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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has taken a step toward strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s public sector with the signing of its Employee Performance Management System (EPMS) contract.

The initiative, aligned with president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery in the management of Nigeria’s national identity system.

The EPMS contract, formalized in a ceremony attended by Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC’s director-general/CEO, departmental heads, and representatives from Triple Edge Consult, in Abuja, introduces a structured framework to align employee performance with organizational goals.

By implementing measurable performance metrics, the system is designed to foster accountability and ensure that NIMC’s operations meet the needs of millions of Nigerians who rely on its identity services for access to government programs, financial inclusion, and security.

In her welcome address, Mrs Rhoda Jackden, the head of Human Capital Management, highlighted the importance of the EPMS in aligning organisational goals with individual performance expectations, noting that the system would serve as a catalyst for improving productivity and strengthening internal accountability across all operational levels. Barrister Olusegun Adekunle, team lead, Triple Edge Consult, emphasised the strategic value of the PMS framework, explaining that it provides measurable, transparent, and structured performance parameters for government agencies. According to him, the system will enable NIMC to efficiently monitor progress, achieve set targets, and deliver quality services to Nigerians.

The EPMS, which is meticulously aligned with NIMC’s mandate, introduces a structured approach to performance measurement, monitoring, and evaluation. With clearly defined indicators and performance metrics, it is designed to foster accountability, productivity, and improved service delivery throughout the Commission.

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG/CEO, NIMC, in her remarks commended the initiative and called for renewed dedication from all staff to ensure the system’s successful implementation. She urged departmental and unit heads to fully adopt and apply the agreed performance indicators, noting that this will be instrumental in achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She further revealed that a departmental cascade has commenced to ensure that all units align their activities with the provisions of the EPMS contract.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the judiciary in advancing Nigeria’s pension reform agenda and ensuring effective retirement benefits administration.

Omolola Oloworaran, Director-General of PenCom, made the call on Wednesday, in Abuja, during a Sensitisation Workshop on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for Honourable Judges of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

Oloworaran described the engagement as both timely and strategic, emphasising that it provides a platform to deepen understanding, clarify concerns, and strengthen collaboration between the judiciary and the pension industry.

The PenCom DG acknowledged that while significant progress had been made over the past 20 years, challenges persist, particularly in the areas of accrued pension rights, delayed remittances, and transition issues affecting some judicial officers.

She, however, disclosed that through the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government now pays retirement benefits of Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as and when due.

Oloworaran further revealed that the Commission had opened discussions with the National Judicial Council (NJC) to resolve pending issues relating to accrued benefits of some judges who transitioned into the CPS before their elevation to the Bench, assuring that such matters would be handled fairly and transparently.

Highlighting the judiciary’s pivotal role in pension law interpretation and enforcement, she commended the objectivity and rigour with which judges have handled pension-related cases. She emphasised that continuous judicial education on pension law and policy was essential for deepening jurisprudence and improving adjudication in pension matters.

In addition, the PenCom DG introduced the Personal Pension Plan (PPP), a rebranded voluntary pension product designed to provide greater flexibility and inclusiveness for professionals, self-employed persons, and individuals in non-traditional employment arrangements. She encouraged judicial officers and other senior public officials to explore the scheme as a means of enhancing their financial security in retirement. ‘Permit me, your lordships, at this juncture, to share with you the benefits of a unique pension product recently rebranded by the Commission, the Personal Pension Plan (PPP). This product complements the mandatory CPS by offering greater flexibility and inclusiveness to participants. The PPP is designed to cater for individuals who may not be covered under the mandatory scheme, including professionals, self-employed persons,

individuals in non-traditional employment arrangements and those seeking to make voluntary contributions. ‘We earnestly encourage your Lordships, and other Honourable Justices and Judges of all Superior Courts in Nigeria who are exempted from the CPS, to consider participating in the PPP as a means of enhancing your retirement security and that of your dependents. As custodians of justice, your welfare is paramount and PenCom remains steadfast in its commitment to working with you to ensure that this objective is fully realised.’

Oloworaran also announced the unveiling of the first volume of the Pension Law Report, a compendium of landmark judgments on pension matters delivered by the NICN and other courts. She lauded Justice Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, President of the NICN, for his support in facilitating the publication and for his commitment to promoting sound pension jurisprudence in Nigeria.

On his part, Benedict Bakwaph Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), called for a comprehensive reassessment of political pensions and severance packages, describing them as inconsistent with social justice and the spirit of public service.

Kanyip said Nigeria’s pension landscape must be strengthened to ensure fairness, efficiency, and broader inclusion of workers, particularly those in the informal sector.

He underscored that labour rights extend beyond active employment to include post-employment entitlements such as pensions.

Justice Kanyip decried the moral and social imbalance created by the payment of lifetime pensions and gratuities to former governors and political appointees who already earn substantial benefits while in office, contrasting it with the struggles of career civil servants who face delays and shortfalls in accessing their contributory pension benefits.

Quoting the admonition of Justice Agim, JCA (as he then was), in Governor of Kogi State and Ors v. Ahmed and Ors, he said: ‘It is not morally right to pay an elected public officer or political appointee pension and gratuity for holding such an office for three to eight years. any law that provides for the payment of pension and gratuity to such office holders lacks moral justification, promotes social injustice, and cannot be democratic,’

On the broader pension system, he highlighted persistent challenges such as non-remittance of contributions, poor enforcement, inadequate coverage, and delays in benefit payments, noting that only about 10% of Nigeria’s working population is covered by formal pension schemes.

To ensure sustainability, he urged PenCom to tighten compliance mechanisms, impose stricter penalties on defaulting employers, and explore the use of digital systems to improve transparency and payment efficiency.

He emphasized that the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) remains a crucial framework for protecting Nigerian workers’ post-employment rights but requires constant adaptation to remain fair and effective.

‘The payment of pensions to political office holders appears to contradict the principles of public service and democratic values, and has the effect of making the contributory pension scheme pale into insignificance.’

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Liverpool forward has now scored nine goals in the qualifying campaign, underlining his importance to the Pharaohs as they booked their place at next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Egypt’s win extends their lead in Group A to five points over second-placed Burkina Faso, confirming their return to the global stage for the first time since 2018. Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring in the eighth minute, before Salah doubled the advantage just six minutes later. The Egypt captain completed his brace in the 84th minute to wrap up a comfortable victory over opponents ranked 158th in the world. Twice named African Footballer of the Year, Salah also enjoyed a record-breaking domestic campaign last season, helping Liverpool win their 20th Premier League title and securing the Golden Boot with 29 goals. However, his form this season has been below par, managing just three goals in nine appearances across all competitions.

Egypt, seven-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, will now appear at their fifth World Cup in history, having previously qualified in 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026.

In other African qualifiers, Ghana edged closer to joining Egypt after thrashing the Central African Republic 5-0 in Meknes. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey opened the scoring, with Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, captain Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana also on target for the Black Stars.

Ghana now sit top of Group I with 22 points and needs just one more from their final game against Comoros to confirm qualification.

Also, Cape Verde moved a step closer to a historic first-ever World Cup appearance after coming from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Libya in Tripoli. The Blue Sharks, with 20 points, remain two points ahead of Cameroon, who defeated Mauritius 2-0 thanks to a goal from Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo.

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has urged Mainasara Kogo, the newly sworn-in chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), to uphold integrity and remain committed to justice.

Speaking at swearing-in ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, the CJN reminded Kogo of the responsibilities of his office, stressing the need to prioritise justice above personal or political interests.

‘The office you now occupy requires sound judgment, independence, and the courage to do what is right, regardless of whose interests may be involved,’ she said.

She noted that cases before the CCT often involve sensitive matters and must be handled with fairness and in accordance with the law and the constitution. Kekere-Ekun further reminded Kogo that his loyalty must be to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution, and the cause of justice not to any individual or group.

‘The trust placed in you is on behalf of the nation. It must not be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons,’ she said. ‘You must uphold the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will.’

In his response, Kogo thanked the CJN for the confidence placed in him and pledged to uphold justice with fairness and humility. He also promised to strengthen the integrity of the tribunal and ensure justice is both done and seen to be done.

Kogo was appointed in July by President Bola Tinubu to replace Danladi Umar, who led the tribunal since 2011. Umar’s tenure was marked by controversy, including corruption allegations and an alleged assault on a security guard in 2021, an incidents that led the National Assembly to call for his removal.

There was pandemonium when angry youths invaded Iyekogba police station under Oba market Police Area Command located at Estate gate in Benin, after requesting police authorities to handover arrested crime suspect in their custody to them for execution.

Angry northern youths living in the area, were said to have mobilized to Iyekogba police station, following a recent fatal road accident that occurred near Ogba River in the locality.

The crash involved a suspected internet fraudster popularly known as ‘yahoo boy’, claimed the lives of three unidentified Nigerians.

Investigation revealed upon arriving at the scene of crime, police operatives recovered the body parts of the accident victims and recovered a vehicle and immediately took the driver and the JLK car into police custody. While investigation was yet to commence, angry youths stormed the police station and attempted to invade the police station, but upon sensing jungle justice police authorities, quickly shut the police station’s gate to prevent them from gaining access to the suspect whose identity is yet-to-be ascertained.

Police source said that ‘police personnel on duty fired teargas canister to prevent the angry youths from unleashing terror’.

The source also revealed that after normalcy had been restored at Iyekogba police DPO, immediately ordered that the suspect be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the police headquarters in Edo State for further investigation and prosecution of the suspect in court.

Spokesman of the Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu wasn’t available for comments as of the time of filing this report.

Additional 10,000 units have been added to the Lagos housing stock in the last six years, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu, announced this while inaugurating newly built 420 housing units LagosHOMS Badagry Phase I, describing them as a step towards achieving his administration’s commitment to providing decent and affordable shelter to the people.

Lagos, Nigeria’s most populated state, is estimated to have about 17 million housing deficit, forcing millions to leave in slum areas, a situation Sanwo-Olu says he is committed to tackling headlong, as more units are being built.

The LagosHOMs Badagry Phase 1, now named after Sunny Ajose, the late head of service, Lagos State, is the 24th estate completed by the current in the last six years. Sanwo-Olu also performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the phase II of the project which he said would change Badagry’s skyline with seven-storey high-rise buildings.

According to him, the expansion was designed to maximise land use, accommodate more families, and attract investors to Badagry, which he described as ‘a rising hotspot for eco-tourism, culture, and commerce.’

‘This event is more than just the commissioning of buildings; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the welfare of every Lagosian. We were here in Badagry about a month ago to inaugurate an iconic road projects. The true measure of our progress will always be the wellbeing of our people,’ he added. Sanwo-Olu said that 20 per cent of the completed homes would be allocated to members of the Medical Guild, Nigerian Union of Teachers (Lagos chapter), and other organised unions, while public servants would enjoy price rebates as recognition for their dedication to service.

‘We are also introducing new financing models to make home ownership easier. To enhance affordability, the government will subsidise the selling prices of these housing units,’ he said.

The governor assured that the state remains in active partnership with financial institutions and private developers to accelerate delivery of affordable homes under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Agenda.

‘From roads and hospitals to schools and urban renewal, every corner of Lagos is witnessing transformation. Badagry is now better connected through the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, opening up new economic opportunities,’ Sanwo-Olu said. Speaking also, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, the Commissioner for Housing, said: ‘The project commenced in the year 2013 by the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) and was later transferred to the Ministry of Housing for completion in the Year 2017.

The Commissioner described the 420 modern home units as a testament to Sanwo-Olu’s vision and the expected deliverables of his administration in realisation of the goals set out under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda.

The Ajara housing scheme comprises of phase I and II and is situated on a land area of 18.9 hectares. The phase one which is being commissioned comprises of 35 blocks of 12-in-1 residential buildings. Each building contains a combination of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom semi-furnished apartments with complimentary facilities such as a kitchen, kitchen cabinets, light fixtures, wardrobes.

StudyIn Nigeria provides practical solutions to bridge the gap between education and employability, as it connects students with tailored career pathways, aimed at aligning academic pursuits with real-world job opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.

By providing access to credible information, mentorship, and institutional resources, the platform aims to bridge the gap between ambition and achievement for Nigerian students navigating complex educational landscapes.

Mary Agbu, country director of StudyIn Nigeria, said the inaugural edition attracted over 300 students and educators from leading Nigerian schools and universities, and that many of the participants have progressed to global institutions, with several securing significant tuition discounts and scholarships.

Agbu disclosed that the 2025 edition, with the theme ‘Degrees with Direction, Building Career Pathways at Home and Abroad’, is designed to equip students with practical tools and insights to make informed decisions about their academic and career journeys.

‘It will bring together students, education leaders, global universities, and industry experts to explore how academic programmes can better translate into real-world career opportunities both locally and internationally.

‘The Global Education Conference is about connecting students to pathways that not only prepare them for the world of work but also open doors to international exposure. We are excited to host the second edition and look forward to seeing more students take advantage of the opportunities it brings,’ she said.

In addition, Agbu stated, ‘StudyIn is committed to bridging the gap between education and employability. By bringing global institutions to Nigeria, we are making world-class opportunities accessible while ensuring students are well-prepared to thrive locally and internationally.’ The annual event, according to the organisers, will be held on Friday, October 10, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, and the agenda features a line-up of sessions addressing both academic and career concerns for young people, such as ‘career pathways unlocked by your degree’, highlighting how diverse academic backgrounds can translate into rewarding career options.

Others are inside the hiring room, what employers really look for: a candid look at employability skills and recruitment practices; an interactive career profiling workshop, a hands-on session helping students map their strengths and align them with career goals, and fostering well-being and employability, addressing the importance of resilience, balance, and holistic preparation for success in the workplace.

Some of the institutions expected at the conference include London South Bank University, Kings Education, University of South Wales, University of Reading, University of Bradford, University of York, Malvern International, Liverpool John Moore University, Navitas, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, University of Dundee, Northumbria University, University of Kent, Keele University and Southampton Solent University.

Some of the speakers include Chantal Epe, a professor of Human Resource Management at Pan-Atlantic University; Halima Alawiye, the West Africa manager, external relations at University of Dundee; Olivia Radburn, regional sales director EMEA and the Americas, Oxford International, and Zahra Packer, research and implementation lead, West Africa, The Henry M. Jackson Foundation.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the minister of state for labour and employment, has commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership in advancing occupational safety and health standards, describing the state’s efforts as a model for others across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health (LASOSH) Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Onyejeocha praised the Lagos State Safety Commission and the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their proactive approach to creating safer work environments.

‘I must commend Lagos State for the vision it has demonstrated through the Lagos State Safety Commission,’ the minister said.

‘The Commission’s mission to ‘proactively make safety a lifestyle’ is not just a slogan; it is a call to action that reflects forward-thinking leadership.’

Themed ‘Occupational Safety and Health as a Catalyst for Nation Building,’ this year’s conference, she noted, was timely in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms.

‘A safe and healthy workforce is the bedrock of productivity,’ Onyejeocha said. ‘When safety is prioritised, workers perform at their best, businesses remain competitive, and national productivity increases.’ The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening workplace safety in collaboration with states, employers, and other stakeholders. According to her, the ministry is aligning its programmes with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises job creation, economic growth, and worker welfare.

‘Our goal is to ensure that safety is fully integrated into national efforts on job creation and employability,’ she stated. ‘We are committed to supporting employers with practical regulations that protect workers while enabling enterprise to thrive.’

Onyejeocha also called for broader partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote a safety-first culture across all levels of employment. ‘The Government cannot do it alone,’ she said. ‘Employers, trade unions, civil society, academia, and the media all have vital roles to play in cultivating a safety-first culture.’

She congratulated the Lagos State Government and the Safety Commission for their sustained commitment and pledged continued Federal Government support.

‘We will continue to work with Lagos and other states to embed occupational safety and health into the foundation of national growth,’ the minister added.

The federal government has charged officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to deliver exceptional and transparent services to Nigerians and foreign nationals, describing quality customer service as a right, not a privilege.

Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI), gave the charge in Abuja while declaring open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission Possible’ with the NIS sub-theme ‘Meeting and Exceeding Expectations.’

Nandap said the Service was on an ‘irreversible path of reform, modernization and transparency,’ in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that every officer must embody professionalism, integrity and courtesy in their daily operations.

‘The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity.

‘We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers’, she said.

The CGI noted that since her assumption of office in 2024, she had introduced a series of reforms to rebuild public confidence and eliminate corrupt practices that previously tainted the Service’s image.

Among these reforms, Nandap highlighted the automation of passport applications, the introduction of contactless processing systems, and the deployment of e-gates and body cameras across international airports, initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency and security while minimizing human interference. She added that the Service had also intensified anti-corruption sensitization campaigns across formations to entrench professionalism and accountability among personnel. ‘These reforms are already yielding results,’ she said, citing improved national ratings, commendations, and awards received by the NIS during recent government performance review sessions.

Nandap urged officers across the country to use the Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to efficiency and citizens-centred service delivery.

‘This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and institutionalize transparency, courtesy, and excellence as our standard culture’, she cautioned.

The CGI commended President Tinubu and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, for their unwavering support toward ongoing NIS reforms, saying their leadership has significantly strengthened professionalism and curbed corruption within the Service.

Earlier, Muhammad Abubakar, special assistant to the CGI on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, described the Customer Service Week as ‘a call to reflection, action, and renewal.’

Abubakar, who is also a Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, said the global theme ‘Mission Possible’ challenges government institutions to turn obstacles into opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.

‘Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency’, he said.

Bolt, ride-hailing platform, is celebrating Customer Service Week with a N1 million ride credit giveaway for riders and an array of rewards for drivers.

Speaking on the initiative, Osi Oguah, general manager Bolt Nigeria said: ‘At Bolt, we believe our drivers and riders are the real heroes who make what we do possible every single day. This week is about saying thank you to them for their dedication, loyalty, and the positive spirit they bring to our community. ‘Bolt Says Thanks’ is our way of celebrating their everyday efforts and showing that we truly appreciate them.’

Themed ‘Bolt Says Thanks,’ the week-long festivities highlight the company’s gratitude for its vibrant community of drivers and riders across the country. To recognize drivers’ tireless efforts, Bolt is rewarding 300 drivers in 10 Nigerian cities with N5,000 Chicken Republic meal vouchers. In Lagos, 150 drivers will be treated to a special lunch at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre on Thursday, featuring good food, fun activities, and exciting prizes through a lucky dip and spinning wheel. Riders are also in for a treat with an interactive activation at Ikeja City Mall (ICM), where they can enjoy games and win impressive prizes. Online, Bolt’s Customer Service Week Bingo game on Instagram gives one lucky rider the chance to win N1 million in ride credit, alongside other giveaways like spa trips, shopping vouchers, and meal vouchers for loyal users.

With this celebration, Bolt continues to strengthen its bond with the people at the heart of its operations, recognising and rewarding both drivers and riders while promoting a culture of appreciation and service excellence across the country.