Category: Nigerian Tribune

Qur’an says: If you avoid the major sins which you are forbidden, We will remove from you your lesser sins and admit you to a noble entrance [into paradise]. ‘Suratul Nisa Ayat 31 (Qur’an 4 verse 31)’.

Literarily, Sin is a transgressive act that violates a moral, social, or divine law. It drives narrative conflict, with characters grappling with guilt, consequences, or the human condition.

In Islam, sin (known as dhamb or ma’siyah) is any (transgression) deliberate action, speech, or intention that violates the laws and commands of Allah SWT. The one who commits it will be held accountable and is liable to its consequences, sometimes only in this world and other times in both worlds.

Something we may consider is that a sin that seems small may be huge in the sight of Allah SWT.

Allah SWT says in the Quran: ‘Taking it lightly while it is (extremely) serious in the sight of Allah’ (Surah An-Nur, 24:15).

Sin is an acquired, personal deviation from humanity’s natural state of innocence (fitrah). It requires free will and intentionality, and no one bears the burden of another’s sins.

Abiding by the moral scale of Islam, it is not a sin that man is imperfect or fallible. This is part of his nature as a finite limited creature. But it is a sin if he has the ways and means of relative perfection and chooses not to seek it. A sin is any act that:

1. Is deliberate.

2. Defies the unequivocal law of Allah SWT,

3. Violates the rights of Allah SWT or the right of man,

4. Is harmful to the soul or body and

5. Is normally avoidable.

Sins however are categorized into two forms, major sins and minor sins. The Qur’an says: Those who avoid great sins and indecencies, and when they are angry even they forgive. Surah Ash-Shura Verse 37.

Major sins are considered as all what is forbidden by Allah SWT and his Messenger SAW in the Qur’an and the sunnah in addition to what is narrated on the authority of the early Muslims. Allah SWT promises whoever avoids the major sins to expiate his minor sins. The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘The five prescribed Prayers, and from one Friday Prayer to another and from Ramadan to another entail forgiveness for what is between them as long as you do not commit the major sins.’ [Muslim, Tirimidhi, ibn Khurayamah and Ahmed]. Therefore, we are obliged to learn about what the major sins are, so that Muslim may avoid them. Scholars of Islamic theology are of different opinions about the numbers of the major sins. It is argued that they are only seven owing to the Prophet’s SAW saying: ‘Avoid the seven heinous sins: Worshipping others with Allah SWT, Sorcery, Taking a life which Allah SWT has made sacred except in the course of justice, Devouring usury, Appropriating the property of the orphan, Fleeing from the battlefield, and Charging believing women, Unmindful though innocent with adultery.’ [Bukhari and Muslim].

Ibn Abbas holds that they are likely counted as seventy not seven. That is a good point of view because enumeration in not intended in the Hadith;

Any sin entailing either a threat of punishment in the hereafter explicitly mentioned by the Qur’an or Hadith, a prescribed legal penalty (Hadd), or being accursed by Allah SWT or His Messenger SAW is called a Major Sin. Also, we have to note that some major sins are most heinous than another. This is because Prophet SAW has enlisted SHIRIK (Worshipping others with Allah SWT) though a polytheist will suffer eternal torture in Fire and will never be forgiven.

Allah SWT says: Allah forgiveth not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him, but HE forgiveth whom HE pleaseth other sins than this. (Surah An-Nisa verse 116).

The worst major sin is Shirk [Ascribing Associates To Allah SWT]

It is of two kinds:

To hold that Allah SWT has an equal, whereas HE SWT has created you, and to worship another with HIM, whether it be a stone, tree, sun, moon, prophet, sheikh, star, angel or other. This is the greatest shirik mentioned by Allah SWT in the (Surah An-Nisa verse 116) as quoted above.

False worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing. (Suratul Luqman verse 13).

‘Whoever joins other gods with Allah; Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his above’. [Suratul Al-Ma’idah verse 72].

The Quranic verses concerning this are very numerous. It is being absolutely certain that whoever ascribes associates to Allah SWT and dies in such a state is one of Hell’s inhabitants. Just as whoever believes in Allah SWT and dies as a believer is one of the inhabitants of Paradise, even if he should be punished first.

The Prophet SAW said: ‘Shall I tell you of the worst major sins? Worshipping others with Allah SWT, showing disrespect to parents, giving a false statement, and testifying to the truth of a falsehood.’ And he kept repeating it until we were telling ourselves (out of sympathy for him because of the strain of repeating it), if only he would be silent.’ ‘Avoid the seven heinous sins.’ And he mentioned ascribing associates to Allah SWT.

Ostentation

Allah SWT says: ‘Whoever expect to meet his Lord, let him work righteous, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.’ [Suratul Khaf verse 110]. i.e. does not show off in good works. The Prophet SAW says: ‘Beware of the lesser shirik.?’ He said, ‘Showing off in good works. Allah SWT say when recompensing the mankind for their deeds: Go to those whom you showed off to in the world to see how they could recompense you.’ Also, the Messenger of Allah SWT says: ‘If anybody associates something with Me, I am not affected. If anyone associates somebody with Me, in anyway, I reject him and his act of associating’

In another narration, The Prophet SAW said, ‘A person who does some good work in order to boast will have his faults exposed by Allah SWT and a person whose motive in doing some good deed is to show it. Allah the Most High will treat his as a hypocrite’. Also, The Prophet SAW said, ‘There may be a faster who does not gain from his fasting but hunger and thirst.’

Thus, the one who shows off in good works will have no value but the people’s saying that he did good and he will not be rewarded in the hereafter.

Allah SWT says, ‘And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did [in this life], and We shall make such deed as floating dust scattered about.’ Suratul Furqan verse 23.

The Messenger of Allah SAW said, ‘On the day of judgment some groups of people will be brought near Paradise. Having smelt its fragrance, and seen palaces and blessings therein, they will hear a call saying ‘Take them away, it is not for them’. Accordingly, they return so sorrowful that no one could have such feeling. They will call upon Allah, ‘O Lord were we entered into the Hell-Fire before seeing what You have prepared for Your Friends, it would have been better.’ Then Allah will say, ‘That is what I want. When you were alone you defied Me with grievous sins, but when you meet people you showed off in good works, You only refrain [from things] for their sake. Hence, today, I will severely torment you in addition to depriving you from My bountiful reward’. It was related that a man asked the Messenger of Allah SAW ‘How can I be redeemed? The Prophet SAW said, ‘If you do not deceive Allah’ The man asked, How is Allah deceived?’ He SAW replied, ‘When you do something which Allah and His Messenger commanded you to do but you intend other than pleasing Allah SWT. Beware of ostentation, it is the lesser shirik [polytheism]; On the day of judgement, the ostentations will be called by four names: O Ostentations, O traitors, O corrupt, O loser; what you did is wasted and your reward is nullified. We will not reward you, go and get your reward from whomever you acted to deceive?’. A wise man was asked, ‘Who is the sincere one? He SAW replied, ‘It is he who hides his good deeds as he does with his bad deeds.’ Someone asked, ‘What is the good of sincerity?’ He SAW said, ‘When you dislike to be praised by people.’ [Musnad Ahmad]

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has warned against the duplication and inflation of the 2027 budget proposal.

Soludo gave the warning during the inauguration of the committee on next year’s appropriation, held in Awka, the state capital.

He urged the members to consider evidence-based projects with realistic projections and accurate costing.

Soludo, who spoke through the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye, charged the members to keep to the transparent and people-driven process.

Soludo described the budget as ‘the heartbeat of governance,’ adding that it must deliver real impact to Ndi Anambra and drive Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformative agenda.

Among the key directives to the committee were ‘discipline, integrity and transparency at every stage as well as evidence based projects , zero tolerance to inflation and duplications.’

He also called on the committee to prioritise completion of ongoing projects, realistic projections, accurate costing, early preparation as well as stronger MDA synergy.

He also stressed smart prioritisation of critical needs like erosion control.

Mrs. Chinyere Nwabachili, Permanent Secretary, presented the 2027 budget calendar from community submissions to legislative approval, while Dr. Christy Akabuo, Head of Budget, noted that bilateral sessions will align spending with priorities and fiscal sustainability.

Prince Chris Azor, Chairman of ACSONet, pledged civil society’s support for a transparent, inclusive process.

The Ministry pledged full backing to the committee, targeting a budget that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to unlock the state’s vast waterways potential for economic growth, investment and job creation.

Ododo gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Barrister Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, alongside the Managing Director of the Authority, Yusuf Umar Girie, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on inland waterways development.

The governor said Kogi, as Nigeria’s Confluence State, occupies a strategic position in inland water transportation and must leverage its natural endowment to drive sustainable economic development.

‘We are fully committed to partnering with NIWA to harness the enormous potential of our waterways. Kogi occupies a strategic position as the Confluence State, and we are determined to ensure these natural assets become catalysts for sustainable economic growth, investment, wealth creation and employment,’ Ododo said.

He noted that the state’s development agenda aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Blue Economy initiative, describing inland waterways as a critical driver of commerce, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, logistics and industrial development.

According to him, the state government is ready to provide the necessary institutional support for projects aimed at expanding river transport infrastructure, improving navigation, enhancing safety and attracting private investment into the waterways sector.

Ododo added that increased investment in water transportation would ease pressure on road networks, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and commercial goods, and stimulate economic activities in riverine communities.

Earlier, Shagari called for stronger collaboration between the federal government and Kogi State to maximise the economic opportunities inherent in the state’s inland waterways.

He described Kogi as one of Nigeria’s most strategically endowed states in terms of inland water resources, noting that effective management of the waterways would significantly contribute to national economic growth.

‘Kogi State is uniquely blessed with vast and strategic inland waterways which, if properly harnessed, can transform transportation, commerce, agriculture, tourism, fisheries and logistics. The opportunities are enormous and must be fully exploited for the benefit of our people and the nation’s economy,’ Shagari said.

The NIWA Board Chairman said the Authority remains committed to strengthening partnerships with state governments to advance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the development of the blue economy.

He identified key areas of collaboration to include the rehabilitation and construction of jetties and landing sites, dredging of navigable channels, improvement of waterways safety and security, promotion of safe water transportation, and mobilisation of private sector investment.

According to him, strengthening inland waterways infrastructure would reduce transportation costs, improve connectivity among communities, expand regional trade and position Kogi as a major hub for inland navigation.

Both parties expressed confidence that sustained collaboration would accelerate infrastructure development, attract investment, deepen the blue economy and create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerians.

MASSIVE job loss looms in Nigeria’s logistic chain sub-sector following the increasing take-over of logistics jobs by foreign firms at the nations ports and borders, a situation that is threatening employment, encouraging capital flight and posing serious national security risks through massive importation of arms and ammunition at Nigerian ports.

Disclosing this with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively, the former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, called on the National Assembly to urgently initiate legislation that would reserve critical aspects of Nigeria’s freight forwarding and customs brokerage business for indigenous operators.

According to Mr. Kayode Farinto: ‘Nigeria’s logistics industry has gradually slipped into the hands of foreign interests, leaving indigenous freight forwarders increasingly marginalized, particularly in the handling of project cargoes and customs brokerage services

‘The development calls for urgent legislative intervention similar to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act to ensure that critical components of the logistics value chain are reserved for Nigerians.’

Farinto explained that logistics comprises several interconnected sectors, including transportation planning, cargo booking, documentation, customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling and customs brokerage.

However, he stressed that customs brokerage and freight forwarding should be protected because of their strategic importance to the nation’s economy and security.

He urged the National Assembly to either enact a new law specifically on indigenous freight forwarding or expand the country’s local content legislation to accommodate customs brokerage and other sensitive areas of the maritime logistics industry.

Such legislation, according to him, would stimulate local participation, create jobs and ensure that wealth generated within the sector remains in the Nigerian economy.

‘If freight forwarding is left in the hands of indigenous Nigerians, it will create employment opportunities and ensure that revenues generated from the business are retained within the country rather than being repatriated abroad,’ he said.

Farinto lamented that foreign firms now dominate the lucrative project cargo segment of the industry, alleging that about 90 per cent of project cargoes entering Nigerian ports are handled by expatriate companies.

He noted that indigenous freight forwarders, who previously played significant roles in handling specialised cargoes, have steadily been edged out by multinational logistics companies.

‘I cannot remember the last time an indigenous freight forwarder handled a major project cargo in Nigeria. Today, almost everything is controlled by foreign companies,’ he said.

He further expressed concern that international shipping companies have expanded beyond their traditional role of transporting cargoes into freight forwarding and customs brokerage, thereby competing directly with Nigerian practitioners.

Citing Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) as an example, Farinto said shipping lines are increasingly offering end-to-end logistics services that have significantly reduced business opportunities available to indigenous freight forwarders.

DANGOTE Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) has successfully raised approximately $2.5 billion through a landmark private equity placement, marking what is being described as Africa’s largest publicly disclosed primary equity private placement to date.

The transaction represents the first time the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has admitted external investors beyond its core shareholders, underscoring growing investor confidence in the continent’s largest single-train refinery and Nigeria’s energy sector.

According to the company, the fresh capital will finance the expansion of its refinery and petrochemical complex, strengthen its balance sheet and enhance financial flexibility for future growth initiatives.

The equity offering attracted a broad range of investors, including international and African institutional funds, sovereign-related investment vehicles, development finance institutions, strategic partners and high-net-worth individuals. Among the notable participants were the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and India Infra Buildco, an investment vehicle supported by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited and Chairman of DPRP, Aliko Dangote, described the transaction as a strategic milestone for the company.

‘This placement represents a strategic step to deepen and further institutionalise the Enterprise’s shareholder base, while raising capital to complement our internal cash flows and external funding as DPRP advances its expansion agenda,’ Dangote said.

He added that the fundraising reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding Africa’s refining and petrochemical capacity, reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and strengthening the continent’s energy security.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, David Bird, said the strong investor appetite reflected confidence in the refinery’s operational performance and long-term prospects.

‘The exceptional response we witnessed is a testament to our operational excellence, execution capability and the confidence investors have in DPRP’s leadership and future potential,’ Bird said.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of attempting to internationalise Nigeria’s political contest, warning opposition politicians against actions that could undermine the country’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Matawalle, in a statement issued on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, condemned reports alleging that Atiku engaged a United States lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister described the alleged move as a desperate bid to discredit a constitutionally elected government, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic mandate could neither be overturned nor influenced by foreign interests.

He urged opposition leaders to embrace constructive politics instead of what he called attempts to damage the country’s image on the international stage.

‘Rather than seeking to tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad and undermine the Presidency, opposition leaders should channel their energy towards supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity, strengthen national unity and improve the welfare of Nigerians,’ Matawalle said.

He maintained that while political disagreements were a normal feature of democracy, they should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation.

‘The Presidency is a symbol of our national sovereignty and must be respected irrespective of political affiliation. No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or alter the mandate freely given by Nigerians. Our political differences must never come at the expense of our country’s image and collective interest,’ he added.

Matawalle also claimed that the Tinubu administration was earning growing international recognition for its security efforts and foreign engagements.

He cited recent commendation from former United States President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security cooperation and anti-terrorism efforts, saying the development reflected increasing global confidence in the administration.

‘Such international recognition reflects the growing confidence in Nigeria’s efforts under President Tinubu and should encourage all patriotic citizens to work together rather than promote divisive narratives abroad,’ he said.

The minister dismissed what he described as campaigns of falsehood against the government, warning that such efforts would not succeed.

‘Promoting propaganda and hatred against a government supported by the goodwill of the people will not affect its survival and progress. Rather, it will backfire on those sponsoring such utterances,’ he said.

He added, ‘Those thinking that the use of lies and mischief can bring down President Tinubu’s government are jokers, because the country belongs to the people.’

Matawalle called on opposition politicians to pursue issue-based politics by presenting alternative policies rather than engaging in actions capable of escalating political tension.

‘Nigeria belongs to all of us, and every political actor has a responsibility to protect the country’s unity, stability and international reputation,’ he said.

Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday disowned comments by former Commissioner for Energy, Mr Razaq Obe, on the outcome of the party’s National Assembly primaries, saying his remarks were personal and did not reflect the official position of the party.

The State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole, stated this while announcing the constitution of a Reconciliation Committee to address grievances arising from the recently concluded primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure, Kolawole said the committee, to be chaired by the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, would immediately begin engaging aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders.

Reacting to criticisms by some dissatisfied aspirants, including Obe, the APC chairman maintained that every aspirant had the constitutional right to express personal opinions but stressed that such remarks should not be mistaken for the official position of the ruling party.

‘Those who did not win have every right to express their opinions. Razaq Obe is entitled to his opinion. He did not speak on behalf of the party, the government or the leadership. He spoke as an individual,’ Kolawole said.

The APC chairman in Ondo dismissed speculations that disagreements arising from the party’s National Assembly primaries could divide the party, describing them as normal political developments.

According to him, the APC followed its constitutional process by setting up a review committee to examine petitions from the primaries, after which the national leadership took decisions on the committee’s recommendations.

Kolawole said aggrieved aspirants had the right to express their grievances but should respect the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanism.

He recalled that he was once denied a return ticket to the House of Representatives after serving one term but accepted the party’s decision and was subsequently appointed a Special Adviser, stressing that ‘if you don’t get a ticket, your value is still appreciated in the APC.’

‘There is no way we will go through political activities without issues. There will be political bickering and arguments, but one thing that is good about our party is that we have internal mechanisms for resolving disagreements,’ he added.

Kolawole explained that the decision to constitute the reconciliation committee followed extensive consultations with the party leadership after the conclusion of the party’s congresses, conventions, by-elections and National Assembly primaries.

According to him, the emergence of candidates for the various elective positions signalled the end of one phase of the electoral process and the beginning of reconciliation.

He said, ‘We’ve done extensive consultations with the leadership, and approval has been given to set up a Reconciliation Committee that will hit the ground running immediately,’

He added that Poroye would head the committee alongside experienced party leaders and stakeholders with state and national influence to foster unity and ensure that aggrieved members remained within the fold.

The APC chairman also dismissed concerns that the absence of a formidable opposition in Ondo State could undermine democracy, attributing the party’s growing acceptance to the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s OUR EASE agenda.

Kolawole further disclosed that the party had registered about 84 support groups across the state and was working towards delivering at least one million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election through coordinated grassroots mobilisation.

He added that the party would harmonise and coordinate all the support groups through its established structures to strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections.

West Africa’s first astronaut, Chief Owolabi Salis, has met former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as part of a strategic dialogue targeted at national development.

The New York-based lawyer and chartered accountant, who was in Nigeria recently, disclosed that the move had become expedient to put Nigeria on the right democratic trajectory.

According to him, plans are also in the works to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Salis, while commending the Tinubu administration for its reforms, however, noted that Nigeria was still drifting after over two decades of democracy despite its potential.

The New York-based lawyer and chartered accountant, who described his recent meeting as very revealing, blamed the development on desperate politicians and a weak democratic culture, which he said needed to be rejigged.

‘This is the major reason the poor continue to be poor in spite of measures targeted at lifting people out of poverty by the present administration.

‘This has led to a wide gulf between the rich and the poor, who are dying on a daily basis due to poverty and medical issues that should not be dying of. Some antibiotics are out of reach of the poor, and without such, they die untimely death.

‘This hardly concerns the rich because they do not rely on government for medicals and they can fly out of the country if the need arises.

‘I know I spend between $4,000 and $5,000 on assisting people to take care of food and medicals on a monthly basis.

‘This is the reason we need a better electoral process that will ensure elections are properly conducted.

‘With all sense of modesty, I think I have the solution, though I do not want to discuss this in the media, but I hope to share ideas with President Tinubu and other leaders soon,’ he stated.

‘I know President Tinubu is serious about tackling the issues and I can sense that he loves Nigeria from the interactions I have seen him have with many leaders.

‘I also had the privilege of meeting him briefly in Qatar alongside a close friend from the North and I can deduce that he is serious about taking Nigeria to the next level,’ he added.

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has been appointed the Chancellor of Westland University, Iwo, with a commitment to deploy his influence and resources to transform the institution into one of Nigeria’s leading private universities.

The foremost traditional ruler made the pledge during a familiarisation visit to the university following his appointment as Chancellor on Thursday, assuring the management, staff and other stakeholders of his unwavering commitment to the institution’s growth and development.

Addressing members of the Governing Council, management and staff, Oba Akanbi stressed the need for dedication, teamwork and a shared vision, saying the university’s success depends largely on the commitment of its workforce.

He urged members of staff to see the institution as a collective project rather than merely a place of employment, adding that excellence can only be achieved through unity of purpose and selfless service.

The monarch assured the university community of his accessibility and readiness to support initiatives that would advance the institution’s vision and strengthen its reputation.

‘I am fully committed to this university. Let us work together with passion and determination. My doors are always open because your success is our collective success. If we remain focused, Westland University will become a reference point in higher education, and people across the country will celebrate its achievements,’ he said.

Oba Akanbi also toured key facilities on the campus, expressing satisfaction with the university’s modern infrastructure and peaceful learning environment.

He described the institution as safe and conducive for academic excellence and encouraged parents and guardians seeking quality education to consider Westland University for their children.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Oyekunle Oyelami, said the university was established to produce graduates equipped with practical knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to thrive independently after graduation.

He appealed to prospective students to choose Westland University as their institution of first choice.

Also speaking, the Vice President of the university, Dr Esther Adepoju, appreciated the Oluwo for accepting the appointment as Chancellor and for his unwavering support for the institution over the years.

She said the monarch’s association with the university has boosted public confidence, strengthened its security architecture and deepened community support, expressing optimism that his leadership would further enhance the institution’s quest for academic excellence and national recognition.

For many Nigerians relocating to the United Kingdom with their spouses and children, the cost of obtaining a visa goes far beyond application fees. One of the largest expenses is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a mandatory payment that many applicants only fully appreciate when calculating the total cost of moving.

The surcharge is paid upfront as part of most visa applications and can significantly increase relocation costs, especially for families with multiple dependants. Although paying the IHS gives eligible migrants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), many newcomers are surprised to learn that they may also pay taxes that help to fund the NHS after they begin working.

In this article, Tribune Online explains what Nigerians should know about the Immigration Health Surcharge before relocating to the UK.

Immigration Health Surcharge is compulsory for most visa applicants

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee paid by most people applying for a UK visa that allows them to stay in the country for more than six months. The fee must usually be paid before a visa application can be processed. The amount payable depends on the type of visa, the applicant’s age and the length of stay in the UK. According to the UK government, applicants normally pay the surcharge in full for the duration of their visa when submitting their application.

Every dependant may attract separate surcharge

One of the biggest financial challenges for families is that the surcharge generally applies to each eligible applicant. This means a principal applicant, spouse and children may each have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge if they require it under the immigration rules.

As family size increases, the total amount payable can rise substantially because each person’s application is assessed separately. For this reason, many families find that the healthcare surcharge becomes one of the largest upfront relocation expenses.

Payment is made before visa is approved

Unlike some government fees that are paid after approval, the Immigration Health Surcharge is normally paid during the visa application process.

Applicants who do not complete the required payment where applicable may not be able to proceed with their application. This means families need to budget for the surcharge well before travelling to the UK.

Paying surcharge does not replace taxes

Many newcomers are surprised to discover that paying the Immigration Health Surcharge does not exempt them from paying taxes once they begin working in the UK. Employees who meet the relevant thresholds may still pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions under UK tax laws. National Insurance helps to fund several state benefits and contributes to the financing of public services, including aspects of healthcare.

Some visa categories are exempt

Not every migrant is required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

According to the UK government, applicants under certain visa categories, including the Health and Care Worker visa, are exempt from paying the surcharge if they meet the eligibility requirements. Other exemptions and refunds may also apply in specific situations outlined in the immigration rules.

Budget carefully before relocating

Relocating to another country involves far more than airfare and accommodation.

Families should calculate visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, proof of funds where required, accommodation costs and other settlement expenses before submitting applications. Having a realistic financial plan can reduce pressure during the relocation process.