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The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has disclosed that 170 foreigners from different parts of the world have applied for Nigerian citizenship.

In a statement on X on Monday, Tunji-Ojo said the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which he chaired, met to review and recommend citizenship applications for presidential approval.

He noted that the applications came from individuals across the globe seeking to become Nigerians.

According to him, the committee includes top officials from key government bodies such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Security, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

He stressed that the exercise serves as a test of integrity for the committee members, adding that they are committed to upholding the trust placed in them by the nation.

Tunji-Ojo described Nigerian citizenship as a valuable asset that requires careful consideration and assured that integrity and proven character would remain the main criteria for approval.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to making Nigeria a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for people around the world.

He said, ‘Our promise stands. Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) will continue to do everything to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all.

‘Today, I chaired a meeting of the Citizenship Advisory Committee whose responsibility is to review and recommend citizenship applications for approval to the President.

‘Before us, for review, is a total of 170 applications from foreigners across the globe applying for citizenship.

‘The committee comprised top officials from key government bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Security, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

‘We understand that the exercise is a test of our integrity as leaders, and we will ensure to uphold the trust placed on us by the nation.

‘Citizenship of the biggest black nation on earth is a valuable asset that requires careful consideration. We, hereby, assure Nigerians that we will prioritise integrity and proven character above all else.’

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has given Mr. Godwin Omobayo, who served as deputy governor under Godwin Obaseki, a one-week ultimatum to return all government property and assets in his possession.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Benin by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo warned Omobayo that failure to comply with this directive would result in his instructing the Commissioner of Police in Edo to take action against Omobayo.

Governor Okpebholo expressed concern that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other state-owned assets assigned to Mr. Omobayo during his brief tenure, have yet to be returned to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.

‘The Edo State Government reiterates that all assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remain the property of the State and must be duly returned upon cessation of office.

‘The continued retention of such property by any individual constitutes a clear breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.

‘Accordingly, Mr. Omobayo is hereby given a period of seven (7) days from the date of this release to comply fully by returning all government property under his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

‘Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the Government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure the immediate recovery of all State assets still in his possession through lawful means.

‘The Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property.

‘No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

‘This administration, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, will continue to uphold the principles of transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all public officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility and probity.

‘The Government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could invite consequences or further embarrassment’, the statement said.

Bauchi Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Tuesday, presided over the swearing-in of five newly appointed government officials into various positions in the State and Local Government.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Bauchi, shortly before a special State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

Those who took oaths of office and allegiance included Hajiya Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango as Commissioner and member of the State Executive Council, Hajiya Jummai Salamatu Abubakar from Dass Local Government as Chairperson of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), Iliya Isa from Dambam as Executive Chairperson, Dambam Local Government Council, Babaji Idris Shehu as Auditor General for Local Governments, and Abubakar Usman Misau as Permanent Commissioner in the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission.

While speaking shortly after the State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, had administered the oaths of allegiance and office, State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, said that the appointments would fill the vacancies created by the exit of previous officeholders through resignation, retirement, and death.

While emphasizing that the selection of the new officials was based on merit, experience, and the policy of equity and inclusiveness, Bala Mohammed congratulated the appointees, charging them to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of transparency, accountability, as well as service to the people of Bauchi State.

He, however, warned against abuse of office or pursuit of personal interests above public good, stressing that his administration will not condone such, as it will be met with stiff consequences.

The Governor urged the new Commissioner, Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, who swapped portfolios with the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Dr. Lydia Haruna Tsammani, to align herself with the government’s policy direction and work harmoniously with her Permanent Secretary in achieving the Ministry’s objectives.

Bala Mohammed further charged the new officials to acquaint themselves with the administration’s policy direction and work diligently to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Abubakar Usman Misau commended the Governor for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would justify the trust through hard work, dedication, and loyalty to the administration.

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) are joining forces to drive large-scale investment and expand manufacturing capacity within Nigeria’s health sector.

This is coming as the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), prepares to host a high-level signature event and Health Investment Forum on October 30, 2025.

Tagged ‘Made in Nigeria. Made for Health,’ the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum is set to convene government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and investors at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The forum will focus on strengthening Nigeria’s health manufacturing base, enhancing regulatory systems, and mobilising investment across the country’s pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.

According to EU, the event represents a significant stride toward industrialising Nigeria’s health sector and deepening strategic partnerships with the European Union. It aims to accelerate the country’s transition from dependency on imported health products to becoming a regional hub for health innovation and production.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a defining moment for Nigeria-EU relations and for the future of health security in West Africa. ‘This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production. The EU and Team Europe, through the Global Gateway, are investing in people, systems, and innovation. This transformation will strengthen how health products are made, distributed, and accessed across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region,’ he said.

Mignot noted that the engagement is focused on shaping a healthier and more self-reliant future. ‘We look forward to signing new partnerships, driving sustainable investments, and co-creating solutions that will reinforce Nigeria’s health security for decades to come. By aligning our investments with Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda, we are supporting local producers and innovators who will build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem across West Africa,’ he added.

Director-General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, described the forthcoming forum as a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance. ‘It will connect policy, innovation, and investment, while highlighting NIPRD’s role in driving evidence-based research that supports local pharmaceutical production,’ he said.

He further stressed that the conversations and partnerships expected to emerge from the event would define the trajectory of Nigeria’s health sector over the next decade. ‘Our goal is to make ‘Made in Nigeria, Made for Health’ a reality that delivers sustainable impact across the country and the continent. We welcome this collaboration with the EU and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain as a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s research outputs into viable industrial solutions. Together, we are building the foundations for equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines made in Nigeria for Nigerians and other nationalities,’ Adigwe stated.

In the same vein, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, described the initiative as a turning point for Nigeria’s health sector transformation. ‘Through this partnership with the EU and NIPRD, we are creating the conditions for large-scale private investment, expanding domestic manufacturing, and unlocking the economic potential of the health sector. The Presidential Initiative is committed to ensuring that the healthcare value chain becomes a driver of growth, innovation, and jobs, while ensuring that Nigerians have access to the products they need for a healthier life,’ he said.

A major highlight of the event will be the signing of finalised contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), alongside a regional agreement to be implemented by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) under the Team Europe Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Flagship. These agreements are aimed at harmonising SRHR policies, expanding access to underused SRHR products and maternal health services, and strengthening accountability systems across West Africa.

In addition, the PVAC, Bayer AG, and Chromedix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. are set to forge a forward-looking partnership designed to position Nigeria as Africa’s next powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and health sovereignty.

‘With Nigeria seeking to build a robust, self-reliant, and innovation-driven healthcare system, the upcoming Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum is pivotal platform that could redefine the nation’s health sector industrialisation agenda and its contribution to regional health security and economic growth.’

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has announced that over ?116.4 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries of its student loan scheme since the application portal opened on May 24, 2024.

Daily Status Report released on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, via its official X handle, NELFUND said ‘it had received a total of 929,805 applications, out of which 624,535 students have benefited from the programme.’

The report showed that 12,398 new successful applications were recorded, representing a 1.4% increase in new applications compared to the previous day.

As of October 9, 2025, NELFUND disclosed that ?65.3 billion had been paid to 239 institutions as tuition fees, while another ?51.1 billion was disbursed as upkeep allowances to students bringing total disbursements to ?116.4 billion.

The agency announced that the application window will remain open from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

It also urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

Established to implement the Nigeria Student Loan Scheme signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in April 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions to cover tuition and living expenses.

The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to education and support students from low-income families. Beneficiaries are expected to start repaying their loans after completing their studies and obtaining employment, in line with the terms set by NELFUND.

The bill which seeks to establish Nigerian Fintech Regulatory Commission, a regulatory body that will oversee and regulate the rapid-growing Fintech industry in Nigeria, passed through Second Reading on the floor of the House of Representatives, Tuesday.

The private member bill sponsored by Hon. Faud Laguda, who underscored the need to address public concerns about commercial protection, financial stability, and prevention of financial crimes.

In his lead debate, Hon. Laguna explained that the Legislative framework became necessary following exponential growth of fintech in recent years, ‘with millions of Nigerians relying on digital payment platforms, mobile money service, and other fintech products for their financial transactions.

‘However, the lack of a clear regulatory framework has led to concern about commercial protection, financial stability, and prevention of financial crimes,’ he noted. According to him, the objective of the proposed Nigerian Finech Regulatory Commission bill, aimed to provide a clear regulatory framework for the Fintech industry.

It also seeks to ensure that operators comply with established standards and guidelines, protect consumers by ensuring that fintech companies operate fairly, transparently, securely, and promote innovation in fintech sector, while minimising risk to financial stability.

After the debate, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen referred the bill to the House Committee on Banking Regulations and Communication.

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) says its newly created Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit (FIFAU) has investigated over 500 asset declaration forms.

The Chairman of the Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello, disclosed this in a statement issued to give an account of his one-year stewardship.

The statement, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, was signed by Mr Moses Atolagbe, Director, Special Duties, in the Bureau.

In the statement, Bello said the investigations – the first major project of the Bureau’s FIFAU – identified discrepancies to support enforcement actions against erring public officers and uphold integrity in public service.

The CCB Chairman disclosed that no fewer than nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries and 40 federal directors’ asset declaration forms had been verified, ensuring high-level accountability across key government roles.

He said the verification exercise was continuous, aimed at establishing a robust system for compliance monitoring.

Bello stated that, in one year of his stewardship, the Bureau implemented an online asset declaration system with a downloadable CCB Form-1 available on www.ccb.gov.ng, making it accessible to all public servants.

He added that the digitised system had saved the Bureau millions of naira previously spent on printing manual asset declaration forms.

According to Bello, no fewer than 199 staff members of the CCB had been trained in investigation, verification, forensic analysis and ethical governance to enhance expertise.

He added that the Bureau had established zonal offices, each led by a Director, to conduct intelligence and investigations, support prosecutions and supervise states for faster enforcement.

To strengthen its enforcement mandate, Bello said the CCB had entered into partnerships with local and international anti-corruption bodies, including the EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NFIU and foreign embassies.

He said the Bureau was also being represented at global forums such as the Cambridge Economic Crime Forum and the U.S. IVLO 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and securing international support.

According to him, the CCB leadership had also been admitted into the Association of Commonwealth Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in regional anti-corruption initiatives.

Bello noted that the guiding principle of his leadership was encapsulated in the redefined focus of the CCB, captured by the slogan, ‘Declare or Forfeit.’

He, therefore, charged public officers to declare their assets, ensure transparency in their wealth and shun corruption.

NAN reports that Bello assumed office on 23 October 2024, following his appointment as CCB Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

Upon assumption of office, he promised to redefine the operational landscape of the Bureau, strengthen institutional integrity, improve efficiency and advance the nation’s anti-corruption agenda.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received 153 Nigerian returnees from Chad under the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The agency made this known in a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday.

The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on October 27, 2025, at about 12:15 p.m. aboard an AS-SKY Airlines flight with registration number CAS-AC.

According to NEMA, the group comprised 105 adults (63 males and 42 females), 45 children (25 males and 20 females), and 3 infants (all females).

Upon arrival, officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) conducted biometric registration and documentation to ensure proper profiling and smooth reintegration into the country.

In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to the safe and dignified return of citizens, the returnees received immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, potable water, medical care, ambulance services, luggage handling, logistics support, and counselling.

The exercise was jointly coordinated by NEMA, in partnership with the IOM, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other relevant agencies.

NEMA added that the well-coordinated reception reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the welfare and dignity of Nigerians returning from abroad.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is currently reviewing citizenship applications from 170 foreign nationals.

The minister made the announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter) through his handle, @OlubunmiTunjiOjo, at midnight.

Tunji-Ojo said the Citizenship Advisory Committee was responsible for reviewing and recommending citizenship applications for President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

‘We understand that the exercise is a test of our integrity as leaders, and we will ensure to uphold the trust placed in us by the nation.

‘Citizenship of the biggest black nation on earth is a valuable asset that requires careful consideration.

‘We hereby assure Nigerians that we will prioritise integrity and proven character above all else,’ he said.

The minister stated that the committee comprised top officials from key government bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

‘Our government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will continue to do everything to make our beloved country a prosperous nation and a destination of interest for all,’ he added.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed the need to bolster inclusivity in the nation’s governance structure, saying that this must be done to ensure that women remain integral part of nation building.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday in his goodwill message at the 25th National Women’s Conference, organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

The governor, while noting that the theme of this year’s conference, which is, ’25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,’ reminds everyone that legacy is not about the past but about the future, saying that the women who began this journey had handed down a vision that continued to inspire new leaders, innovators, and change agents.

He emphasised that inspiring the next generation meant more than mentorship, saying that it it meant modelling excellence, integrity, and resilience.

Besides, the governor said It meant empowering and young women to believe that no dream was too distant, ‘no height too high, and no boundary too strong to break,’ declaring that the future of Lagos and indeed the nation depended on how boldly the nation’s equip her women to lead with courage and conviction.

‘As we reflect on this silver jubilee, we must appreciate that COWLSO’s enduring strength lies not only in its programmes but in the values it represents – compassion, collaboration, and continuity. The women who began this journey have handed down a vision that continues to inspire new leaders, innovators, and change agents.

‘Indeed, ‘Inspiring the next generation’ means more than mentorship; it means modelling excellence, integrity, and resilience. It means empowering our daughters and young women to believe that no dream is too distant, no height too high, and no boundary too strong to break.

‘The future of Lagos and indeed our nation depends on how boldly we equip our women to lead with courage and conviction,’ he said.

‘As we engage in the sessions and discussions over the next two days, let us remember that the next chapter of COWLSO’s story will not be written by history, but by the actions we take today – to nurture leadership, to promote inclusivity, and to ensure that women remain at the heart of development and progress,’ he added.

Also speaking, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who joined the conference online, stressed the need to continue to nurture families, strengthen communities across Lagos State, and inspire a generation of women across the country.

The First Lady noted that it was not possible to celebrate 25 years of COWLSO without honouring its past, adding that the event was also celebrating ‘the legacy and vision of the Founder of COWLSO, our mother, late Mrs. Olufunmilayo Omobolaji Johnson, wife of the First Military Governor of Lagos State, who gave us the wings to fly.’

‘We cannot celebrate 25 years of COWLSO without honouring our past. We celebrate the legacy and vision of the founder of COWLSO, our mother, late Mrs. Olufunmilayo Omobolaji Johnson, wife of the first military governor of Lagos State, who gave us the wings to fly,’ she said.

Earlier, Wife of Lagos State Governor and Chairman of COWLSO, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the theme of the conference was carefully chosen, describing it as both timely and instructive.

According to her, it challenges participants to reflect on the journey of the past two and a half decades, saying that it was also to ‘appreciate our collective achievements, and recommit ourselves to nurturing the next generation of women leaders, professionals, and changemakers.’

‘Over the past 25 years, COWLSO has remained a formidable platform for empowering women, promoting family values, and supporting government initiatives through carefully designed programmes in healthcare, education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.

‘Through this annual conference, women from all walks of life have found a rallying point to exchange ideas, build networks, and sharpen their capacity to influence positive change in society,’ Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.