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  • Ebeano Volunteer Movement Commends Appointment of Chidera Odo as Chairman, Enugu State Roads Fund

    Ebeano Volunteer Movement Commends Appointment of Chidera Odo as Chairman, Enugu State Roads Fund

    The Ebeano Volunteer Movement for Peter Mbah has commended the appointment of Hon. Chidera Odo, Chairman of the Ebeano Volunteer Movement, as Chairman of the Enugu State Roads Fund by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.

    In a statement released by the movement, the appointment was described as a strategic decision that reflects confidence in proven leadership, organizational capacity, and commitment to the ideals of effective governance. The group noted that Hon. Odo’s role as Chairman of the Ebeano Volunteer Movement has demonstrated his ability to mobilize people, coordinate structures, and drive goal-oriented initiatives in support of the administration’s vision.

    The movement emphasized that the Enugu State Roads Fund plays a critical role in advancing the state’s infrastructure and economic development agenda, adding that Hon. Odo’s experience in leadership and stakeholder engagement positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the success of the Fund.

    The Ebeano Volunteer Movement further reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration and pledged continued cooperation with all institutions working toward sustainable development and improved service delivery across Enugu State.

    The group expressed confidence that Hon. Chidera Odo will discharge his responsibilities with diligence, transparency, and a strong sense of public duty, and wished him a successful tenure in office.

  • Gunmen Kill 12 Miners In Plateau

    Gunmen Kill 12 Miners In Plateau

    At least 12 miners were reportedly killed when unknown gunmen stormed a mining site in Ratoso Fan District of Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

    The incident, according to residents, occurred Tuesday night when the attackers stormed the site while the victims were engaged in mining activities and opened fire on them.

    However, the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) said many other persons were still missing following the attack by the gunmen.

    BECO chairman, Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi LGA, Dallang Davott, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, said the gunmen attacked the miners while they were engaging in mining activity on Tuesday night.

    Dallang said; “the number of those missing are yet to be ascertained because the incident happened in the night.”

    According to him, the gunmen stormed the mining site and opened fire on the miners. “So, many of them fled for their lives during the incident. But 12 persons so far confirmed killed.”

    A resident of the community, Moses Daniel, also confirmed the attack, expressing his distress.

    “Yes, it happened. 12 people were killed last night at a mining site in Ratoso Fan community, my hometown,” Daniel said.

    Daniel asserted that the attack has raised concerns about security in the area. He added that the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army has been informed about the incident.

    At the time of this report, the police hadn’t issued any statement.

  • Enugu Monarch Conferred with Global Excellence Award by Ebonyi State University

    Enugu Monarch Conferred with Global Excellence Award by Ebonyi State University

    The Chairman of the Nkanu West Traditional Rulers Council in Enugu State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Barr. Igwesi Obi Igwesi, has been conferred with the ‘Global Excellence in Human Development’ Award at the 3rd Linguistics International Interdisciplinary Hybrid Conference (EBSULINGS 2025).

    The conference, which was organised by the Department of Language and Linguistics of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, had as its theme, “Language, Technoscience, Security, and Socio-economic Development: Towards a Holistic Digital Society”, and was chaired by Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Ebonyi State.

    Presenting the award to the monarch, the Head of the Department, Dr. Goodluck Chigbo Nwode, explained that the choice of the monarch was reached after careful consideration of his impact in human development for more than 30 years.

    Dr. Nwode noted that through the monarch’s chain of schools, he had continued to ensure that young minds were shaped into academic and social giants.

    “I hereby formally present this award of Global Excellence in Human Development Philanthropy to His Royal Highness, Eze Barr. Igwesi O. Igwesi. This award is in recognition of your impactful collaboration in human development between your organisation, the Human Development Centre – parent foundation of your academic institutions – for more than three decades.”

    Responding, Eze Igwesi, who is also a legal practitioner, expressed his acceptance of the award, adding that it would spur him to do more.

    “I am glad to receive this award. It serves as a driving force to put forth even greater efforts in doing more.”

    The Eze Obuoffia Awkunanaw and Igwe Omuoha explained that he ventured into education bearing in mind that it was first a call to service, which was why he embraced philanthropy by offering scholarships to several indigent students in his schools, some up to the university level.

    He added that through God’s grace and dint of hard work, what began as a commercial school in the mid-to-late 1980s had grown into a chain of institutions — Queens Comprehensive Schools, Kings Comprehensive Schools, John Igwesi Memorial Grammar School, and Pacesetter College.

    Other highlights of the conference included the delivery of keynote speeches by resource persons. The conference concluded with the shared hope that the deliberations would translate into actionable policies, collaborative research, and practical interventions to ensure that language remains at the forefront of the quest for an equitable, sustainable, and connected digital society.

  • FOR THE RECORD: Trump expands travel restrictions, adds Nigeria, others (See Full List)

    FOR THE RECORD: Trump expands travel restrictions, adds Nigeria, others (See Full List)

    The United States has introduced new partial travel restrictions on Nigerians following official data showing significant visa overstay rates, with President Donald Trump approving a broad proclamation that expands entry limits for nationals from multiple countries deemed to pose immigration and security risks.

    Read the full text of the president’s speech on the restrictions below:

    During my first Administration, I restricted the entry of certain foreign nationals into the United States to prevent national security and public safety threats from reaching our borders.  The Supreme Court upheld these restrictions.  I reinstated these successful policies in Executive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025 (Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats), and Proclamation 10949 of June 4, 2025 (Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats).

    It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security and public safety, incite hate crimes, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

    The United States must exercise extreme vigilance during the visa-issuance and immigration processes to identify, prior to their admission or entry into the United States, foreign nationals who intend to harm Americans or our national interests.  The United States Government must ensure that admitted aliens do not intend to threaten its citizens; undermine or destabilize its culture, government, institutions, or founding principles; or advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists or other threats to our national security.

    In order to protect our Nation, as directed in Executive Order 14161, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, identified countries throughout the world for which screening and vetting information was so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension of the admission of nationals from those countries pursuant to section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1182(f).  Accordingly, in Proclamation 10949, I restricted the entry of foreign nationals into the United States from countries with deficient screening and vetting information to protect the national security and public safety of the United States and its people.  The proclamation also directed the United States Government to immediately engage countries identified in the proclamation on measures that must be taken to comply with the screening, vetting, immigration, and security requirements of the United States.

    Despite those engagements, most of the countries identified in Proclamation 10949, as well as others, continue to exhibit woeful inadequacies in screening, vetting, and provision of information.  At least one country lacks mechanisms in hospitals to ensure births are reported, and widespread corruption, combined with a general lack of vetting and poor recordkeeping, result in any non-citizen being able to obtain any civil document from that country, particularly if that person is willing to pay a fee or engage an individual that specializes in assisting in such fraud.  In that same country, law enforcement records are not maintained with the accuracy or consistency necessary to provide representations of individuals’ criminal histories to the United States Government.  In another country, civil documents like marriage licenses and birth certificates are handwritten and stamped on regular paper, making them highly susceptible to alteration, and there is a fraudulent document market that produces all types of falsified records, making written corroboration of any visa application practically impossible.  In yet another country, criminal records are widely unreliable and inaccessible.  And in another, United States visas are used as a tool for illicit transborder movement of assets by corrupt government officials and organized criminal groups.  Corruption in another country even extends to the national school system, which has provided falsified diplomas and grade information in the past to fraudsters who have tried to obtain student visas and eligibility for large athletic scholarships.  The government of another country refuses to provide passport exemplars, undermining the United States Government’s ability to detect fraudulent documents.  In another country, the population, for the most part, does not formally document life events.  This makes effective verification of basic biographical data such as birthdates, marriages, and parentage exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.  Such countries warrant continued or new travel restrictions.

    Further, after continuing their review, and in light of the experience gained since the issuance of Proclamation 10949 and the reaction of foreign countries to the issuance of that proclamation, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have identified additional countries that cannot meet basic criteria for identifying their nationals and residents who pose national security and public safety threats and for sharing information with the United States.  For example, only 40 percent of one country’s territory is under complete government control, and officials there have noted that their ability to securely process, house, or monitor non citizens is constrained.  In another country, corruption in various forms is pervasive.  Other countries have been subject to successful efforts to overthrow or undermine their governments, with the result that radical terrorist groups operate with minimal, if any, interference from law enforcement, engaging in forced labor, sex trafficking, illegal drug manufacturing and distribution, and other activities that destabilize such countries.  And, because of the poor documentation practices and corrupt governments in these countries, there can be little assurance that the foreign nationals from these countries who seek to come to America on immigrant or nonimmigrant visas are not bringing these criminal enterprises with them to the United States.

    According to United States law enforcement reporting, foreign nationals from countries named in this proclamation have been involved with crimes that include murder, terrorism, embezzling public funds, human smuggling, human trafficking, and other criminal activity.  Many of these countries are ranked in the top third of countries for criminality, and widely unreliable foreign civil documents and lack of authoritative criminal information make it extremely difficult for United States screening and vetting authorities to assess prior criminal activity and other grounds of inadmissibility.

    Finally, some of these countries have offered Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency, which poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.  As an example, a foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country.  Additionally, United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks.  These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions.

    Foreign nationals from the countries described above have also exploited the historic generosity of the United States and violated our Nation’s immigration laws by not adhering to the terms of their nonimmigrant or immigrant visas.  As cited in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report, foreign nationals from many countries have high nonimmigrant visa overstay rates.  These visa overstays and other abuses flagrantly violate United States immigration laws, despite generous incentives offered by my Administration — for example, the ability to self-deport using the CBP Home app.  To faithfully uphold United States immigration law, the flow of foreigners from countries with high overstay rates or significant fraud must stop.

    In addition, the implementation of Proclamation 10949 counsels narrowing the categorical exceptions described in that proclamation to prevent exploitation by foreign nationals.  For example, immigrant visas for family members of individuals in the United States will no longer be a broad categorical exception.  As described above, the countries to which this proclamation applies have persistent, chronic vetting deficiencies that impede conclusive admissibility determinations and that are readily exploitable to threaten United States national security and public safety.  These deficiencies include poor civil documentation and recordkeeping practices, widespread corruption and fraud, unreliable or inaccessible criminal records, and unreliable government travel documents.  These pervasive risks concerning nationals from the covered countries apply with at least equal force to family-based visa applications — which comprise most of the immigrant visa applications from such countries — and potentially with even greater force.  Familial ties can serve — and, in the past, have in fact served, based on concrete information provided by United States law enforcement and the Department of State — as unique vectors for fraudulent, criminal, or even terrorist activity through means such as the domestic or international financing of such activity.  Broadly excepting most immigrant visa applicants from the countries whose risks and deficiencies most gravely threaten America is inconsistent with protecting our national security and with the purpose of driving greater cooperation and vetting improvements by these specific countries.  This is particularly true in light of the large numbers of individuals granted United States immigration status during the prior administration without sufficient documentation and vetting mechanisms in place, whose family members might take advantage of such an exception, just as criminals have taken advantage of family-based visas in the past.  Accordingly, I have determined that the risks from the classes of aliens covered by this proclamation cannot be satisfactorily mitigated absent resolution of the predominating country-specific concerns, and any extraordinary cases can be appropriately addressed through the national-interest exceptions provided for in this proclamation and Proclamation 10949.

    As a result of these reviews and considerations, I have decided — as described in sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation — to continue to impose and modify the limitations set forth in sections 2 and 3 of Proclamation 10949 on the entry into the United States by certain classes of foreign nationals.  Also, I have decided — as described in sections 4 and 5 of this proclamation — to impose the limitations set forth below on the entry into the United States by certain other classes of foreign nationals.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, hereby find that, absent the measures set forth in this proclamation, the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of persons described in sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and that their entry should be subject to certain restrictions, limitations, and exceptions.  I therefore hereby proclaim the following:

    Section 1.  Policy and Purpose.  (a)  It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security and public safety threats.  Screening and vetting protocols and procedures associated with visa adjudications and other immigration processes play a critical role in implementing that policy.  These protocols and procedures enhance our ability to detect foreign nationals who may commit, aid, or support acts of terrorism, or otherwise pose a safety threat, and they aid our efforts to prevent such foreign nationals from entering the United States.

    (b)  Identity-management and information-sharing standards and practices of foreign governments impact the effectiveness of the screening and vetting protocols and procedures of the United States.  Foreign governments manage the identity and travel documents of their nationals and residents.  They also control the circumstances under which they provide information about their nationals and residents to other governments, including information about known and suspected terrorists and criminals.

    It is, therefore, the policy of the United States to take all necessary and appropriate steps to encourage foreign governments to improve their identity-management and information-sharing protocols and procedures and to regularly share their identity and threat information with the screening and vetting systems of the United States.

    (c)  Proclamation 10949 directed the United States Government to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 12 countries:  Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.  The proclamation directed the United States Government to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 7 countries:  Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.  Additionally, the proclamation directed the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to immediately engage each of the countries identified in the proclamation on measures that must be taken to comply with United States screening, vetting, immigration, and security requirements.

    (d)  Proclamation 10949 directed the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, describing his assessment and recommending whether any suspensions and limitations imposed by the proclamation should be continued, terminated, modified, or supplemented.

    (e)  The Secretary of State, with the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, presented the report described in subsection (d) of this section, recommending that entry restrictions and limitations continue to apply to foreign nationals of several countries.  The report also identified additional countries for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a full or partial suspension of admission.  These recommendations follow the engagement with foreign countries that I directed in Proclamation 10949.

    (f)  In evaluating the recommendations from the Secretary of State and determining whether and to what extent to impose, or continue to impose, restrictions for each country, I consulted with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of War, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, appropriate Assistants to the President, and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.  I considered foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism goals.  I further considered various factors, including each country’s screening and vetting capabilities, information-sharing policies, and country-specific risk factors, including whether each country has a significant terrorist presence within its territory, its visa-overstay rate, and its cooperation with accepting back its removable nationals.  Each of these factors, including visa-overstay rates, was just one of the factors considered in making the determinations in this proclamation, and the determinations in this proclamation are based on the totality of the circumstances with respect to each country after a review of all relevant factors.

    I also considered the different risks posed by aliens admitted on immigrant visas and those admitted on nonimmigrant visas.  Persons admitted on immigrant visas are, or can become, lawful permanent residents of the United States.  Such persons admitted on immigrant visas may present national security or public safety concerns that may be distinct from those admitted as nonimmigrants.  The United States affords lawful permanent residents more enduring rights than it does to nonimmigrants.  Lawful permanent residents are more difficult to remove than nonimmigrants, even after national security or public safety concerns arise, which increases the costs and aggravates the dangers of errors associated with admitting such individuals.  And although immigrants are generally subject to more extensive vetting than nonimmigrants, such vetting is far less reliable when the country from which someone seeks to emigrate maintains inadequate identity-management or information-sharing policies or otherwise poses risks to the national security or public safety of the United States.

    I reviewed these factors and assessed these goals, with a particular focus on crafting country-specific restrictions.  This approach was designed to encourage cooperation with the relevant countries in recognition of each country’s unique circumstances.  The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are, in my judgment, necessary to prevent the entry or admission of foreign nationals about whom the United States Government lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose to the United States.  The restrictions and limitations imposed by this proclamation are necessary: to garner cooperation from foreign governments, including as to reducing overstay rates of their nationals; enforce our immigration laws; and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.  Under the current circumstances, without the restrictions and limitations imposed in this proclamation, the entry or admission of such foreign nationals is detrimental to the national interest.

    (g)  After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to continue to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.  These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.

    (h)  After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of nationals of 7 additional countries:  Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria.  These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.  I have also determined to fully restrict and limit the entry of individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority (PA).

    (i)  After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to continue to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 4 countries:  Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.  I have also decided to modify the partial restriction and limitation on the entry of nationals of Turkmenistan.  These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.

    (j)  After reviewing the report described in subsection (d) of this section, and after accounting for the foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives of the United States, I have determined to partially restrict and limit the entry of nationals of the following 15 countries:  Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d ‘Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.  These restrictions distinguish between, but apply to both, the entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants.

    (k)  Sections 4 and 5 of this proclamation describe some of the identity-management and information-sharing inadequacies that led me to impose, or continue to impose, the restrictions described in this proclamation.  These inadequacies are sufficient to justify my finding that unrestricted entry of nationals from the named countries would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.  Publicly disclosing additional details on which I relied in making these determinations, however, would cause serious damage to the national security of the United States, and many such details are classified.

    Sec. 2.  Continued Full Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.  The entry into the United States of nationals of the following countries continues to be suspended and limited as set forth in Proclamation 10949 and herein, subject to the categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers described in section 6 of this proclamation:

    (a)  Afghanistan;

    (b)  Burma;

    (c)  Chad;

    (d)  Republic of the Congo;

    (e)  Equatorial Guinea;

    (f)  Eritrea;

    (g)  Haiti;

    (h)  Iran;

    (i)  Libya;

    (j)  Somalia;

    (k)  Sudan; and

    (l)  Yemen.

    Sec. 3.  Continued Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.  The entry into the United States of nationals of the following countries continues to be suspended and limited as set forth in Proclamation 10949 and herein, subject to the categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers described in section 6 of this proclamation:

    (a)  Burundi;

    (b)  Cuba;

    (c)  Togo; and

    (d)  Venezuela.

    Sec. 4.  Full Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.  The entry into the United States of nationals of the following countries is hereby suspended and limited, as follows, subject to the categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers described in section 6 of this proclamation:

    (a)  Burkina Faso

    (i)  According to the Department of State, terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso.  According to the Fiscal Year 2024, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Burkina Faso had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent.  Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Burkina Faso as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (b)  Laos

    (i)   According to the Overstay Report, Laos had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 28.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.41 percent.  According to the Fiscal Year 2023, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“2023 Overstay Report”), Laos had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 34.77 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49 percent.  Additionally, Laos has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Laos as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (c)  Mali

    (i)   According to the Department of State, armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout the country.  Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Mali as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (d)  Niger

    (i)   According to the Department of State, terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger, and they may attack anywhere in the country.  According to the Overstay Report, Niger had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 13.41 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 16.46 percent.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Niger as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (e)  Sierra Leone

    (i)   According to the Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 16.48 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent.  According to the 2023 Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent.  Additionally, Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Sierra Leone as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (f)  South Sudan

    (i)   According to the Overstay Report, South Sudan had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.99 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 26.09 percent.  Additionally, South Sudan has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of South Sudan as immigrants and as nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (g)  Syria

    (i)   Syria is emerging from a protracted period of civil unrest and internal strife.  While the country is working to address its security challenges in close coordination with the United States, Syria still lacks an adequate central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.  According to the Overstay Report, Syria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 7.09 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 9.34 percent.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of nationals of Syria as immigrants and nonimmigrants is hereby fully suspended.

    (h)  Palestinian Authority Documents

    (i)   Several United States-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank or Gaza Strip and have murdered American citizens.  Also, the recent war in these areas likely resulted in compromised vetting and screening abilities.  In light of these factors, and considering the weak or nonexistent control exercised over these areas by the PA, individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents cannot currently be properly vetted and approved for entry into the United States.

    (ii)  The entry into the United States of foreign nationals who seek to travel on any travel documents issued or endorsed by the PA, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, is hereby fully suspended.

    Sec. 5.  Partial Suspension of Entry for Nationals of Countries of Identified Concern.  The entry into the United States of nationals of the following countries is hereby suspended and limited, as follows, subject to the categorical exceptions and case-by-case waivers described in section 6 of this proclamation:

    (a)  Angola

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Angola had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 14.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.92 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Angola as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Angola to the extent permitted by law.

    (b)  Antigua and Barbuda

    (i)    Antigua and Barbuda has historically had CBI without residency.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Antigua and Barbuda as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda to the extent permitted by law.

    (c)  Benin

    (i) According to the Overstay Report, Benin had a B-1/B-2 overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Benin as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Benin to the extent permitted by law.

    (d)  Cote d ‘Ivoire

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Cote d’Ivoire had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Cote d ‘Ivoire as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Cote d ‘Ivoire to the extent permitted by law.

    (e)  Dominica

    (i) Dominica has historically had CBI without residency.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Dominica as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B‑1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Dominica to the extent permitted by law.

    (f)  Gabon

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Gabon had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 13.72 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 17.77 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Gabon as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Gabon to the extent permitted by law.

    (g)  The Gambia

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, The Gambia had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.70 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 38.79 percent.  Additionally, The Gambia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of The Gambia as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of The Gambia to the extent permitted by law.

    (h)  Malawi

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Malawi had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Malawi as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Malawi to the extent permitted by law.

    (i)  Mauritania

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Mauritania had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.49 percent.  According to the Department of State, the Government of Mauritania has little presence in certain parts of the country, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Mauritania as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Mauritania to the extent permitted by law.

    (j)  Nigeria

    (i)    Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties.  According to the Overstay Report, Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Nigeria as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Nigeria to the extent permitted by law.

    (k)  Senegal

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Senegal had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 4.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.07 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Senegal as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Senegal to the extent permitted by law.

    (l)  Tanzania

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Tanzania had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.97 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Tanzania as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B‑1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Tanzania to the extent permitted by law.

    (m)  Tonga

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Tonga had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.45 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 14.44 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Tonga as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Tonga to the extent permitted by law.

    (n)  Turkmenistan

    (i)   Since the issuance of Proclamation 10949, Turkmenistan has engaged productively with the United States and demonstrated significant progress in improving its identity-management and information-sharing procedures.  As a result, the restrictions imposed on Turkmenistan in this proclamation modify and supersede those set forth in section 3(f) of Proclamation 10949.

    (ii)  The suspension of entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is lifted.  Because some concerns remain, the entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants remains suspended.

    (o)  Zambia

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Zambia had a B‑1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 10.73 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.02 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Zambia as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Zambia to the extent permitted by law.

    (p)  Zimbabwe

    (i)    According to the Overstay Report, Zimbabwe had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 7.89 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 15.15 percent.

    (ii)   The entry into the United States of nationals of Zimbabwe as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B‑1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

    (iii)  Consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Zimbabwe to the extent permitted by law.

    Sec. 6.  Scope and Implementation of Suspensions and Limitations.  (a)  Scope.  Subject to the exceptions set forth in subsection (b) of this section and any exceptions made pursuant to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, the suspensions of and limitations on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:

    (i)   are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and

    (ii)  do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.

    (b)  Exceptions.  The suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation shall not apply to:

    (i)    any lawful permanent resident of the United States;

    (ii)   any dual national of a country designated under sections 2, 3, 4, or 5 of this proclamation when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated;

    (iii)  any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications:  A‑1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;

    (iv)   any athlete or member of an athletic team, including the coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;

    (v)    Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D); and

    (vi)   immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.

    (c)  The exceptions in subsection (b) of this section amend and supersede the exceptions set forth in section 4(b) of Proclamation 10949 with respect to any countries listed in section 2 or 3 of Proclamation 10949 from and after the date of this proclamation.

    (d)  Exceptions to the suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals for whom the Attorney General finds, in her discretion, that the travel by the individual would advance a critical United States national interest involving the Department of Justice, including when individuals must be present to participate in criminal proceedings as witnesses.  These exceptions shall be made only by the Attorney General, or her designee, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.

    (e)  Exceptions to the suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals for whom the Secretary of State finds, in his discretion, that the travel by the individual would serve a United States national interest.  These exceptions shall be made by only the Secretary of State or his designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee.

    (f)  Exceptions to the suspension of and limitation on entry pursuant to sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation may be made on a case-by-case basis for individuals for whom the Secretary of Homeland Security finds, in her discretion, that the travel by the individual would serve a United States national interest.  These exceptions shall be made by only the Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee, in coordination with the Secretary of State or his designee.

    Sec. 7.  Adjustments to and Removal of Suspensions and Limitations.  (a)  Within 180 days of the date of this proclamation, and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, recommending whether any suspensions and limitations imposed by sections 2, 3, 4, and 5 of this proclamation should be continued, terminated, modified, or supplemented.

    (b)  The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall continue to engage each of the countries identified in sections 2 and 3 of this proclamation — and shall immediately engage each of the countries identified in sections 4 and 5 of this proclamation — on measures that must be taken to comply with screening, vetting, immigration, and security requirements of the United States.

    Sec. 8.  Enforcement.  (a)  The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consult with appropriate domestic and international partners, including countries and organizations, to ensure efficient, effective, and appropriate implementation of this proclamation.

    (b)  In implementing this proclamation, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

    (c)  No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the applicable effective date of this proclamation shall be revoked pursuant to this proclamation.

    (d)  This proclamation shall not apply to an individual who has been granted asylum by the United States or to a refugee who has already been admitted to the United States.  Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to limit the ability of an individual to seek asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture, consistent with the laws of the United States.

    Sec. 9.  Severability.  It is the policy of the United States to enforce this proclamation to the maximum extent possible to advance the national security, foreign policy, and counterterrorism interests of the United States.  Accordingly:

    (a)  if any provision of this proclamation, or the application of any provision of this proclamation to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this proclamation and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby; and

    (b)  if any provision of this proclamation, or the application of any provision of this proclamation to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch official shall implement those procedural requirements to conform with existing law and with any applicable court orders.

    Sec. 10.  Effective Date.  This proclamation is effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 1, 2026.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This proclamation shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This proclamation is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (d)  The costs for publication of this proclamation shall be borne by the Department of State.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

  • Igwesi, Egumgbe, Nnamani, Others, Make List as Gov. Mbah Appoints New Commissioners, Board Chairmen, Senior Officials

    Igwesi, Egumgbe, Nnamani, Others, Make List as Gov. Mbah Appoints New Commissioners, Board Chairmen, Senior Officials

    The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of new Commissioners, Board Chairmen, Executive Secretaries, and senior officials into various positions in the Enugu State Government.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, in a statement issued on Wednesday, named the new appointees as follows:

    Commissioners-Designate
    • Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze
    • Dr. C. O. C. Egumgbe

    Other Senior Appointments
    • Kenechukwu Nnamani – Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ENSIDA)
    • James Chukwuemeka Mbah – Executive Secretary, Enugu State Scholarship and Education Loans Board
    • Dr. Eric Oluedo – Executive Secretary, Local Government Staff Pensions Board
    • Mrs. Sylvia Onwubuemeli – Executive Secretary, Enugu State Library Board
    • Monday Diamond Ani – State Coordinator, Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA)

    Reconstitution of the Governing Board of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB)
    • Hon. Afam Nnaji – Member 1
    • Dr. Mrs. Uche Eze – Member 2
    • Dr. Mrs. Oge Uka – Member 4
    • Mrs. Rita Chimaobi Ihemeje – Representative, Enugu West Senatorial District
    Mrs. Justina Ugwu – Representative, Enugu North Senatorial District
    • Dr. Nnenna Ogbonna – Representative, Enugu East Senatorial District
    • Theophilus Nweke – Representative, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
    • Mrs. Juliet Ifesinachi Ani – Representative, State Women Group
    • Dr. Luke Ohabuenyi Ezema – Secretary

    Additional Appointments
    • Dr. Mrs. Nneka Onyebuchi 3 – Member, Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB)
    • Patrick Onwe 4 – Member, Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB)
    • Barr. Nwabueze Ugwu – Chairman, Governing Council, Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET)
    • Chief Nwabueze Nnamani – Board Chairman, Enugu State Housing Development Corporation (ESHDC)
    • Richard Onaga – Managing Director, Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA)
    • Hon. Bob Itanyi – Managing Director, Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO)
    • Barr. Richard Agu – Board Chairman, Enugu Air
    • Rt. Hon. USA Igwesi – Board Chairman, New Enugu Smart City Development Authority
    • Hon. Chika Igwesi – Chairman, Enugu State Road Maintenance and Development Agency
    • Hon. Chidera Odo – Chairman, Enugu State Roads Fund
    • Hon. Barr. Manfred Nzekwe – Executive Secretary, Enugu State Roads Fund
    • Dr. John Egbo – Managing Director, Enugu East Zone Transport Terminals
    • Hon. Prince Emeka Mamah – Managing Director, Enugu North Zone Transport Terminals
    • Rev. Chimaobi Aninwene – Member, Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board

    The names of the Commissioners-Designate have been forwarded to the Enugu State House of Assembly for confirmation, while all other appointments take effect immediately.

    Signed:
    Professor Chidiebere Onyia
    Secretary to the State Government
    Wednesday, December 17, 2025

  • NBA threatens contempt suit against IG over resumption of Tinted glass policy

    NBA threatens contempt suit against IG over resumption of Tinted glass policy

    The Nigerian Bar Association has threatened to initiate committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, over the planned resumption of the suspended motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy.

    In a statement signed on Tuesday by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association said it would commence contempt proceedings should the IGP fail or refuse to heed what it described as a “lawful admonition” to halt the policy.

    It also warned that appropriate professional disciplinary action would be taken against any counsel found to have misled the court.

    The NBA was reacting to a press release dated December 15, 2025, signed by Hundeyin, announcing the reactivation of enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy effective January 2, 2026.

    The association described the move as “a grave affront to the majesty of the court” and a subversion of the rule of law.

    It recalled that in April 2025, the IGP introduced a policy requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits through an online platform, with enforcement initially scheduled for June 1, 2025, and later postponed to October 2.

    The association said the policy sparked widespread reports of “harassment, extortion, and civil rights violations, particularly against young people.”

    “On September 2, 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), instituted an action before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, between Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector General of Police & Anor, challenging the legality of the Tinted Glass Permit Policy,” the statement read.

    The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, under which the policy is premised, is a military-era law that does not meet democratic and constitutional standards, that the National Assembly lacks legislative competence to enact it, and that the policy is unconstitutional, illegal, and extortionate.

    “The enforcement of the unlawful policy will initiate disorder and extortion, given the Nigeria Police’s long and sordid history of extortion, bribery, harassment, intimidation, and extra-judicial killings.

    “The policy is a brazen revenue-generating drive by the Nigeria Police Force, which by law is not a revenue-generating organisation.

    “This is particularly worrisome as the fees are paid into the account of a private company,” it argued.

    It added that “the court processes were duly served on the Defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, who briefed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, to represent them in the suit.

    “Meanwhile, on 3rd October 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, issued an order directing parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 between John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police, thereby restraining the Police from enforcing the policy pending the determination of a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.”

  • Supreme Court confirms death of Ex CJN Tanko Muhammad

    Ibrahim-Tanko-Muhammad-

    The Supreme Court has confirmed the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Tanko Muhammad.

    A statement from the Director of Information and Public Relations of the court, Festus Akande, said Mr Muhammad passed away in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The statement said Mr Muhammad died aged 72. Mr Muhammad assumed office in January 2019, after his predecessor, Walter Onnoghen was controversially suspended from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari controversially. Mr Onnoghen never returned from the suspension.

    After three years and five months in office, Mr Muhammad abruptly resigned on health grounds in June 2022.

    Paying tribute to him, the Supreme Court noted “his remarkable contributions” to include “strengthening the appellate system and procedural efficiency, advocating for the professional development of Judges and Judicial staff, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the judiciary.”

    “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the judiciary, and the Nigerian public. We pray that his legacy of integrity, humility, and dedication continues to inspire all who serve the nation’s justice system,” the statement added.

    Read the Supreme Court’s full statement below:

    OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS

    SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA

    16 DECEMBER, 2025

    PRESS STATEMENT

    SUPREME COURT LOSES FORMER CJN IBRAHIM TANKO

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria announces with profound sorrow the passing of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Muhammad Tanko, the 17th Chief Justice of Nigeria, who died in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 16th December, 2025 at the age of 72 years.

    Justice Tanko’s tenure as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022 was marked by an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and the fair administration of justice. His keen intellect and compassionate demeanour earned him the respect of judges, lawyers, and citizens alike, as his contributions have indelibly shaped Nigeria’s legal landscape.

    The court pays tribute to his remarkable contributions, which include: strengthening the appellate system and procedural efficiency, advocating for the professional development of Judges and Judicial staff, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the judiciary.

    We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the judiciary, and the Nigerian public. We pray that his legacy of integrity, humility, and dedication continues to inspire all who serve the nation’s justice system.

    May his soul rest in peace.

    SIGNED:

    DR AKANDE FESTUS

    DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

  • Probe source of Akpabio’s rumoured death, Senate asks NSA, SSS

    Probe source of Akpabio’s rumoured death, Senate asks NSA, SSS

    The Senate on Tuesday asked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the State Security Services (SSS) to investigate the circumstances surrounding a viral death rumour of its presiding officer, Godswill Akpabio.

    The resolution was reached during plenary after the senator representing Benue North-West, Titus Zam, raised concerns over the false reports circulating on social media about the senate president’s health and alleged death.

    For over a week, there have been claims circulating on social media platforms that Mr Akpabio was critically ill, with some posts alleging that he collapsed in a London hospital and was admitted to an intensive care unit, while others went as far as claiming that he had died.

    The speculation generated more attention on social media after a Nigeria-US-based blogger, Adeola Fayehun, posted on Instagram urging Nigerians to pray for the senate president, whom she described as critically ill in a London hospital.

    The post referenced images of Mr Akpabio using a walking stick and referenced an alleged collapse during his birthday celebration two years ago.

    When the matter was raised on the floor of the Senate, Mr Zam described the spread of false death reports about Nigerian leaders as damaging to the country’s image.

    He urged the Senate to punish the promoters and all all those responsible for the rumour stories in order to serve as deterrent to others.

    Responding, Mr Akpabio noted that he was not the first Nigerian leader to be falsely reported dead. He recalled an instance where a former head of state, Yakubu Gowon, was rumoured dead while he was alive and attending a Christmas carol service.

    “You want to know that it is not only politicians that they bring this report about. Somebody was telling me that they showed a burial ceremony of a business tycoon when the person is not dead and they also said the former head of state, General Gowon was dead when he was alive attending last Christmas carol,” he said.

    Mr Akpabio subsequently urged the NSA and the SSS to probe the origin and spread of the rumour.

    When the motion was put to a voice vote, it received overwhelming support from senators.

    “It is the view of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser, the DSS (SSS) to investigate. You can’t stop people from writing. You know the internet is garbage in garbage out, so you can’t stop garbage in,” he added.

    This is not the first time the senate president has been falsely rumoured dead. Similar claims have resurfaced in the past, often alleging that he died in the United Kingdom. Premium Times

  • Dangote releases more details of ‘$5m school fees’ allegation against NMDPRA CEO

    Dangote releases more details of ‘$5m school fees’ allegation against NMDPRA CEO

    The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has released details backing his earlier allegation questioning how Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was able to finance the secondary school education of his children abroad, which he claimed amounted to about $5 million.

    In a newspaper advert published on Tuesday, Dangote said the amount covered school fees and related costs for four of Ahmed’s children over six years in Switzerland.

    The advert followed Dangote’s allegation on Monday that Ahmed Farouk “paid $5 million” to a Swiss secondary school for his children’s education, saying he wants the NMDPRA investigated on the alleged compromise in regulatory agency’s leadership against the interest of Nigerians.

    In the publication, Dangote named the children as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk.

    He also listed the schools they reportedly attended within the six years as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.

    According to Dangote, who is also the owner of the 650,000bpd Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, the estimates included tuition, living expenses, air travel, and general upkeep, calculated for four children across several years.

    He stated that the annual cost of tuition, airfare, and upkeep per child was $200,000, bringing the total to $800,000 per year for all four children.

    Dangote further claimed that living expenses and air tickets per child over six years amounted to $1.2 million, which totals $4.8 million for the four children.

    Based on these figures, he estimated that the combined cost of tuition and upkeep reached about $5 million.

    Dangote also outlined the alleged cost of the children’s tertiary education, saying tuition, upkeep, airfare, and other expenses averaged $125,000 per year over four years.

    He said this amounts to $500,000 per child and a total of $2 million for the four children.

    “Faisal just finished 2025 Harvard MBA at $150,000 and $60,000 for upkeep, tickets and other incidentals. Total =$210,000 spent in 2025 for Faisal’s MBA,” he added.

    Dangote said Nigerians deserve to know the source of funds “paid by a public officer, while many parents in his home state of Sokoto cannot afford to pay N10,000 school fees for their children and wards.”

    Neither Farouk Ahmed nor NMDPRA has issued any official statement responding to the allegation from Dangote as of the time of filing this report.

  • Gov Mbah Swears in 13 Permanent Secretaries

    Gov Mbah Swears in 13 Permanent Secretaries

    Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has sworn in 13 newly appointed permanent secretaries, charging them to immediately align with his administration’s delivery-oriented governance model, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them in office.

    The governor gave the directive during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu, on Monday.

    The new Permanent Secretaries are Chigbogu Sunday Nnaji, Phoebe Nkechinyere Edeh, Philip Anthony Arum, Egbonwonu Jeremiah, Ifeoma Justina Igwe, Ngozi Sylverline Egbo, Nkiru Henrietta Ede-Ogunnaike, Pamela Ikpa, Kennis Ngene, Anyaora I. Okereke, Adaobi Theresa Nwodo, Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, and Paul Nwabuisi.

    This brings to 27 the number of Permanent Secretaries in the State.

    Mbah explained that the appointments were strictly merit-based, having emerged from a rigorous and transparent selection process, while also filling existing vacancies in the civil service to promote equality, inclusion and fairness.

    Governor Mbah reminded the new Permanent Secretaries that so much responsibility accompanied their elevation, noting that the reward for hard work was more work.

    “I believe you worked very hard to get to this level in your career, and you went through a very rigorous process to be selected. So, it is well deserved. But let me also remind you that the honeymoon is over. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

    He described Permanent Secretaries as the engine room of government and custodians of institutional memory, stressing that governance under his administration was carrying out far-reaching reforms across all sectors.

    Referrimng to the 2026 budget proposal before the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mbah noted that the state had crossed the trillion-naira appropriation threshold for the first time, with over ₦1.3 trillion earmarked for capital projects.

    “These reforms are not makeshift. They are meant to be institutionalised and to outlive us. You have a duty to ensure that processes are properly documented and sustained,” he said, adding that the expanded scale of government programmes required an enhanced and more skilled workforce.

    Governor Mbah further stressed the importance of ICT competence, noting that all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) had been integrated into the state’s e-governance platform.

    “As leaders and chief accounting officers, you must not be beginners in ICT. We expect at least medium- to advanced-level competence,” he told them.

    He highlighted key sectoral reforms, including the smart green schools revolution in education, the construction and ongoing equipping of Type-2 primary healthcare centres across the 260 wards, the transformation of the transportation system with CNG buses and modern terminals as well as the establishment of 260 farm estates to boost agricultural production and exports.

    In tourism, the governor reiterated the plans to attract at least three million visitors to the state, supported by massive investments in hospitality infrastructure, tourist sites and access, while the launch of Enugu Air was aimed at improving connectivity and driving economic growth.

    He also noted that the administration had exceeded the 35 per cent Affirmative Action benchmark in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, reflecting its gender sensitivity and commitment to inclusion and fairness.

    “The world is watching us. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of discipline and imbibe our governance philosophy of transparency, accountability, accessibility and collaboration, as clearly outlined in the citizens’ charter,” he added.

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment to the administration’s vision.

    He acknowledged the gains recorded by the Mbah Administration in revenue generation and infrastructural development.

    “We pledge to add value to these achievements. We assure you that you will not be disappointed in appointing us,” Ezenwukwa concluded.

  • FRSC to prosecute Tiktoker Peller for violating traffic rules

    FRSC to prosecute Tiktoker Peller for violating traffic rules

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed plans to arrest and prosecute a TikTok streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, who was seen engaging in a live video stream while driving, which led to a road traffic crash.

    FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said he has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving.

    Mohammed, in a statement on Monday, warned that the Corps would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against any individual, celebrity or otherwise, found engaging in distracted or reckless driving, stressing that no social media content, online trend or momentary clout is worth a human life.

    According to him, the incident, which could have resulted in loss of lives, serves as a grim reminder that fame does not confer immunity from the law, nor does it excuse dangerous behaviour on public roads.

    He said: “In line with this position, the Corps Marshal has directed the Lagos State Sector Commander to immediately activate all necessary processes for the prosecution of the individual involved for reckless driving, use of phone while driving and distracted driving, in accordance with extant traffic laws.

    “Expectedly, the Corps Marshal therefore calls on Actors Guilds, entertainment associations, influencer networks and content creator communities to urgently rein in their members and promote responsible conduct, particularly on Nigerian roads.

    “Celebrities and influencers wield enormous influence, especially among young Nigerians, and must be seen as ambassadors of safety, not symbols of recklessness.”

    He further urged road users to understand that public roads are not studios, stages or streaming platforms.

    “They are shared spaces governed by laws designed to preserve lives. Nigerians are encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviours and support collective efforts toward safer roads.

    “FRSC remains resolute in its mandate to ensure safer highways and reiterates that road safety is a shared responsibility that demands discipline, restraint and respect for the law by all, without exception,” he added.

  • Nigeria’s inflation eases to 14.45% in November

    Nigeria’s inflation eases to 14.45% in November

    Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased further in November 2025 as consumer price pressures moderated under the new base year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

    In the report published on its website on Monday, NBS said the Consumer Price Index rose to 130.5 points in November 2025 from 128.9 points in October, reflecting a 1.6-point increase month on month, but the headline inflation rate declined to 14.45 per cent year on year, compared with 16.05 per cent recorded in October 2025.

    “The Consumer Price Index rose to 130.5 in November 2025, reflecting a 1.6-point increase from the preceding month (128.9).

    “In November 2025, the Headline inflation rate eased to 14.45 per cent relative to the October 2025 headline inflation rate of 16.05 per cent.

    “Looking at the movement, the November 2025 Headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to the October 2025 Headline inflation rate,” the NBS report read.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation stood at 1.22 per cent in November, higher than the 0.93 per cent recorded in October, indicating that average prices still increased at a faster pace during the month despite the moderation in annual inflation.

    The statistical agency noted that on a year-on-year basis, headline inflation in November 2025 was 20.15 percentage points lower than the 34.60 per cent recorded in November 2024, largely reflecting the effect of the rebasing exercise, with the new base year set at 2024 instead of 2009.

    Data from the report showed that the average CPI for the twelve months ending November 2025 increased by 20.41 per cent compared with the average of the preceding twelve months, representing a sharp slowdown from the 32.77 per cent recorded in November 2024.

    Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest contributor to headline inflation on a year-on-year basis, accounting for 5.78 percentage points, followed by restaurants and accommodation services at 1.87 percentage points and transport at 1.54 percentage points.

    Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels contributed 1.22 percentage points, while education services and health accounted for 0.90 and 0.88 percentage points, respectively.

    At the month-on-month level, food and non-alcoholic beverages also drove price increases, contributing 0.49 percentage points, followed by restaurants and accommodation services at 0.16 percentage points and transport at 0.13 percentage points.

    A breakdown of inflation across locations showed that urban inflation stood at 13.61 per cent year on year in November 2025, representing a steep decline of 23.49 percentage points from the 37.10 per cent recorded in November 2024.

    On a month-on-month basis, urban inflation slowed to 0.95 per cent from 1.14 per cent in October, while the twelve-month average urban inflation rate eased to 20.80 per cent.

    In contrast, rural inflation was higher at 15.15 per cent year on year in November, although this was still 17.12 percentage points lower than the 32.27 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

    Month-on-month rural inflation accelerated sharply to 1.88 per cent from 0.45 per cent in October, reflecting stronger price pressures in rural areas during the month.

    Food inflation also moderated significantly on an annual basis. The NBS reported that food inflation stood at 11.08 per cent year on year in November 2025, down by 28.85 percentage points from 39.93 per cent recorded in November 2024.

    However, month-on-month food inflation rose to 1.13 per cent from a contraction of 0.37 per cent in October, driven by price increases in items such as dried tomatoes, cassava tubers, shelled periwinkle, ground pepper, eggs, crayfish, egusi, oxtail, and fresh onions.

    The average annual food inflation rate for the twelve months ending November 2025 was 19.68 per cent, compared with 38.67 per cent in the corresponding period of 2024.

    Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural produce and energy prices, stood at 18.04 per cent year on year in November 2025, down from 28.75 per cent in November 2024.

    On a month-on-month basis, core inflation eased slightly to 1.28 per cent from 1.42 per cent in October, while the twelve-month average core inflation rate fell to 20.76 per cent.

    Other sub-indices showed that farm produce inflation stood at 0.79 per cent in November, compared with zero per cent in October, while energy inflation rose to 1.08 per cent from 0.50 per cent.

    Services inflation increased to 1.82 per cent from 1.54 per cent, and goods inflation rose to 0.79 per cent from 0.63 per cent in the previous month.

    At the state level, Rivers recorded the highest year-on-year all-items inflation rate at 17.78 per cent, followed by Ogun at 17.65 per cent and Ekiti at 16.77 per cent.

    Plateau recorded the lowest year-on-year inflation at 9.13 per cent, alongside Kebbi at 10.32 per cent and Katsina at 10.60 per cent.

    On a month-on-month basis, Bayelsa recorded the highest increase at 6.58 per cent, followed by Gombe at 5.11 per cent and Edo at 4.45 per cent, while Plateau, Delta, and Kaduna recorded declines.

    Food inflation at the state level showed that Kogi recorded the highest year-on-year increase at 17.83 per cent, followed by Ogun at 16.52 per cent and Rivers at 16.11 per cent.

    Imo, Katsina, and Akwa Ibom recorded the slowest rise in food prices on a year-on-year basis. Month-on-month food inflation was highest in Yobe at 9.52 per cent, Katsina at 6.61 per cent, and Ondo at 6.04 per cent, while Imo, Nasarawa, and Enugu recorded declines.

    The NBS cautioned that interstate comparisons should be interpreted carefully, noting that CPI weights vary across states based on consumption patterns, which can make direct comparisons of inflation baskets misleading.