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FG Unveils Contactless Passport Renewal System To Europe

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The Federal Government has launched the Contactless Passport Renewal System across Europe, following its successful rollout in Canada. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, unveiled the initiative on Friday, highlighting its role in enhancing service efficiency for Nigerians abroad.

Speaking at the launch, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the administration’s commitment to streamlining government services in line with its Renewed Hope agenda.

“As with Canada, this innovative system eliminates the traditional challenges of passport renewal. Eligible Nigerians in Europe can now renew their passports entirely online from the comfort of their homes and offices,” he said.

The minister outlined the key benefits of the system:

  • Efficiency: Reduces processing times by eliminating the need for physical presence.
  • Accessibility: Ensures Nigerians in the diaspora can access government services seamlessly.
  • Modernization: Utilizes technology to enhance service delivery, aligning with the government’s digital transformation goals and its vision for a $1 trillion economy.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving Nigerians abroad, recognizing their contributions to national development.

“Our diaspora community is an essential part of our national fabric. We must ensure they receive services that meet the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency,” he stated.

He also assured that transparency and security would remain a priority in the reform process, adding that the government intends to further expand digital solutions to bring essential services closer to all Nigerians.

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No Proposal For 30 New States Has Met Constitutional Requirements – Reps

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The House of Representatives has clarified that none of the 30 proposals submitted for new state creation has met the constitutional requirements, emphasizing that the legislature has not taken a definitive stance on the matter.

The House also refuted media reports suggesting it was pushing for the creation of 31 states, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

Instead, lawmakers stressed that the process of state creation is ultimately driven by the people, who must follow the necessary legal and procedural steps.

Speaking in an interview on Friday in Abuja, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, explained that the proposals read during Thursday’s plenary session were merely to inform Nigerians about the number of applications received.

Kalu detailed the regional distribution of the requests: six proposals from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South-South, and seven from the South West.

Some of the proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence (from Kogi), Benue Ala and Apa (from Benue), Amana (from Adamawa), Katagum (from Bauchi), Savannah (from Borno), and Muri (from Taraba).

Others include New Kaduna, Gujarat, Tiga, Ari, Kainji, Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, Aba, Ogoja, Warri, Ori, Obolo, Torumbe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha.

Providing further clarification, Kalu corrected the record, stating that the actual number of proposals was 30, not 31, as was erroneously reported.

However, he stressed that none of the submissions had satisfied the constitutional criteria outlined in Section 8, subsections 1 to 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

To address this, the House has given applicants until March 5 to rectify deficiencies in their proposals.

Kalu reminded stakeholders that state creation requires a two-thirds majority approval in the Senate, House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local government councils before proceeding.

“We are the people’s parliament, and we are not taking a position on the creation of new states. The Ninth Assembly received even more requests for new states, but many people did not understand why their proposals failed.

In this Tenth Assembly, we have received 30 applications.

However, none have met the constitutional requirements,” Kalu stated.

He reiterated that the notification was to ensure transparency so that applicants understand why their proposals may not progress.

“The notice to the public is that you have until March 5 to address the gaps in your applications. If they do not meet the constitutional requirements, they cannot be considered,” he concluded.

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INEC Justifies N126 Billion Budget Request, Allocates N85 Billion For Salaries

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Dailygazettenig
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its N126 billion budget request for 2025, clarifying that N85 billion is earmarked for personnel costs, while the remainder will fund electoral activities and preparations for the 2027 general election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, provided this explanation while presenting the commission’s budget proposal to the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in the National Assembly.

His remarks followed public scrutiny over the substantial budget request in a non-election year.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja on Friday, Yakubu emphasized that INEC’s budget for 2024 was also N40 billion, despite rising operational costs.

He explained that the funding constraints had affected critical activities, such as the continuous voter registration, which had to be suspended.

“Our budget for this year is N40 billion, the same as last year. However, last year, we struggled to cover essential activities. We had to put the resumption of voter registration on hold due to financial limitations,” he stated.

Yakubu further elaborated on the commission’s workforce, noting that INEC employs approximately 15,000 permanent staff but requires nearly one million ad hoc personnel during general elections.

“Polling units across Nigeria total about 177,000, each requiring four officials. Clearly, our 15,000 permanent staff are insufficient to manage elections alone. Additionally, we maintain offices in all 774 local government areas, state offices, an electoral institute, and nationwide storage facilities for election materials,” he explained.

On electoral offences, Yakubu disclosed that 774 individuals from the 2023 general elections are currently facing prosecution.

He cited a recent successful conviction of a Returning Officer in Akwa Ibom State for an offence committed during the 2019 elections, highlighting the commission’s commitment to addressing electoral malpractice.

“Through our collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), electoral offence cases from the 2023 elections are being prosecuted. We have secured convictions in Kebbi and Kogi States, while our partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on vote-buying has yielded results in Lagos, Kwara, and Gombe States,” he said.

However, Yakubu noted that a major challenge in tackling electoral offences is the slow judicial process, as cases are prosecuted in Magistrate and State High Courts without priority consideration.

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Reps Endorse Tinubu’s Proposal To Increase 2025 Budget To N54.2 Trillion

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Dailygazettenig
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The House of Representatives has backed President Bola Tinubu’s request to increase the proposed 2025 national budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing anticipated additional revenue from key government agencies.

During plenary sessions this week, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu referred the proposal to the Committees on Finance and Appropriations for further review.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the House Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, affirmed the National Assembly’s willingness to approve the adjustment, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of Nigerians.

Agbese highlighted the administration’s focus on key sectors such as agriculture, emphasizing the planned funding boost for the Bank of Agriculture.

He noted that this initiative would empower farmers, drive rural development, and enhance food security.

Additionally, he pointed to the budget’s provisions for national security, particularly the construction of military barracks, as a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country and improving the welfare of security personnel.

“As lawmakers, we are committed to ensuring that every naira is allocated effectively and in the best interest of Nigerians,” Agbese stated, assuring that the 10th House, under Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, would ensure transparency and accountability in the budget’s implementation.

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FG Postpones Implementation Of New Basic Education Curriculum To September 2025

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Dailygazettenig
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Education Minister, Alausa

The Federal Government has delayed the rollout of the revised basic education curriculum, shifting its implementation to September 2025.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the decision at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, citing the need for adequate preparations, including teacher training and classroom setup.

The revised curriculum, initially scheduled for January 2025, was introduced under the leadership of former Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman.

However, logistical challenges had raised concerns about the feasibility of the original timeline.

A key feature of the new curriculum is the introduction of 12 years of uninterrupted basic education, which will result in the gradual phasing out of the Basic Education Certificate s weExamination (BECE), commonly known as ‘Junior WAEC.’

“We are now going through the final phase of preparations, including training teachers to implement the curriculum. The rollout will begin with new students’ enrollment in the September 2025 academic session,” Alausa stated.

He emphasized that the removal of BECE aims to ensure that students progress seamlessly from primary to secondary education without interruption, reducing dropout rates and enhancing learning outcomes.

“Currently, students take the Common Entrance Examination for Federal Unity Schools and the BECE before advancing to Senior Secondary School. The new system will allow for a smoother transition, ensuring students receive a more comprehensive education,” the minister explained.

Alausa also revealed plans to seek an increase in the allocation of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), proposing a rise from two per cent to five per cent.

This additional funding would support early childhood education, an area he described as critically underfunded.

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Trump Disbands DOJ Team Tracking Abacha’s Multibillion-Dollar Loot For Nigeria

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Dailygazettenig
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has quietly disbanded the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, an elite team responsible for tracing and recovering assets looted by Nigeria’s former military ruler, Sani Abacha, as well as funds linked to other international corruption cases.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the decision was authorized by former President Donald Trump and executed by newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this week.

The move comes as the Trump administration winds down several government programs in its final months.

The now-disbanded team had played a critical role in tracing and prosecuting cases tied to billions of dollars in stolen assets.

Among its ongoing efforts was the litigation involving funds linked to Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning under President Bola Tinubu.

The dismantling of the unit raises concerns over the future of ongoing investigations and the potential discovery of additional Abacha-linked assets, which authorities believe remain hidden.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative had worked alongside international partners to track illicit wealth and return stolen funds to affected nations.

Efforts to obtain comments from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

It also remains unclear how the DOJ will handle existing cases or whether cooperation will continue in asset recovery efforts across the UK and other jurisdictions.

The Trump administration has justified the move by shifting its focus toward combating narcotics and human trafficking networks instead.

However, critics argue that shutting down the unit could hinder global efforts to tackle high-level corruption.

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Experts Disagree On New 12-4 Education Policy, Say Nigeria Not Ready

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Dailygazettenig
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The Federal Government’s proposal to transition from the current 9-3-4 education system to a new 12-4 model has sparked mixed reactions among education experts, with some describing the move as premature and others viewing it as a step in the right direction.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the proposed reform at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting in Abuja.

He argued that a 12-year basic education structure would provide a more continuous and comprehensive learning experience, ultimately improving educational outcomes and boosting Nigeria’s economic development.

Under the existing 9-3-4 system, students complete nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary schooling, and four years of tertiary education. The proposed 12-4 model would extend basic education to 12 years, before proceeding to four years of higher learning.

However, reactions from education stakeholders reveal deep divisions on the proposal’s feasibility.

A retired principal, Mrs. Olufowowe, expressed skepticism, stating that the country is not ready for such a drastic shift.

She highlighted challenges such as poor teacher remuneration and inadequate school funding, which she believes would hinder the successful implementation of the 12-year structure.

“The government is yet to adequately fund schools under the current system. Until more resources are allocated to education, this policy may not succeed,” she said.

Similarly, a former director at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Musbau Adewole, acknowledged that while change is necessary, the focus should be on integrating vocational and technology-based skills into the curriculum rather than restructuring the system.

“Our schools should prioritize tech skills and vocational training to prepare students for the modern economy. The world is evolving, and Nigeria’s education system must adapt to these changes rather than just modifying the structure,” he stated.

Another expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticized the proposal, calling it a misplaced priority at a time when Nigerians are struggling with basic needs.

“The government should focus on improving existing facilities, paying teachers and lecturers promptly, and ensuring students can access quality education. How many of their children are studying in Nigerian schools? Changing the system now is unnecessary,” he argued.

He also pointed out the economic difficulties many families face, adding, “People are struggling to afford two meals a day, and yet we are discussing a policy that will require more resources. This is just like the unnecessary change of the national anthem—it doesn’t solve pressing issues.”

As debates continue over the feasibility of the 12-4 system, experts agree that Nigeria’s education sector needs reform.

However, whether this proposed shift will bring meaningful improvement or add more strain to an already challenged system remains a key concern.

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Proposed Electricity Tariff Hike Will Escalate Production Costs, Worsen Inflation, Force More Companies To Shut Down – Manufacturers Warn FG

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Dailygazettenig
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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned the Federal Government against increasing electricity tariffs, warning that such a move would hurt businesses, escalate production costs, worsen inflation, and force more companies to shut down.

Joining the opposition, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) also rejected the proposed 65 percent tariff hike, describing it as an additional burden on struggling Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has stepped in to mediate an ongoing dispute between Kaduna Electric and its workers’ union, which led to a four-day blackout across the state and other areas within the company’s coverage.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, highlighted the critical role of electricity in manufacturing, stating that frequent tariff increases have hindered industrial growth.

He argued that sustainable and affordable energy is essential for large-scale production and competitiveness.

Ajayi-Kadir criticized Nigeria’s power sector privatization, initiated in 2013 to boost electricity supply, stating that it has failed to deliver results.

He attributed this failure to the lack of technical and financial capacity among operators.

“The installed capacity has remained at around 10,000 megawatts, yet it is not fully utilized due to inefficiencies in the Generation Companies (GenCos) and Distribution Companies (DisCos),” he noted.

Despite an unreliable power supply, MAN observed that electricity tariffs have consistently increased without improvements in service delivery.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), electricity generation declined from 5,909.83 GWh in Q2 2023 to 5,612.52 GWh in Q2 2024, even after a 230 percent tariff hike, marking a 5.03 percent year-on-year drop.

Ajayi-Kadir stressed that Nigeria needs at least 30,000MW of electricity to meet industrial and household demands, far above the current daily average of 4,000MW.

He warned that continuous tariff hikes force consumers to bear the cost of inefficiencies in the power sector.

“Manufacturers are already struggling, and these increases cannot be passed on to consumers who are facing declining purchasing power,” he said.

MAN urged the government to halt further tariff increases and instead evaluate DisCos’ performance, assess the impact of previous hikes on industries, and audit their investments in power infrastructure.

Following its Q1 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja, the TUC strongly opposed the proposed electricity tariff increase.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, denounced the plan as “economic oppression,” arguing that Nigerians are already suffering from previous tariff hikes.

“It is shocking that the government is considering another increase when citizens are already struggling under unbearable economic conditions,” Osifo said.

In Kaduna, the state government intervened in an industrial dispute between Kaduna Electric and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which resulted in a prolonged blackout.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe met with representatives of both parties at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, urging a swift resolution.

“We implore you to resolve this dispute quickly. The people of Kaduna are suffering, and the outage is affecting homes, businesses, and security,” she pleaded.

NUEE’s National Vice President (Distribution), Wisdom Nwachukwu, clarified that the union was not opposing staff downsizing but demanded proper procedures and full compensation for affected workers.

Kaduna Electric’s Managing Director, Umar Hashidu, defended the decision to lay off 444 employees, citing financial struggles.

“We had to make this move to ensure the company’s survival. We cannot continue operating at a loss,” Hashidu stated.

With negotiations ongoing, Kaduna residents hope for a resolution that restores power supply while addressing the concerns of both workers and the electricity provider.

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Nigeria Ranked As Country With Highest Road Accident Rate In The World

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Dailygazettenig
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The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised alarm over the country’s high rate of road traffic accidents, revealing that Nigeria accounts for nearly 10 percent of the two million global road accident fatalities recorded annually.

This means about 200,000 Nigerians lose their lives each year due to road crashes.

Speaking at the launch of the Safe Steps Road Safety Campaign, the President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, described the situation as critical, citing the 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Status Report on Road Safety, which ranked road accidents as the ninth leading cause of death globally.

Adeaga emphasized that reported road accidents in Nigeria likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many incidents go unreported.

He warned that estimates suggest the real numbers could be up to five times higher than the recorded figures.

The Safe Steps Road Safety Campaign, launched in December 2023 in Abuja, aims to address the crisis by promoting responsible driving habits and strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders.

The initiative brings together agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to implement more effective safety measures.

According to Afolabi Lawal, a representative of the Zenith Prudence Foundation, Africa has the world’s highest road fatality rate despite having a relatively small share of the global vehicle population.

He noted that despite interventions from the WHO, the Ministry of Transport, and the FRSC, road accidents remain a major challenge, with 1.35 million fatalities recorded annually.

The Red Cross and its partners are urging stronger enforcement of road safety regulations and improved public awareness to curb the alarming rate of traffic-related deaths in Nigeria.

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ESUT’s Maths & Computer Sci. Edu. Dept To Hold Public Lecture On Raw Materials, Sustainable Development

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Dailygazettenig
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The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is set to hold its maiden public lecture, focusing on the role of raw materials education in sustainable development in contemporary Nigeria.

The lecture, themed “Raw Materials Education and Sustainable Development in Contemporary Nigeria,” is scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Prof. Julius Onah Auditorium, ESUT, Agbani.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, the Head of the Department, Assoc. Prof. Samuel O. Nneji, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that it aims to explore how education on raw materials can drive industrial growth, economic sustainability, and technological advancement in Contemporary Nigeria.

The event will be hosted by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Titus Owoh, while the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius Michaels Okolie, will serve as the Chief Host.

The lecture will be held under the distinguished chairmanship of Prof. Augustine A. Uwakwe, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State.

The maiden public lecture will be delivered by Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike Muonso, Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Abuja.

The lecture promises to be an insightful academic discourse, bringing together scholars, researchers, policy makers, and captains of industries to examine the role of education in sourcing and harnessing raw materials for national development.

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