Category: Business Day

Canada’s has formally ceased its permanent residency (PR) pathway for foreign nationals through its flagship Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the permanent closure of the pathway intended for caregivers applying from outside the country, ending a long period of uncertainty for prospective applicants.

The HCWP, which launched with separate options for Home Support and Child Care, was initially presented as including streams for workers abroad. However, despite early assurances, the international intake component never opened for applications and has now been officially discontinued. Backlog blamed for sudden closure

While IRCC has not provided a formal explanation for the decision, available data strongly suggests the closure is a direct result of the immense backlog in caregiver applications.

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC’s inventory of caregiver applications, which includes both the current and older pilot programs, stood at a staggering 34,400.

The department has stated its intention to process only 14 per cent of this figure, equating to 4,816 applications by the end of the year.

With Canada having already admitted 4,200 new permanent residents under caregiver pilots between January 1 and September 11, 2025, only approximately 600 spaces remain for the rest of the year.

This allocation falls significantly short of the 2,750 new permanent residents originally planned for the in-Canada stream of the HCWP alone. The closure therefore aligns with a broader governmental policy shift to prioritise the transition of temporary residents already within Canada to permanent status.

This strategy is reflected in recent category-based Express Entry draws favouring the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and federal instructions requiring provinces to dedicate 75 per cent of their nomination allocations to candidates already residing domestically.

Alternative immigration options remain

Despite the end of the international HCWP stream, foreign caregivers still retain several avenues to immigrate. They are:

Express entry: Workers whose roles fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) remain eligible to apply through the federal Express Entry system.

They may benefit from the popular category-based selection draws for healthcare and social services roles, although it is highly competitive.

The most recent healthcare-specific draw required applicants to achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Several provincial governments continue to actively invite caregivers through their respective nomination streams. These include:

Manitoba: Skilled worker overseas stream.

Ontario: Employer job offer: Foreign worker stream (through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program).

New Brunswick: Priority occupations stream

Newfoundland and Labrador: Skilled Worker category.

Canada has set an overall limit of 10,920 permanent residents for 2025 across all economic federal pilots, a number that encompasses the Caregiver Pilots alongside programmes such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Start-up Visa Program.

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna state has called all Nigerians to work together, across communities, faiths, and backgrounds so as to confront the challengesand unlock the collective potentials, describing the 65th Democracy Day celebration as a history day. Adding that, It is in unity that Nigerians will continue to give life to the dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani who made the call today Wednesday, /1/10/2025 while addressing the good people of kaduna state stated that, in Kaduna State, they are translating vision into action as the administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and peoples centred investments especially in the areas of Infrastructure and Economic Connectivity, Rural Transformation Agricultural Revival, Human Capital Development and Health Care, Agriculture as well as Food Security, Peace Building, with Justice, Equity and inclusion.

The Governor stressed that his administration prioritised infrastructure as the engine of development haven launched 85 urban and rural road projects, covering 785 kilometres across the state, nearly half of them completed, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and improving access to markets for farmers and entrepreneurs alike with rebuilding urban roads, bridges, and essential public utilities to stimulate investment and elevate living conditions.

Uba Sani emphasized that Rural Revitalisation Agenda is reawakening the economic potential of previously marginalised communities with reopening of key markets such as the Birnin Gwari Livestock Market and the Kidandan Market in Giwa, a resurgence of local commerce and a renewed sense of community confidence, more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed, equipping the farmers to produce more while enhancing food security across the state.

‘ Education and health are not luxuries – they are the pillars of our future. We are executing a comprehensive reform of our educational system to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning. This includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools. Through the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, we have successfully returned over 10,728 children to the classroom. Moreover, we have reopened 535 schools previously shut due to insecurity, reaffirming our belief that education is a right, not a privilege’. He added He added that, ‘ In healthcare, we have turned promises into action. We have upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres across the state, bringing vital services closer to rural communities. These efforts are supported by our investments in three world-class vocational institutes, which are empowering our youth and women with marketable skills to thrive in an evolving economy. Agriculture and Food Security: Recognising the strategic importance of agriculture, we have allocated over 10% of the 2025 budget to the sector – the highest in recent years. This demonstrates our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to ensure long-term food security and economic growth’ ‘.

He said, ‘ We understand that meaningful development is impossible without peace. This is why we have deepened our investment in community security, reconciliation, and dialogue. We are expanding community policing initiatives, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and supporting victims of conflict. Through these efforts, we are rebuilding trust across diverse communities and reaffirming our collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. Justice, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of our governance approach. We are building a Kaduna State where policy is driven by fairness, leadership is guided by empathy, and every community, no matter how remote, has a voice in shaping our shared future ‘.

Sani who expressed determination to build a Kaduna that is safe, strong, and inclusive detailed that the path ahead requires greater cooperation between government and the people. Adding that Development is a shared responsibility as such every citizen should contribute through acts of peace, through civic participation, and through unwavering belief in the promise of our state and nation. ‘Nigeria’s future remains bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. Under His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the nation is undergoing bold reforms to secure peace, restore prosperity, and strengthen democratic governance. Kaduna stands fully in support of this vision. As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where hope thrives and unity endures. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country ‘ he stated.

The White House has announced a 20-point proposal it says could immediately halt Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and left much of the enclave in ruins. Under the plan, fighting would stop at once if both sides agree. All captives held in Gaza – alive or dead – would be returned within 72 hours, while Israel would release Palestinian prisoners in exchange. The proposal also outlines a post-war political framework: Gaza would be temporarily administered by a Palestinian technocratic government with no role for Hamas. Israel, in turn, would pledge not to annex the territory. The full text of the proposal, published by Al Jazeera, sets out the following points:

Gaza will be a deradicalised terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbours.

Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.

If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.

Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.

Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025, agreement.

Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the ‘Board of Peace,’ which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump’s peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.

A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.

A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.

No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.

Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.

A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.

The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.

Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the [Israeli military] will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the [Israeli military], ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the [Israeli military] will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.

In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the [Israeli military] to the ISF.

An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.

While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was the hero at Rams Park on Tuesday night as his penalty fires Galatasaray to a 1-0 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen smashed home from the spot in the 26th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai struck Baris Alper Yilmaz in the face inside the box. The goal not only sealed a famous win for the Turkish champions but also saw Osimhen become the first Nigerian to reach 10 goals in the Champions League proper, surpassing Obafemi Martins.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot opted for a surprising line-up, deploying Dominik Szoboszlai at full-back and pushing Jeremie Frimpong further forward, while Mohamed Salah was left on the bench. Despite dominating possession, the Reds failed to break down a disciplined Galatasaray side, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz seeing efforts saved by Ugurcan Çakir.

At the other end, Osimhen’s pace unsettled Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and the hosts pressed with relentless energy, buoyed by a raucous Istanbul crowd.

The defeat marked back-to-back losses for Liverpool in Europe, raising concerns for Slot, who admitted his side’s performance was as troubling as the result.

For Galatasaray, the win ended a dismal run of one victory in their previous 18 Champions League group games and none in their last seven European ties.

Coach Okan Buruk’s men showed grit and passion to revive their European campaign and hand their fans a night to remember.

The New board of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has pledged to reposition the agency for the task of rebuilding damaged ecosystems, restoring public confidence and preserving the environment in the affected communities.

The board made this pledge at its inaugural meeting in Abuja recently. The meeting, which was attended by the management of NOSDRA, marked a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to reposition itself for improved performance, regulatory efficiency, and environmental protection.

The board, reconstituted by President Bola Tinubu, is expected to provide oversight and leadership as NOSDRA works to strengthen its capacity to manage oil spill incidents and enforce environmental regulations across the country. Edward Omo-Erewa, chairman of the NOSDRA board, who presided over the meeting, said the new board would focus on restoring public trust in the agency, improving internal governance, and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders.

‘We recognize the critical role NOSDRA plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s environment and the health of its people. This board will work to restore public confidence, rebuild damaged ecosystems, and ensure a culture of compliance and transparency,’ the chairman said.

He outlined the board’s three strategic priorities, including strengthening communication and governance within the agency, implementing the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, and rebuilding public trust through stakeholder engagement. Omo-Erewa urged board members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, adding that the board was committed to repositioning NOSDRA in line with its Establishment Act of 2006.

Chukwuemeka Woke, Director General of NOSDRA, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working in close partnership with the newly appointed board members.

He emphasized that their collaboration would be key to enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and building upon the agency’s previous achievements

‘We are prepared to engage with the board in a robust and transparent manner to ensure the agency delivers on its mandate,’ Woke said, urging urged all staff members to remain diligent and focused in carrying out their responsibilities, emphasizing that their collective efforts are essential to building a stronger and more effective agency. Woke also thanked President Tinubu for what he described as a timely and strategic move in reconstituting the board, stating that the agency was eager to work with the new Board to achieve greater results.

President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide address on Wednesday at 7 a.m. to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said on Tuesday via X that all television, radio, and electronic media platforms should hook up to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. This will be Tinubu’s third Independence Day address since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His predecessors have used the October 1 broadcast to reflect on the country’s journey since independence from Britain in 1960 and to outline key policy directions.

The president is expected to speak on national unity, economic reforms, and the administration’s priorities for the coming year.

On Monday, the federal government announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade. Instead, October 1 has been declared a public holiday.

Lord Marland, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), has said that the current tariff war being unleashed by the United States of America against the rest of the world is a great opportunity for the Commonwealth trade, which has 56 member nations.

Lord Marland stated this during his recent visit to Nigeria for a meeting with CWEIC Nigeria strategic partners, top Nigerian businesses and government officials.

Marland noted that the tariff war is a great opportunity for Commonwealth trade because it was made up of 56 nations that speak a common language with a fairly similar trade outlook.

According to him, ‘Suddenly you have one of the biggest consumers in the world putting tariffs on that trade so that it is no longer free trade. ‘It gives a great opportunity for those who support free trade. And that is why people will turn and look to their friends, many of them in Commonwealth countries, for trading.’

Marland further pointed out that The Bahamas is currently keen for direct trade links with Nigeria and Ghana.

‘We will facilitate their introductions so that they can buy direct from Nigeria rather than going through the United States of America,’ he said. He added that Canada is looking for new markets and renewing friendships.

He also gave credit to African Governments for expanding free trade with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

‘The first thing that I say is the amazing speed AfCFTA was signed. It is a great credit to the African nations that they cooperated so quickly to sign that agreement. ‘AfCFTA is the way that trade has got to go. If you believe in free trade, you have to commit to it.

‘But it is for the members of AfCFTA to really make sure that happens because this is their opportunity now to build relationships with a whole lot of other countries flying the flag of free trades.

‘Free trade has shown through history that it has lifted people out of poverty. That it is a boost to the economies; that it has created and sustained a transparent society for business.

‘And that is why it can be very important for Africa to push hard to ensure that the barriers to trade are reduced and relationships are established very strongly with those that believe in that concept,’ Lord Marland said.

Small businesses in Nigeria, from bustling market stalls to family-run beauty salons, have long grappled with unreliable and costly internet access.

Airtel Nigeria’s new SmartConnect 5G router, launched this month, aims to address these challenges with a budget-friendly device designed to deliver faster, more stable connectivity for the country’s vital small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Priced at N25,000, the SmartConnect package includes the router, a SIM card, and 30 days of unlimited data. Monthly plans start at N25,000 for 50 Mbps or N45,000 for 100 Mbps, offering speeds that rival more expensive fibre options often unavailable outside major cities. The device, an Outdoor Unit (ODU) mounted externally, captures stronger signals than traditional indoor routers, a critical feature in crowded urban areas or remote regions where walls and structures weaken reception.

Nigeria’s SMEs, which make up over 96 percent of businesses and contribute nearly half of the nation’s GDP, often face connectivity hurdles that disrupt digital payments, inventory management, and online marketing.

A 2025 survey by the Cherie Blair Foundation highlighted that 45 percent of women entrepreneurs in developing markets, including Nigeria, cite unreliable or unaffordable internet as a major barrier. Traders relying on WhatsApp or Instagram to reach customers are particularly vulnerable to network fluctuations.

The SmartConnect’s design addresses some of these pain points. Its ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously suits small shops, fintech startups, or hospitality businesses running point-of-sale systems, security cameras, and smartphones. A built-in battery pack provides five to six hours of power backup, a practical feature in a country plagued by frequent outages. The router also switches to 4G LTE when 5G signals are weak, ensuring usability even in areas with limited 5G coverage, which Airtel began rolling out in 2023.

While the pricing undercuts many broadband alternatives, the SmartConnect’s success hinges on Airtel’s ability to scale its 5G network, which remains patchy outside urban centers. Nigeria’s broadband penetration, at 48.01 percent as of July 2025, lags behind the government’s 70 percent target by 2030.

The router’s all-in-one approach, bundling hardware, installation, and data, marks a shift from traditional telecom models focused solely on data plans. For small businesses with limited technical expertise, this could simplify adoption.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,500 personnel across Abuja to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Olusola Odumosu, commandant of the FCT Command, announced the deployment in Abuja on Monday, explaining that the operation was designed to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets before, during, and after the October 1 celebrations.

According to Odumosu, the deployment covers specialized units including the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), as well as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) unit.

He noted that personnel have been strategically stationed at vulnerable locations and soft targets such as shopping malls, recreational centres, prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, the City Gate, the Three Arms Zone, government buildings, and other sensitive areas housing national assets.

The commandant disclosed that undercover operatives have already been positioned across the city for covert operations and surveillance to forestall emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

He added that ‘black spots’ like uncompleted buildings suspected to harbour criminal elements have also been placed under watch.

‘All hands must be on deck. I will not tolerate any form of security breach. Area Commanders and Divisional Officers must ensure their presence is felt in their respective jurisdictions,’ Odumosu directed.

While charging his officers to conduct themselves professionally and work in synergy with other security agencies, he warned against harassment, intimidation, or accidental discharge during operations.

He assured FCT residents of a secured environment throughout the festivities, emphasizing that their cooperation is equally important.

‘My personnel are ready to ensure a peaceful celebration, but you also have a part to play by being vigilant and reporting suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies,’ he said.

Odumosu further warned criminals and vandals to steer clear of critical infrastructure, stressing that covert operatives are spread across the capital city and would not hesitate to apprehend offenders.

The FCT NSCDC boss wished residents of the FCT a joyous 65th Independence Day, urging them to remain hopeful about Nigeria’s future while praying for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

In Nigeria, it is a legal requirement for employers to deduct and remit both Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax and pension contributions on behalf of their employees. However, a disturbing trend is emerging where some employers deduct these amounts from employees’ salaries but fail to forward them to the relevant authorities. This unethical and illegal practice not only violates the law but also jeopardises employees’ financial security and tarnishes the integrity of businesses.

By law, employers must deduct 8 percent of an employee’s salary as a pension contribution and add their own 10 percent, remitting a total of 18 percent to the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) within seven working days of salary payment. Similarly, PAYE tax deductions must be remitted to the State Internal Revenue Service (SIRS) by the 10th day of the following month. These statutory obligations are clear and non-negotiable.

Yet, some employers either divert these funds for other purposes or simply neglect to remit them altogether. This malpractice is not only unethical but also criminal, with serious consequences for both employees and employers.

For employees, the failure to remit pension contributions can have devastating effects. Pension funds are meant to provide financial security after years of dedicated service. Discovering, often years later, that these contributions were never actually paid into their pension accounts can lead to severe financial hardship and emotional distress. It is a betrayal of trust that no worker should have to endure. Similarly, unremitted PAYE taxes prevent employees from obtaining their Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC), documents essential for loan applications, securing contracts, accessing grants, and even some travel visa processes. The ripple effects of this breach extend far beyond the pay cheque.

Employers who fail to remit these statutory deductions expose themselves to harsh penalties. For PAYE, they face a 10 percent penalty plus commercial interest rates on the amounts not remitted. The Pension Commission (PenCom) imposes a 2 percent monthly interest on outstanding pension contributions. Beyond the financial penalties, such practices damage an employer’s reputation and can trigger legal action, audits, and loss of business confidence.

To safeguard both employees and the company, transparency and accountability must be prioritised. Employers should ensure timely and complete remittance of all statutory deductions. Meanwhile, employees should be proactive by regularly checking their pension statements and requesting confirmation of tax remittance from their employers. Providing your employer with your correct PAYER ID and pension number is essential to facilitate accurate processing.

Accountants and HR professionals play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. It is their duty to advise management on the legal and ethical implications of non-remittance. They must ensure that the company complies fully with its obligations to avoid penalties and protect employee interests.

Finally, employers owe more than just salaries; they owe integrity and a commitment to their employees’ financial futures. When employers deduct but fail to remit, it is a breach of trust with far-reaching consequences. Employees must remain vigilant, and professionals must advocate for compliance. Only through collective responsibility can we uphold fairness, transparency, and financial security within Nigeria’s workforce.