Category: Uncategorized

 

Nigerians spent more than N50bn on United States visa applications between 2023 and 2024, despite a sharp decline in approvals as Washington tightened immigration controls and increased scrutiny of applicants.

An analysis of the Intelpoint report, using data from the US Department of State, shows that 201,200 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians between 2023 and 2024. At a standard application fee of $185 per applicant, Nigerians spent approximately $37.2m, equivalent to N50.7bn at an average exchange rate of N1,360 to the dollar.

Visa issuances declined by about 23 per cent, falling to 87,300 in 2024 from 113,900 in 2023, a reduction of 26,600 visas. The PUNCH could not obtain comparable figures for 2025 at the time of reporting.

Business and tourism travel dominated approvals in 2024, with B1/B2 visas accounting for 83 per cent of total issuances, while student visas (F1) represented about seven per cent. Exchange visitor visas (J1) and other temporary categories made up the remainder.

Africa’s most populous nation remained a significant source market for the United States, accounting for about 0.8 per cent of global non-immigrant visa issuances in 2024, the data showed.

Former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, said Nigerians’ travel behaviour is driven by more than economic conditions, noting a strong cultural inclination toward mobility.

“People would say it’s because of the economy, but I share a different view. Nigerians are generally migrants; they love travelling.

We are like the Chinese of Africa,” Akporiaye said

The executive argued that most Nigerians who travel abroad return home, and only a small proportion remain outside the country permanently. “There is so much noise of Nigerians staying back. The ones who travel and return are far more than those who stay back. It’s not up to 10 per cent that don’t return,” she stated.

The decline in visa issuances comes amid a series of policy changes introduced after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, which have gradually tightened requirements for Nigerian applicants.

In July 2025, the US Department of State announced that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens would be restricted to single-entry permits valid for three months, with existing visas unaffected.

In August, applicants were required to disclose all social media usernames used over the previous five years on DS-160 forms, with officials warning that omissions could lead to visa denial or ineligibility.

Akporiaye also noted that travel demand cuts across income levels, from affluent individuals to ordinary citizens travelling for social events. “Nigerians like to explore. We travel for birthdays, weddings, and other ceremonies. I’m not talking about people like Dangote or Otedola, but ordinary Nigerians you don’t even know,” she said.

The expert, however, acknowledged that demand for US travel has softened relative to other destinations, citing operational and policy-related constraints.

“The demand has reduced for some destinations like the US, and it’s becoming worse now. Conditional requirements and operational changes at the US Embassy in Abuja have made access more difficult, including the consolidation of services in Lagos,” she stated.

“There are stories about visas being cancelled or Nigerians getting deported, and that makes people a bit sceptical. But other destinations are still booming.”

Further tightening followed in December 2025, when the US Mission in Nigeria said Washington expanded travel restrictions to include partial limitations on Nigeria and five other countries, effective January 1, 2026.

An executive at Travel and Tours Limited, Maureen Chimaobi, said securing a US visa has become increasingly difficult over the past year, with many first-time applicants facing steep odds despite completing all required procedures.

“Last year, getting a US visa drastically reduced, especially if you are a first-time traveller or first-time applicant. It’s almost a no-go area,” Chimaobi told our correspondent.

She noted that applicants continue to pay visa fees, schedule appointments and attend interviews, but approvals have become far less predictable. “You pay your visa fee, book your appointment and go for submission. Most of the time, they don’t give it,” the agent said.

The trend reflects growing concerns among travel operators about declining approval rates for Nigerian applicants, even as demand for overseas travel remains strong. Chimaobi said rejection levels have remained high throughout the period under review, particularly for individuals with limited international travel history.

The tougher environment is also influencing destination choices. More Nigerians are turning to countries where visa approvals are perceived to be more attainable, provided applicants can demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and present strong documentation.

“I think most countries still offer a 70 to 80 per cent chance of getting a visa, depending on the quality of your documents and your financial status,” Chimaobi revealed.

She identified the United Kingdom as one of the destinations with relatively stronger approval prospects, although she cautioned that British authorities have also hardened their assessment processes in recent months.

France and other countries within the Schengen area, once considered more accessible to Nigerian travellers, have become increasingly selective, especially toward first-time applicants, she added.

“Before now, France used to issue visas more easily, but most Schengen countries have become difficult over time, particularly for first-time travellers,” Chimaobi said.

Punch

Popular Nigerian stand-up comedian, Bovi Ugboma has revealed that he celebrates whenever a divorce happens. 

Speaking in a recent episode of The Moraya Show, Bovi explained that he celebrates divorces because he believes that at least one of the partners was going through difficult times in the marriage. 

According to him, the end of such marriage is a relief for at least one of the partners. 

While emphasising his support for divorce, the comedian said it is a better option than  toxic marriage. 

“I celebrate when people get divorced because I feel it means one or both people were not breathing well in the marriage. I will not suffer anybody neither will I want anybody to suffer me,” he said. 

Bovi added, “That is not to say my marriage has been easy for 17 years. It has not. I got married at 29. I have been providing for 17 years nonstop.”

Why I celebrate when people get divorced – Comedian, Bovi

Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, Mrs Offiong Nsa, has stated that ethical, child-centred reporting could expose hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence.

Opening a five-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Abuja on Monday, Nsa told participants that the media has a central role beyond documenting conflict.

“You, as journalists, are not merely chroniclers of conflicts. You are powerful human rights advocates. Through your ethical, child-centred reporting, you possess the ability to expose the hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence,” she said.

She described the use of children in armed conflict and violence as one of the most egregious violations of human rights, adding that children are “far too often seen by armed actors as cheap, expendable, and easily manipulated instruments of war.”

Nsa urged journalists to shift public narratives away from portraying affected children as perpetrators.

“Shift the narrative from portraying these children purely as perpetrators to recognising them as vulnerable victims and agents of peace,” she stated.

The workshop is organised by the Dallaire Institute in partnership with Journalists for Human Rights (JHR Africa) and focuses on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence.

The Dallaire Institute, an affiliate of Dalhousie University in Canada with its African Centre of Excellence in Kigali, Rwanda, works on advocacy, capacity building and policy implementation around the Vancouver Principles.

Nsa said the Institute believes “war is preventable, peace is achievable, and children deserve a better world.”

She added that “your stories will shape public opinion, influence policy, and ultimately help us to put an end to this cycle of violence.”

Representing the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Counsellor (Political) at the Canadian High Commission, Mr Omar Alihashi, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting children affected by conflict and supporting global efforts to end child recruitment.

He noted that children recruited into armed groups often face lifelong consequences affecting their education, wellbeing and future opportunities.

He said journalists play a vital role in promoting public understanding of child protection issues through accurate and responsible reporting.

“Through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, the media can help raise awareness, amplify evidence-based information, and contribute to informed public dialogue,” he added.

Alihashi added that Canada would continue to support international initiatives guided by the Vancouver Principles, which seek to prevent the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, called on journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting practices and avoid sensational coverage of children affected by conflict.

Earlier, Africa Programme Director of Journalists for Human Rights, Mr Mustapha Dumbuya, said the training was designed to equip journalists with practical skills for reporting on children affected by conflict in a professional, ethical and sensitive manner.

Dumbuya explained that participants would receive training on trauma-informed journalism, digital safety, gender-sensitive reporting, journalist security, and story development techniques.

“We are hoping that by the end of the five days, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge on how to report on children who are impacted by conflicts in a sensitive and compelling manner,” he said.

Canada, Dallaire Institute Back Ethical Reporting To Combat Child Recruitment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Ebem Ohafia community in Ohafia local government area of Abia State was on Monday, thrown into sorrow as two indigenes lost their lives in separate fatal accidents.

The victims, who were identified as Mr. Thompson Kalu and Uma Orji, died on Sunday evening and Monday morning.

DAILY POST gathered that the first accident happened on Sunday night when a truck operating without headlamps crashed into Thompson Kalu who was riding on his motorcycle.

Kalu suffered a broken head and died on the spot before he was rushed to the hospital.

The second accident victim, Uma Orji, popularly known as Ome Ego, lost his life Monday morning in a lone accident when the truck he  was riding, suddenly crashed  and fell on him.

The Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigerian Police Force were yet to release official statements about the accidents, at the time of this report.

However, the paramount ruler of Ebem Ohafia ancient kingdom, Ezie Ukoha Kalu, the Ezie-in-Council, the Ebem Ohafia Development Union, EODU, have described the accidents as “profound shock, and  tragic deaths of two illustrious sons of the community.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Ifeanyi Okali said the community was in deep morning.

“The unfortunate incidents have thrown the entire Ebem Ohafia community into mourning, as the deceased were hardworking and responsible individuals who were striving daily to provide for their families and contribute meaningfully to the society”, the community said.

Abia community mourns as auto accidents claim two indigenes 

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has urged newly promoted officers in the Command to see their elevation as a call to higher responsibility, discipline, and professionalism.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Command on Monday.

According to the statement, The Kano State Police Command decorated 956 officers who recently benefitted from the promotion exercise approved by the Police Service Commission.

Speaking at the event, CP Bakori congratulated the officers and conveyed the goodwill message of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who he said remains committed to improving the welfare and career progression of police personnel.

He reminded the officers that promotion is not just a reward but also a responsibility that requires higher standards of conduct and service.

“Promotion comes with greater responsibility,” CP Bakori said, urging them to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.

He charged the newly promoted personnel to rededicate themselves to selfless service to the nation and the people of Kano State, and to always act in ways that strengthen public trust in the police.

According to him, the Command will continue to monitor performance and ensure that officers justify the confidence reposed in them through excellence in service delivery.

Promotion comes with greater responsibility – CP Bakori tells newly decorated officers

Arsenal has made the decision to dismiss head doctor, Zafar Iqbal, and they are also poised to lose Under-21s head coach, Max Porter.

The Gunners reportedly parted ways with Iqbal shortly after their defeat in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

This decision followed a season plagued by numerous injuries to key players.

It remains uncertain whether the time spent with Acedo influenced the choice to let go of Iqbal.

When Arsenal received the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park, Dr. Iqbal was seen celebrating alongside the players on the pitch. Just a few weeks later, he has been relieved of his responsibilities.

This represents a significant change for the Gunners, even with several months remaining before the new season begins. Additionally, they are set to lose Porter, the Under-21s coach, who has also contributed to the first team.

He is expected to join Stoke City after nine years of service in north London across various roles. He has been in the capital since July 2017, starting as an Under-9s football coach, and subsequently working with the Under-13s, Under-17s, and Under-19s, before becoming the Under-21s assistant coach in July.

Porter was appointed as the manager of the Under-21s last summer, following Mehmet Ali’s appointment as assistant first team coach at Brentford under Keith Andrews. Porter will join Stoke in a similar role.

He will arrive at the Championship club as part of Mark Robins’ backroom staff. Porter is highly regarded in north London, having also been involved with the first team setup.

He will need all of his experience and more to achieve success at Stoke. The Potters had a disappointing Championship season last year, finishing in 17th place.

Arsenal came very close to achieving a Premier League and Champions League double-winning season, but it now seems that the club is preparing for some personnel changes.

Transfer: Arsenal lose two key men with deal agreed

The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the governing board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), a move that anchors the Commission’s plan to reposition the Institute for the next era of Nigeria’s communications sector and digital economy.

She will be joined on the board by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, who join as interim Board members. The interim leadership will work alongside the President/CEO, Mr. David Daser, and the remaining board members whose tenures are unexpired, to drive the Institute’s transformation.

Established by the NCC in May 2004, DBI was created as a specialized centre for training in telecommunications and information technology. In the two decades since, the sector it serves has grown from telecommunications into a broad, fast-moving digital economy, one where technology now advances quickly enough to demand continuous specialized training, and where communications infrastructure has become a matter of national sovereignty and oversight. Securing and advancing the future of communications and the digital economy is now a clear national and economic priority.

That future also rests on Nigeria’s young population. With 70 percent of Nigerians under the age of 30, the DBI transformation is designed to empower young people, equip them with advanced technical skills, and close the capability gap that currently slows the pace of technology adoption across the communications sector and the wider digital economy.

The repositioned Institute will concentrate on five areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation. The strategy has been shaped through engagements beyond the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including consultations with the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

The National Industrial Court sitting in Akure has ordered Osun State Government to reconsider the promotion of Mr Olabisi Abidemi to the position of Director on Grade Level 17.

The court also ruled that the decision not to consider him for promotion was unfair and inconsistent with principles guiding public service administration.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, the court directed the Governor of Osun State, the Attorney General, the Head of Service and the State Civil Service Commission to reassess Abidemi’s candidature in line with the Osun State Public Service Rules.

The court ordered that any promotion arising from the reconsideration should take effect from the date it ought to have been implemented and awarded N500,000 as the cost of the action in favour of the claimant.

According to court records, “Abidemi joined the Osun State Civil Service in May 2004 and rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Director on Grade Level 16 in July 2021.”

The claimant told the court that despite being on an approved leave of absence, his name appeared on the list of officers eligible for a promotion interview to Grade Level 17 conducted in August 2025, and that he duly participated in the exercise.

Abidemi also stated that after the interview he waited for the outcome but received no communication regarding his promotion status, prompting him to write complaint and appeal letters to the Head of Service.

In their defence, the Governor of Osun State and the other defendants argued that “Abidemi was not denied promotion because of his leave of absence but because he did not satisfy requirements under the Osun State Public Service Rules, particularly those relating to continuous supervision by a reporting officer and annual performance evaluation reports covering four years.”

They further maintained that “Abidemi had rendered service to the Osun State Civil Service for only about eight months during the previous eight years and that officers on leave of absence are not under the supervision of reporting officers during such periods.”

Counsel to the claimant, I. A. Mikaheel, argued that neither the Public Service Rules nor the approval granted for his client’s leave of absence provided that such leave could be used as a basis for denying promotion.

Delivering judgment, Justice Damulak held that “although promotion is not an automatic right, the discretion exercised by public authorities in statutory employment matters must be fair, transparent, consistent and in accordance with established rules.”

The court noted that “the defendants failed to produce any written policy requiring an officer to remain under the supervision of a reporting officer for four years before promotion could be considered.”

It also observed that no report of the promotion committee, recommendation or documentary explanation for the claimant’s exclusion was presented before the court.

Justice Damulak said, “I therefore find that the defendants acted inconsistently and unfairly in refusing to consider the claimant for promotion after listing him as eligible for promotion.” 

The court added that Abidemi had earlier been promoted to Grade Level 16 while on leave of absence and that his subsequent shortlisting for the 2025 interview created a legitimate expectation that the leave would not automatically disqualify him from promotion consideration.

National Industrial Court orders Osun govt to reconsider promotion decision

A Somali referee widely regarded as one of Africa’s best officials has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and sent back to Istanbul after arriving at Miami International Airport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was reportedly stopped at the point of entry and placed on a return flight despite holding a diplomatic passport issued with the assistance of the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. The embassy said the passport was provided to ease previous visa-related challenges.

Artan had travelled from Kenya and transited through Turkey before arriving in Miami, but was turned away on arrival. No official explanation has been given for the decision.

This comes after FIFA recently stated that his visa issue had been resolved, confirming that he “had been fully resolved and he will now be available to officiate at the FIFA World Cup.”

Somalia is included on President Donald Trump’s travel ban list. He was quoted last month describing Somali immigrants in the United States as “they’re all crooks,” and earlier in January referred to Somalia as “the worst country in the world.”

Artan was recently honored as Africa’s Best Referee for 2025 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in November.

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) yesterday sealed the Lagos office of PWAN MAX Property and Business Solutions Limited over alleged regulatory non-compliance.

The commission’s action stemmed from a consumer’c complaint against the management of PWAN MAX Property and Business Solutions Limited for non-allocation of 20 plots of land fully subscribed to and paid for by the consumer in February 2025.

The FCCPC had initiated an investigation and invited the respondent.

The commission said the property firm declined all invitations, failing to comply with a compliance notice issued under Section 150 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

Subsequently, the commission carried out the enforcement action invoking its statutory powers under Section 150[4][a] of the FCCPA, which permits the closure of business premises where violations persist after a compliance notice has been ignored.

Speaking during the sealing of the firm’s office, the FCCPC’s Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Olubunmi Otti, said the commission launched investigations into the company’s activities in February 2025 after receiving a complaint from a consumer who alleged that 20 plots of land that had been fully paid for were yet to be allocated.

Otti alleged that the company initially failed to honour two invitations from the commission and was subsequently summoned to appear before the agency.

She stated that PWAN MAX later undertook to allocate the 20 plots and provide all necessary documentation to the affected subscribers on or before June 30, last year.

“Following the expiration of the timeline, the commission issued a compliance notice in accordance with Section 150 of the FCCPA, clearly outlining the nature of the breach, the required remedial actions, the compliance timeline and the consequences of non-compliance,” Otti said.

The zonal coordinator stressed that the company’s failure to remedy the breach compelled the commission to invoke its statutory powers under Section 150(4)(a) of the FCCPA, which permits the closure of business premises where violations persist after a compliance notice has been ignored.

“The sealing of the premises will remain in force until the commission is satisfied that the breach has been fully remedied, after which a compliance certificate may be issued,” Otti said.

Beyond the initial complaint, the zonal coordinator said the commission was investigating other petitions against the company over land transactions, investments and allegations of non-allocation of properties paid for by subscribers.

She noted that affected consumers may be entitled to refunds, where necessary, and warned that failure by the company to comply could result in prosecution.

“If they fail to refund the money, the law empowers us to prosecute. We are issuing a summons, and they are expected to appear before the commission within seven days,” she said.

During the enforcement, no staff of the company was found within the premises.

A notice displayed at the entrance and signed by management informed clients and property business owners (PBOs) that the company was observing a five-day staff fasting and prayer programme from June 8 to June 12, with normal operations expected to resume on June 15.

The latest enforcement action adds to a growing crackdown by the FCCPC on real estate firms accused of violating consumer rights and failing to honour contractual obligations to property buyers.

Last month, the FCCPC sealed two real estate companies  over alleged refund and property-related complaints by consumers.

The enforcement, which was carried out alongside security operatives, followed by allegations that the companies failed to comply with compliance notices issued by the commission.