sand-filling activities would no longer be tolerated.

    Adebomehin explained that the move is intended to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard the environment, and promote coordinated urban development.

    Read Also: Otu excited as FG unveils strategic roadmap for Bakassi deep seaport

    He noted that the enforcement covers federal highways, shorelines, coastal roads, and areas on and along the Lagos Lagoon.

    Any further encroachment without federal approval, he warned, will be considered illegal.

    Going forward, he stressed, no State or Local authority should independently approve projects within the affected setback zones without federal collaboration.

    To ensure effective monitoring and regulation, he added that mechanisms are being put in place to coordinate infrastructure development along Nigeria’s shorelines and ecological zones.

    The directive, he said, is backed by existing legal provisions, including Section 1 (1), (2), and (3) of the Federal Highways Act and Sections 1 and 2 of the Lands (Title Vesting, Etc.) Act, both of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, as well as other relevant legal instruments.

  • FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire

    FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire

    The Federal Government has successfully negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27 billion to N17 billion.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge on Friday in Lagos.

    He said: “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

    Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.

    He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

    The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.

    Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.

    He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.

    He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.

    “They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.

    The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.

    Read Also: Five injured in Lagos bridge accident

    He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.

    He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.

    On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.

    “Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain  the Minister of Works.

    “The lives of the people are more important,” he said.

    He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure.

    (NAN)

  • FG proposes new role for retired military officers

    FG proposes new role for retired military officers

    The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Federal Government is proposing a National Veteran Security Initiative, aimed at formally integrating retired officers into key roles, including advisory, intelligence and community conflict resolution.

    Ribadu announced this at the 50th Anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course Alumni, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Abuja.

    “You are not just heroes of our past,” Ribadu told the veterans. 

    “You are strategic partners for today and tomorrow. Nigeria still needs your leadership, wisdom, and experience.”

    The NSA urged retired military officers to return to active roles in national security, describing them as critical to the country’s stability. 

    Ribadu acknowledged significant progress in the fight against insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but noted that the battle is far from over.

    He revealed that since May 2023, security forces have rescued over 11,250 hostages from criminal groups while more than 124,000 terrorists and their families have surrendered to Nigerian troops. Military operations have also led to the elimination of 13,543 terrorists, the recovery of 11,118 weapons, and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition.

    Read Also: FG to chart new path for immunization financing

    In the Northwest, notorious bandit leaders such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu have been neutralized, with more than 50 warlords and 70 of their deputies killed. Additionally, over 35 insurgents surrendered under the government’s non-kinetic peace initiative in Kaduna.

    The NSA also highlighted successes in other regions. In the Niger Delta, oil production has increased from one million to 1.8 million barrels per day following the dismantling of nearly 2,000 illegal refineries and the recovery of stolen petroleum products worth over ₦3.5 billion.

    In the Southeast, separatist violence has declined sharply, with police stations rebuilt and sit-at-home orders losing influence. On the digital front, Ribadu noted that several cybercrime networks financing terrorism and banditry have been dismantled, cutting off millions in illicit funds.

  • FG trains 1,800 youths in web development, cybersecurity to tackle poverty

    FG trains 1,800 youths in web development, cybersecurity to tackle poverty

    The Federal Government’s drive to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty has received a boost with the launch of a youth empowerment training programme in Web Development and Cybersecurity across six states.

    The training is taking place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ondo, Anambra, Bauchi, Delta, and Kebbi States under the pilot phase of the initiative.

    Flagging off the scheme in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (TVEE), Dr. Abiola Arogundade, said the programme is part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    With the theme “Upscaling Technical and Vocational Training,” the two-week programme, conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, aims to empower 1,800 youths with critical tech skills.

    Arogundade reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment through technical and vocational training, stressing that the administration is focused on meeting its poverty reduction target within the projected timeline.

    Read Also: FG promises to watch oil prices closely, keep economy stable, inclusive

    She said each participant will receive hands-on training in web development and cybersecurity, along with laptops as starter packs to help them become self-reliant and contribute to national development.

    She urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and apply their new skills toward personal growth and the advancement of the country.

  • FG moves to harmonise 273 oil, gas fees

    FG moves to harmonise 273 oil, gas fees

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on Tuesday announced that the Federal Government has engaged a consultant who is a member of the Oil Producing Trade Section (OPTS) to work in partnership with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to harmonize the 273 fees in the oil and gas industry.

    The consultant has been mandated to study the fees of other oil producing countries and fashion the Nigerian fees after them in line with international best practices.

    He spoke in a Ministerial Panel session of the ongoing 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja.

    Lokpobiri said that without the harmonisation of the fees, investors would avoid Nigeria for other climes.

    He said, “And we agreed that there should be an international consultant to benchmark our fees away with other countries in the world so that we can be competitive.

    “Otherwise, nobody would come and invest in a place where there would be 272 fees arranged and more were coming.”

    The minister urged the stakeholders to downplay the campaign for energy transition because Nigeria only caused a negligible carbon emissions.

    In a renewed push to meet its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota and 2025 budgetary targets, he declared an end to the era where oil companies acquire field licenses and leave them dormant.

    The government warned that it would no longer tolerate operators lacking the technical and financial capacity to develop oil fields, stressing that such licenses would be withdrawn.

    He said the government was determined to maximise oil production by ensuring that only serious investors retain access to Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

    The conference had the theme: “Accelerating Energy Progress Through Investment, Global Partnerships and Innovation”.

    The minister said, “In our ongoing drive to boost national oil production, the Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that maximum value is derived from upstream assets currently held by operators.

    “This objective has taken on greater urgency as global financing for oil and gas projects continues to tighten, making it increasingly difficult for all operators to secure the capital needed to develop these assets.

    “It is no longer acceptable for critical national resources to remain in the hands of companies that lack the technical or financial capacity to optimise them, or worse, those who use such licenses merely as a lever to access scarce capital, only to divert it to unrelated ventures.

    “Our oil and gas industry has witnessed far too many cautionary tales of this nature, and we must now draw a clear line”. 

    Also speaking, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria had proven gas reserves of over 200 trillion cubic feet, yet value would only be created when resources were developed and utilised.

    Ekpo said that through the Decade of Gas initiative, the country was focused on translating its vast gas wealth into tangible socio-economic benefits.

    This, he said, included driving industrialisation, expanding power generation, increasing domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage, deepening gas-to-transport adoption, and growing gas export capacity.

    Read Also: Decolonise education to promote African culture, Prof. Falola urges FG, policymakers

    Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari disclosed that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline has successfully crossed the River Niger, boosting the hope of the project’s completion by Q4 2025.

    Ojulari, who described the development as a significant milestone, said the feat was achieved through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration.

    He also disclosed that for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipeline availability throughout June 2025.

    He said the feat which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC helped to boost crude oil production.

    He, however, called for more investments to boost production, adding that NNPC Ltd has been able to turn the narrative around by consistently meeting its cash-call obligations to Joint Venture operations.

    He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has placed NNPC Ltd in a good position to live up to its responsibility of leading the industry in financing projects.