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FCSC reaffirms commitment to merit-based recruitment

The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based recruitment, professionalism, and institutional collaboration as the 45th Annual National Council of Civil Service Commissions of the Federation commenced in Asaba, Delta.

Head, Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ibraheem Zakariyya, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, noting that this year’s meeting is expected to further strengthen inter-Commission cooperation and provide an avenue for advancing shared priorities towards building a more effective and result-oriented Nigerian Civil Service.

He disclosed that the five-day meeting began with the arrival of the advance party of the FCSC at the headquarters of the Delta State Civil Service Commission, where the delegation was received by the Permanent Secretary of the host commission, Mr Fredrick Yoro.

Yoro, who welcomed the delegation on behalf of the host commission, expressed appreciation for their safe arrival and emphasised the importance of effective communication and coordination among participants to ensure smooth logistical arrangements and a successful conference.

According to the statement, the annual council meeting provides a platform for the Federal and State Civil Service Commissions to exchange institutional experiences and deliberate on critical issues relating to public service administration, personnel management and the strengthening of civil service institutions across the country.

‘FCSC reaffirms commitment to promoting professionalism, merit-based recruitment and institutional collaboration as essential pillars for an effective and result-oriented Nigerian Civil Service.

‘The 45th annual council meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for participants to explore strategies for improving public service delivery and strengthening personnel management across the federation,’ Zakariyya stated.

Wike has united political class in FCT, secured our future – APC Chairman

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, has said the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has united politicians across the territory and secured the political future of the political class.

Yamawo stated this on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting for the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and the unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous communities and residents, who endorsed Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. John Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency and a former Kwali Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

He said the ceremony was to reaffirm the commitment and support of stakeholders for the APC and President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

‘This ceremony, as the first speaker rightly noted, is to reaffirm our commitment and support for my party, the APC,’ Yamawo said.

He expressed gratitude to the minister for fostering political cooperation in the FCT, noting that it was the first time such a level of unity was being witnessed.

‘I want to tell the indigenous people and residents of Abuja that the APC is grateful. We are grateful because we have a leader who has united politicians across the FCT. That leader is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,’ he said.

‘He has secured the political future of the political class in the FCT. This is the first time we are witnessing such a level of political cooperation, where one party is willing to work with another,’ he added.

According to him, Wike has shown that politics can be played without bitterness and that political parties can work together for mutual success.

‘Mr Minister, I am grateful, and the APC is grateful to have you as our minister in the FCT,’ he said, adding that the party was proud of the development the minister had brought to the territory.

Yamawo said he was overwhelmed with joy at the level of unity displayed at the meeting.

‘Honourable Minister, I do not want to speak for too long because I am overwhelmed with joy. In the past, I would probably have broken down in tears, but I don’t know how to cry, Mr Minister. I would have done so this afternoon because I am filled with happiness,’ he said.

‘We are grateful to you for uniting the political class in the FCT and bringing us together to work as one,’ he said.

He assured that, with Wike serving as coordinator of the presidential campaign in the FCT, stakeholders believed they had an experienced pilot to steer the campaign to success.

‘By the grace of God, as the first speaker rightly observed, political stakeholders have come together to reaffirm their commitment and endorsement. We want to assure you that with you serving as the coordinator of the presidential campaign in the FCT, we believe we already have an experienced pilot who will successfully steer the affairs of the campaign,’ Yamawo said.

His PDP counterpart, Samaila Muhammad Dogara, also backed the initiative, saying Tinubu’s decision to appoint a minister from outside the FCT political establishment had given the territory a stronger voice in the Federal Government.

Also speaking, the President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, described the endorsement as a historic initiative that brought together indigenous communities and residents across political and religious divides.

Kwali attributed the growing confidence in the FCT Administration to Wike’s leadership and development efforts, particularly the road linking Uje, Gwagwalada, Ruruwoshi and Abaji.

He disclosed that members had made personal financial contributions, including from their life savings, after an anticipated source of funding failed to materialise shortly before the programme.

He explained that the FCT Stakeholders Assembly was neither a political party nor a religious organisation, but an umbrella body representing political parties, religious groups, indigenous communities and residents.

‘We are a coalition of interests, and the interest is inclusive development of the Federal Capital Territory,’ he said.

Responding, Wike explained that the Rainbow Coalition was designed to unite political parties behind Tinubu without compelling them to abandon their respective political identities.

He commended the FCT chairmen of the APC and PDP for supporting the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to promote political cooperation beyond party affiliations.

City Boy Movement expands nationwide structures ahead of 2027

The City Boy Movement has intensified its nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its Patron, Seyi Tinubu, declaring that the organisation is consolidating its existing structures, expanding its national footprint and strengthening grassroots engagement across the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the movement, Arabinrin Aderonke, Tinubu said the mobilisation was already underway, describing the movement’s expanding activities as a deliberate effort to build a formidable national network ahead of the next electoral cycle.

‘The City Boy Movement is already on the ground, mobilising, organising and expanding its national reach ahead of the 2027 general elections. What we are witnessing is a deliberate effort to build on the structures already established, deepen grassroots engagement and strengthen our presence across the country,’ he said.

The movement’s activities have taken it to the South-East, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba states, among other parts of the federation, with engagements extending to grassroots communities. The spread of its activities reflects its stated commitment to building a national platform that reaches beyond conventional political centres and engages communities at the local level.

Tinubu, who expressed confidence in the commitment and determination of members, said the task ahead required focus, purpose and collective responsibility. He noted that the movement’s progress would depend not merely on its visibility but on the strength of its organisation and the dedication of its members.

‘As Patron, I am confident in the commitment, energy and determination of our members. We understand the task ahead, and we are approaching it with focus, purpose and a clear sense of responsibility,’ he said.

A lawyer and entrepreneur, Seyi Tinubu is the founder of Loatsad Promomedia, an outdoor advertising company, and has been associated with youth-focused initiatives and philanthropy. His role as Patron places him at the forefront of the movement’s leadership and organisational direction.

Reaffirming the movement’s resolve, he said: ‘City Boy is not a movement of empty declarations. We are building, we are mobilising, and we are taking the work seriously. Let there be no doubt: City Boy means business.’

The City Boy Movement, which emerged as a youth-oriented political mobilisation platform during the 2023 election cycle, has continued to develop its organisational presence across the country. It says its current mobilisation is directed at supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and delivering the mandate.

2027: Bauchi APM re-strategises for electoral victory

Ahead of the 2027 general elections and in a bold move to reposition for total victory, the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State, on Sunday, held a high-powered strategic meeting aimed at harmonisation of its leadership.

The meeting, which was held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, followed last week’s dissolution of the State Working Committee of the party, leading to the constitution of a Caretaker Committee expected to produce a new harmonised SWC at the end of November 2026.

The meeting, which was presided over by the National Leader of the APM and Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, brought together critical stakeholders from across the 20 LGAs of the state.

Also in attendance were all APM candidates for the 2027 general elections, the Caretaker Committee leadership of the APM in Bauchi State, former State Working Committee members of both the Allied Peoples Movement and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Local Government Chairmen, and other party faithful.

The Governor, his Deputy, Rt Hon Mohammed Auwal Jatau, and other top government functionaries were in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, the National Organising Secretary of the APM and Director-General, APM Campaign Council, Alh Hamza Koshe Akuyam, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened specifically to discuss harmonisation between the former leadership of the APM and the collapsed PDP structure that has now joined the party.

He stressed that it was with a view to establishing a united common front that will galvanise support for the victory of all APM candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Akuyam commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his continuous support and deepened stakeholding in the party, and appealed to all relevant stakeholders to close ranks and unite for the overall victory of the APM.

He stressed that unity, discipline and collective sacrifice remain the only path to reclaiming Bauchi and delivering good governance to the people.

Bala Mohammed, in his remarks, stressed the importance of unity and commitment by all stakeholders in order to ensure that the APM won all the elective offices in the 2027 general elections.

He assured that, as National Leader of the APM, he is committed to ensuring victory at all levels, saying that, as it is, the APM has a huge electoral advantage over other political parties in the state and across the country.

Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously resolved to work as one family, assuring that the APM is now stronger, more united and ready to win across all levels in 2027.

CSOs urge judiciary to uphold integrity in Uzodimma’s senate dispute

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the judiciary to ensure fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the law in the ongoing legal dispute involving Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, warning that the handling of the case could have implications for public confidence in the judicial system.

In a statement issued in Bauchi, the coalition expressed concern over what it described as conflicting accounts surrounding Uzodimma’s emergence as the senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.

According to the group, Uzodimma had reportedly attributed his emergence to the Option A4 electoral process, while a submission attributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership before the Federal High Court reportedly referred to a consensus arrangement.

The coalition said the differing accounts raised questions that deserved proper judicial scrutiny. However, it urged the court to determine the issues based strictly on the evidence and applicable laws.

The group also recalled the controversy surrounding the Supreme Court’s January 2020 judgment on the Imo State governorship election, which overturned the declaration of Emeka Ihedioha as winner and recognised Uzodimma as governor.

The judgment attracted widespread public debate and criticism, with some individuals and groups questioning aspects of the court’s decision.

The coalition said the history of electoral disputes in Imo State made it particularly important for the judiciary to handle the current case with transparency and impartiality.

The statement was jointly signed by Job Samuel Danfulani of the Centre for Public Integrity; John Samuel Nangi of Nigeria Integrity Watch; Mohammed Ibrahim Sumaila of the Northern Council of Nigeria; Abdullahi Salisu of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Forum; and Hassana Mohammed of the Foundation for Democracy in Africa.

The coalition also referred to comments reportedly made by former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, concerning alleged visa denials involving some Supreme Court justices who participated in the 2020 Imo governorship judgment.

Duke had reportedly made the remarks in his memoir and during a book launch in February 2023. However, the coalition’s reference to the comments did not establish any official connection between the reported visa decisions and the judicial ruling.

It said the controversy surrounding the judgment remained a reminder of the importance of protecting the judiciary’s credibility and independence.

The coalition further urged security agencies to examine reports circulating in parts of the Southeast concerning alleged political calculations around Uzodimma’s possible presidential ambition.

While acknowledging that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to aspire to political office, the group said political ambitions and activities should be pursued within the framework of the law and democratic principles.

It stressed that its concerns were not directed at any individual’s constitutional right to contest an election but at the need for transparency and accountability in the political process.

The coalition also recalled a petition reportedly submitted by Deji Adeyanju and the late Ariyo-Dare, under the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution, calling for visa restrictions against some Supreme Court justices over the 2020 Imo judgment.

It said the judiciary must remain independent and demonstrate that no individual, regardless of political position or influence, is above the law.

In its concluding remarks, the group called on the courts to protect the integrity of the judicial process and ensure that the ongoing dispute over the Senate seat is resolved in accordance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.

‘The temple of justice must stand firm against any attempt to undermine the electoral and judicial process or improperly secure a seat in the 11th National Assembly,’ the coalition said.

The coalition also commended Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, describing him as an example of the kind of judicial conduct that could strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

It praised what it characterised as his commitment to judicial independence and called for greater recognition of judges who demonstrate impartiality and uphold the rule of law.

Railway pensioners take housing monetisation case to Tinubu

The Association of Nigerian Railway Senior Citizens (ANRSC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the non-implementation of the Federal Government’s housing monetisation policy for railway quarters.

The association’s Chairman, Mr Olusegun Esan, made the appeal at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos.

Esan said that retired railway workers and their families had been denied the opportunity to own the official quarters they occupied, in spite of the introduction of the policy in 2004/2005.

He explained that the policy was designed to reduce government expenditure on the maintenance of official residences, while providing serving and retired public officers the opportunity to purchase their occupied quarters at affordable rates.

Esan said that prolonged legal dispute had subjected many retirees and their families to hardship, and some affected pensioners had died while others remained homeless.

According to him, the policy has been fully implemented in ministries, departments and agencies of government such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Port Authority and even in the judiciary.

‘We now wonder why the Nigerian Railway Corporation is different. The past management of NRC commenced implementation of part of the monetization process, they monetised vehicles, furniture but left the important aspect – the quarter where retirees live.

‘The NRC was formerly one of Africa’s largest employers of labour, with more than 50,000 workers whose families are spread across different parts of the country.

‘We appeal to Tinubu to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and the NRC management to facilitate the implementation of the monetisation policy and the 2016 court judgment.

‘We also call for compensation and resettlement allowances for affected retirees and widows, and above all, the government should address their grievances without further delay,’ he said.

Esan said that the association had made several efforts to resolve the dispute, including writing to NRC management, the Minister of Transportation, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities.

He said that the association had also submitted documents detailing the history of the dispute, the affected residential quarters across railway districts and properties allegedly occupied by third parties.

According to him, the present NRC management has engaged the association on possible settlement.

He, however, said that members rejected the proposed conditions because they allegedly contradicted the Federal Government’s monetisation policy and the court judgment.

Troops rescue 11 kidnap victims, stop terrorist ambush in Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued eleven kidnapped victims in two separate operations in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

A statement by the Acting Media Information Officer, Captain Tamuno Sinivie, says the operations, conducted on October 30 and 31, also involved foiling a terrorist attack and repelling an ambush.

In the first operation, troops responded to a distress call over an attempted invasion of Ribah town by suspected terrorists who had blocked the Ribah-Dirindaji road.

The attackers fled with seven persons but released them following a military pursuit towards Rambo village. The victims have since been reunited with their families.

In a separate operation, troops on patrol in the Wasagu-Falfala area came under terrorist ambush but fought back, forcing the attackers to flee.

It further discloses that a search of the area led to the rescue of four kidnapped victims abandoned by the terrorists. They were subsequently handed over to the village head.

It adds that troops remain committed to protecting residents and urges the public to provide credible information to support security operations.

Breaking More Barriers, Bridging Wider Gaps: NITDA and ENGAUSA’s Journey Towards Inclusive Digital Transformation

Digital inclusion is not simply about providing computers, internet access or digital skills training. It is about breaking the barriers that prevent people from accessing opportunities, acquiring relevant competencies and participating meaningfully in the digital economy.

For almost seven years, under the visionary leadership of Engr. Mustapha Habu Ringim, ENGAUSA GLOBAL TECH HUB LTD has consistently demonstrated this philosophy through its innovative, multilingual and inclusive approach to technology education, skills development, entrepreneurship and human capital development. Three major public-sector contributors to this journey, through their respective mandates, have been the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), under the leadership of Dr. Kazim Kolawole Raji; the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the impactful leadership of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; and the Federal Ministry of Education, through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), under the exemplary leadership of Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje. Other important Federal Government stakeholders include the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). I will soon dedicate separate blog posts to celebrating the contributions of each of these key stakeholders, as well as other partners from both the public and private sectors. Our impactful relationship with NITDA, particularly in advancing digital inclusion, dates back to 2020, when the Agency recognised the grassroots impact of ENGAUSA’s digital inclusion programmes and incentivised our innovation hub with computers. This support was subsequently extended through the provision of smartphone repair tools, partnering in the national and local training programs and graduation ceremonies, further strengthening our capacity to deliver practical, industry-relevant training.

Beyond these material contributions, NITDA’s confidence in ENGAUSA®’s experience and grassroots impact has also been reflected in the Agency’s repeated engagement of our Hub in policy development and strategic framework review processes. We have participated in several stakeholder consultations and workshops relating to key national initiatives, including the Nigeria Startup Policy, the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. These engagements have provided opportunities for ENGAUSA® to contribute practical insights from its experience in inclusive digital skills development, grassroots innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.

The results speak for themselves. ENGAUSA’s six-year impact journey has contributed to reaching over 11,000 beneficiaries, creating more than 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, and supporting the establishment and growth of over 1,000 startup businesses, SMEs and freelance enterprises across 22 states of Nigeria.

NITDA has recognised these contributions through two major national recognitions within four years. The first was the Best Trainer of the Year Award in 2022, presented during the Digital Nigeria Conference. The second was the recent special recognition award presented during the Digital Literacy Workshop organised by NITDA on 20 October 2026, in recognition of ENGAUSA®’s outstanding contributions to digital inclusion and employment among the 252 Digital Literacy Centres registered on NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Dashboard. These recognitions affirm the importance of sustained institutional support for organisations delivering measurable impact at the grassroots.

One of the most important lessons from our nearly seven years of programme implementation and impact assessment is that language inclusion is far more than a teaching technique. It is a powerful instrument for breaking barriers to education, technology and economic participation. By using Hausa alongside English in our learning environment, ENGAUSA has demonstrated that people should not be denied access to technical knowledge simply because they are not proficient in the dominant language of instruction.

This approach has helped expand inclusion across several dimensions, including disability, gender, age, culture, education, economic circumstances and geographical location. It has created more accessible learning opportunities for persons with physical, sensory and other educational support needs; expanded opportunities for women and girls to acquire technical and entrepreneurial skills; and brought children, young people and adults into shared learning environments. It has also enabled learners from diverse cultural and traditional backgrounds to participate confidently while opening pathways for Almajiris, out-of-school children and young people, school dropouts and people with little or no formal educational qualifications. By reducing the cost barriers to acquiring employable and entrepreneurial skills and extending opportunities beyond conventional urban and formal educational environments, the approach has made skills development more accessible to underserved communities.

Our experience also reinforces an important policy position: language-related barriers deserve explicit recognition as educational accessibility concerns. While language disadvantage is not itself a disability, it can prevent learners, including persons with disabilities, from understanding, communicating and participating fully in education and skills development. No learner should be left behind because of language or disability.

The ENGAUSA experience has also contributed to changing perceptions about the value of technical competencies. Through competency-based training, recognition of prior learning, practical mentoring and enterprise incubation, we have promoted the dignity of skills and the formalisation of informal businesses.

Our programmes have opened doors for people with zero certificates, Almajiris, unemployed and underemployed university graduates, women, freelancers and online workers. Many have progressed from learners to competent technicians, independent service providers, business owners and employers of labour.

Some graduates have gone further to become multipliers of opportunity, reaching thousands of other beneficiaries through their own training, mentoring, business activities and community engagements. More than 11,000 people have benefited from ENGAUSA®’s highly subsidised skills acquisition programmes and 100% scholarship opportunities supported by partner organisations and individual philanthropists.

Perhaps one of our most remarkable achievements is the creation of learning environments where people from different educational, socioeconomic, religious, traditional and cultural backgrounds sit together, learn together and build their futures without stereotypes or discrimination.

In line with our commitment to leaving no one behind, ENGAUSA®’s inclusive approach also creates learning opportunities for persons with hearing and visual impairments. Through appropriate learning adaptations and available assistive technologies, we strive to ensure that these learners are not excluded from acquiring relevant digital and technical skills. We recognise, however, that access to specialised assistive and adaptive technologies remains a major challenge, as such tools are still unavailable in many digital inclusion centres across the country. This underscores the need to prioritise accessible learning infrastructure, assistive technologies and specialised training support. More importantly, these provisions must be treated as high-priority requirements, not afterthoughts, in the design and implementation of educational curricula, National Occupational Standards, competency frameworks and national policies. Accessibility and disability inclusion should be built into these systems from the outset to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate meaningfully and benefit equitably from digital and technical skills development.

Another significant outcome of ENGAUSA®’s journey has been its ability to bring institutions and stakeholders together around a shared development objective. The visible impact of NITDA’s support helped demonstrate the value of grassroots innovation and inclusive skills development. Other important Federal Government institutions, including the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), also recognised the potential of this approach and became part of the wider ecosystem of support and collaboration.

This institutional collaboration has helped connect technology development, technical education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment in ways that create more meaningful opportunities for beneficiaries. We equally acknowledge the invaluable contributions of private organisations, development partners and individual philanthropists whose support has enabled many learners to access subsidised training and full scholarships. Their contributions deserve dedicated recognition, and we will be sharing more about their roles in subsequent publications.

The ENGAUSA Six-Year Impact Report is more than a record of numbers and activities. It is evidence that inclusive, practical and multilingual skills development can unlock human potential, create employment, stimulate entrepreneurship and strengthen communities.

We particularly appreciate NITDA for believing in the power of grassroots digital inclusion, supporting our innovation journey since 2020, and continuing to recognise and assess the outcomes of our programmes.

As Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda, sustained investment in language inclusion, disability accessibility, competency-based education and grassroots innovation will be essential to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.

Our journey continues, with a stronger commitment to breaking more barriers and bridging wider gaps.

ENGAUSA® GLOBAL TECH HUB LTD

Breaking More Barriers and Bridging Wider Gaps.

Our message is simple: Digital inclusion must speak the language of the people, accommodate their abilities and create opportunities for everyone.

Fire razes 110 shops at Kano timber market

A fire outbreak has destroyed 110 buildings and structures at Kofar Ruwa Timber Market in Kano State, leaving traders and business owners with significant losses.

The Kano State Fire Service, while confirming the incident in a statement, said the inferno razed 75 permanent buildings and 35 temporary structures across different sections of the market.

The Service’s Public Relations Officer, PFS Kabiru Isah Jafaru, said the fire broke out at approximately 7:39 a.m. on Saturday.

The agency received a distress call from a timber dealer identified as Alhaji Abba, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from various stations across the Kano metropolis.

Jafaru disclosed that upon arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that the flames had spread to several sections of the market, causing extensive damage to properties.

According to him, the firefighters eventually brought the inferno under control, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market and causing further destruction.

The Fire Service spokesperson urged traders and business owners to remain vigilant and adopt appropriate fire-safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

He particularly warned that extra caution was necessary during the harmattan season, when dry and windy weather conditions could increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire and the total financial losses suffered by affected traders had yet to be established

Prime Minister pledges to defend citizenship programme amid US, EU pressure

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the United States and European Union in efforts to resolve concerns surrounding its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), warning that mounting international pressures threaten the country’s economic interests and the mobility of its citizens.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of political independence, Browne acknowledged that the country faces significant external challenges, including the partial suspension of US visa issuance to its nationals and a request from the European Union to phase out the CBI programme by June 2028.

He warned that the EU’s position could jeopardise visa-free access to the Schengen Area, while the US restrictions have implications for citizens seeking educational, commercial and personal opportunities abroad.

‘We have offered our full cooperation and remain prepared to work constructively to address the security concerns they have raised, while safeguarding the legitimate interests, rights and opportunities of our people.’

He said the government would continue negotiations with both international partners, adopting what he described as a respectful but firm approach.

The Prime Minister defended the importance of the CBI programme, noting that it provides critical revenue for public services, infrastructure development and government financing.

‘Our Citizenship by Investment Programme has become an important source of public revenue and development financing. It helps to support public services, finance critical infrastructure and provide fiscal space that reduces the burden on taxpayers,’ he said.

Browne acknowledged, however, that the government must remain innovative in determining the programme’s future.

‘We cannot afford complacency, nor can we allow these challenges to diminish our national ambition,’ he declared.

Turning to the country’s economic performance, the Prime Minister said Antigua and Barbuda had achieved a significant milestone by attaining the World Bank’s high-income classification.

However, he cautioned that the designation did not necessarily reflect the circumstances of every household, acknowledging that some families continued to struggle financially.

He identified the rising cost of living, global supply chain disruptions and increasing energy prices among the challenges confronting the twin-island nation.

The Prime Minister said his administration remained committed to cushioning the impact on vulnerable households while pursuing greater economic diversification, renewable energy development and employment opportunities for young people.

‘Our independence must mean more than political sovereignty. It must also mean the economic capacity to determine our future, withstand external pressures and provide a better quality of life for our citizens.’

Browne also used the anniversary address to renew calls for reparatory justice, saying the consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation continued to affect Caribbean societies.

He disclosed that his government was advancing the issue in bilateral discussions with the United Kingdom and within the Commonwealth, including at a meeting scheduled to begin on Monday.

‘Our pursuit of reparatory justice therefore deserves seriousness, sensitivity and sustained international engagement,’ he said.

The Prime Minister said historical injustices must be acknowledged while maintaining constructive relationships with international partners.

The anniversary celebrations are also being marked by a visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Browne welcomed the royal couple, noting the historical significance of the visit, 45 years after Princess Margaret represented Queen Elizabeth II at the country’s independence celebrations in 1981.

He also addressed the future of the country’s constitutional arrangements, noting that Antigua and Barbuda had remained a constitutional monarchy since independence.

‘The future of our constitutional arrangements, however, belongs ultimately to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and must be determined by them through our constitutional processes,’ he said.

Reflecting on the country’s development, then Prime Minister highlighted investments in education, healthcare, airport and seaport infrastructure, including the establishment of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

He also recalled the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, particularly in Barbuda, and praised residents for their resilience and rebuilding efforts.

Browne said the country must now focus on strengthening economic self-reliance, creating sustainable opportunities and ensuring that future generations benefit from the sacrifices made since independence.

‘We have won our political independence. Now, let us deepen our economic independence,’ he said.

‘We have demonstrated our capacity to survive. Now, let us build the capacity to thrive.’