Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised a red flag over the activities of criminals who use artificial intelligence generated Ponzi schemes to scam unsuspecting Nigerian investors. The commission warned Nigerians to be wary, emphasising that: ‘These platforms are not registered or regulated by the SEC; yet they continue to mislead the public with false claims of AI-driven investments. They pose serious risks to investors, hence the commission issued series of disclaimers against their activities.”

No doubt, those who fall prey to these scammers are mostly the greedy, who easily get enchanted with promises of unfathomable benefits from investments. The commission recalled that platforms such as CBEX, Silverkuun, and TOFRO operated illegally advertised AI-powered trading systems that promised unrealistic returns and those who keyed into them got scammed.

We join our voice to that of the commission to warn Nigerians not to get carried away by promises of profits or returns on investment that have no relationship to economic realities.

The commission advised Nigerian investors to be extra vigilant as fraudsters exploit deep fake videos and AI-generated content to lure their victims. To give their fraudulent platforms an air of credibility, they also manipulate videos to give impression of endorsement by politicians, celebrities and TV hosts for their schemes which they share as adverts on social media groups.

As stated by the commission: ‘Scammers are exploiting AI to fabricate endorsements and testimonials that appear genuine. This has made traditional fraud detection methods less effective, hence the need for tech-enabled regulation and greater public awareness.’

We urge SEC to collaborate with the nation’s intelligence and security agencies to fight the scammers on all fronts. The commission should in particular work with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proactively to deal with the new challenges.

The SEC has promised: ‘We are moving from reactive to predictive oversight. This is essential in combating fraud and systemic risks in our market;’ Nigerians must take it by its words and demand that it walks the talk.

The huge losses that Nigerians suffer in the hands of Ponzi scammers should worry all stakeholders. We demand for a review of the relevant laws to prevent and punish those who engage in such fraudulent schemes.

There should be long prison sentences for those who engage in such deceitful activities. If the existing laws are not far-reaching enough, the National Assembly should review and make them stiffer, while security agencies should have dedicated departments with the technical know-how and resources to constantly look out for such scammers, so that their activities can be nipped in the bud early enough.

The names of those who engage in such schemes should be in the public space, so that in addition to the legal consequences for their actions, they would suffer public strictures of naming and shaming. As part of putting the public on notice, the commission, in concert with security agencies, should not hesitate to name all such unregistered schemes operating without license, in the interest of the unsuspecting public.

Alternatively, SEC should have a running website with the names of all registered schemes, easily accessible to the general public.

While the commission and the intelligence and security agencies work to aid the diligent public, individuals must resist the urge to fall prey to unrealistic expectations. When a scheme makes promises akin to money doubling of investment, every week or every month, a discerning investor should know that such promises are unrealistic.

The tendency to believe that one will be among the lucky few to benefit before the scheme bursts should be resisted. Perhaps, there should be some punishment for those who deal with unregistered schemes, despite notice, as a further deterrent.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every barrel of crude oil produced in the country contributes to meeting both domestic and international obligations.

Lokpobiri gave this assurance yesterday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) 2025 summit with the theme: ‘Refinery – Key to Energy Security in Africa.’

He was represented by his Technical Adviser, Ndah Adaba.

He said that as part of deliberate policy and broader strategy, the Naira for crude sale agreement will continue to be a major step to reduce cost of fuel production, mitigate the exposure to the fluctuating exchange rate and to generally support indigenous refining.

The minister said that through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the government has streamlined the licensing regime: from Licence to Establish to Construct and Operate – ensuring that genuine investors are supported, not hindered, by bureaucracy.

According to him, Beyond licensing, government has continued to consolidate on facilitating the access to crude oil supply through the effective implementation of the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DSCO) because no nation can claim energy independence if it cannot refine its own crude.

Lokpobiri said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of his President Bola Tinubu, indigenous refining has been identified as a critical pathway to energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalisation.

‘Today, we have seen indigenous success stories such as Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, Waltersmith Petroman Refinery, Aradel Holdings, etc. which collectively demonstrate that Nigerians have both the capacity and the will to refine Nigeria’s crude oil locally.

‘These projects are more than facilities; they are symbols of confidence in our policy direction, and we are committed to replicating them across all oil-producing states,’ he added

He said in the bid to extending refining obligation beyond the shores of this country, the West African Fuel Reference Market was launched to position Nigeria as a regional refining and product supply hub to other West African sub-region.

He added that with increased local refining capacity, Nigeria will not only meet its domestic demand but will also serve as a dependable supplier of refined products to neighbouring countries, thereby reducing the region’s reliance on distant refineries and maritime imports.

‘This aligns with the African Union’s vision for energy integration and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

Lokpobiri assured that the government will ensure feedstock security for all licensed refiners and also deepen fiscal incentives to attract more investment. The minister said that the government will also foster collaboration among African nations for product exchange, logistics and shared energy infrastructure, maintain that the path to Africa’s energy security runs through the gates of our refineries and its interrelated institution.

He said that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting indigenous refiners, strengthening regulatory institutions, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable downstream growth.

‘Let this CORAN Summit 2025 serve as a renewed call – to industry players, regulators, investors, and policymakers to unite in achieving an Africa that refines what it produces and powers its future through its own resources,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Authority Chief Executive, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said the authority has created Nigeria’s most transparent and predictable petroleum regulatory framework.

Ahmed, represented by the South-West Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ayo Cadoso, noted that the Authority has developed and gazetted 18 key regulations covering every phase of refinery development, from establishment through to operations.

‘These regulations were not developed in isolation. They were co-created with industry stakeholders to ensure they are practical, bankable, and investor-friendly. This is what we mean by regulatory certainty – clarity of rules, fairness in enforcement, and confidence in outcomes,’ he explained, adding that NMDPRA ensures Naira-denominated crude sales to shield refiners from foreign exchange volatility.

Besides, the Authority’s boss said the organisation is actively facilitating industrial growth.

‘We are working across agencies and the entire value chain to guarantee crude oil supply to all licensed refineries through structured nomination and supply mechanisms.’

He added that the authority ensures efficient evacuation and logistics for refined products to reach markets while promoting transparent practices for fair competition.

He added that NMDPRA has accelerated approvals and permits under clear service-level agreements, providing technical and commercial support throughout project lifecycles.

‘These initiatives form part of our optimisation framework, which converts regulatory stability into investment confidence and boosts domestic refining capacity,’ he said.

Ahmed stressed that investor confidence depends on consistent policy and regulatory integrity.

‘Investors must trust that rules will not change midstream and that their returns are secure within a fair market structure,’ he noted.

He highlighted major reforms achieved in the past four years, including downstream liberalisation and updated transportation codes to support modern infrastructure.

‘These are not mere policy statements – they are actionable goals under our 2025 Refining Acceleration Plan.

‘Nigeria’s energy future will be defined by clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

‘We are not just refining crude oil – we are refining our economic destiny,’ he stated.

Ahmed said that when regulators act with integrity, investors trust the process, and consistent policies can enable Nigeria to power itself and the rest of Africa.

‘At NMDPRA, our promise is simple – to regulate with clarity, facilitate with credibility, and lead with courage.

‘Today, I speak not just as a regulator but as a firm believer in Nigeria’s capacity to redefine her future.

‘For too long, we exported crude and imported refined products – a paradox that weakened our economy. But that story is changing,’ Ahmed said.

He acknowledged the transformative impact of the Dangote Refinery and the growing number of licensed modular and conventional refineries.

‘Nigeria stands at the threshold of a historic transformation – from dependency to dominance, from importer to net exporter of refined petroleum products,’ he said.

According to him, two key pillars will drive this refining revolution – Regulatory Certainty and Investor Confidence.

Ahmed also commended the summit’s engagements, including the Women in Refining session and the keynote dinner on ‘Private Refining as a Catalyst for Energy Security.’

‘We reaffirmed that refining is not just a business – it embodies energy sovereignty, economic resilience, and industrial strength,’ he said.

After a break of more than two months, the National Assembly resumed plenary yesterday with a promise to do more for Nigerians.

Members of the bicameral legislative chambers told the citizens that although the ongoing reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were yielding positive results, Nigerians still faced challenges.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen gave the assurances in their welcome address to the returnee federal lawmakers.

They listed floods, insecurity, high cost of living, and erratic power supply as some of the challenges facing Nigerians but assured that the National Assembly would legislate with boldness and collaborate with the Executive to tackle the challenges.

Akpabio said: ‘Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action. The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside.

‘The cost of living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain. The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis.

‘These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency – and to partnership with the Executive Arm, that together we rewrite the story of our nation.

‘We must legislate with boldness. We must press forward with reforms to steady our economy, draw investment, broaden the tax base, and nurture growth.

‘We must strike hard at the enemies of ignorance and disease by strengthening education and healthcare. We must give the youths of Nigeria not only hope but opportunity.

‘We must revisit the Constitution – to make our federalism stronger, our governance more efficient, and our democracy more inclusive. Above all, we must wield our power of oversight with vigilance, so that the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.

‘We must revisit the Constitution – to make our federalism stronger, our governance must be efficient, and our democracy more inclusive.

‘Above all, we must wield our power of oversight with vigilance, so that the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.’

The Senate President, who said 33 million Nigerians were facing acute hunger due to flooding, also noted that since fuel subsidy removal, no governor had borrowed money to pay workers’ salaries.

He sympathised with flood, boat accident, and terror attack victims in some states and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in such circumstances.

Akpabio said: ‘While our hearts grieve, our hopes endure because of glimmers of progress.

‘I can confidently say that through engineering by President Bola Tinubu and his team, no state government today is borrowing to pay salaries. So, for this, we say kudos to the administration.

‘We must ensure that this blessing does not become another fleeting windfall, but a foundation for fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, and job creation.’

In the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas said that although the nation has made meaningful progress on the part of growth, Nigerians expect more deliberate action from members to improve their lives.

He stressed that the time has come for them to be more forward-looking and turn their attention to several urgent priorities, including an amendment to the Constitution, in the coming months.

Abbas said the progress made so far was incomplete.

His words:’The responsibilities before us are substantial, and the progress we have made so far is meaningful but incomplete.

‘The Nigerian people look to us for more; they expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives.

‘The Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pursued reforms to stabilise the economy, enhance security, and attract investment. These efforts require a legislature that provides rigorous oversight, crafts sound laws, and engages constructively with all arms of government.

‘Despite political and economic challenges, we have strengthened internal capacity, updated our rules, and expanded citizen participation.

‘Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured Presidential assent for 50, covering power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development. Our oversight is becoming more rigorous, with ongoing investigations and financial recoveries.

‘While progress has been made, Nigerians still experience high living costs, underemployment, and insecurity in some areas. These challenges present opportunities for us to implement targeted legislative actions and foster ongoing engagement to create a brighter future for all.

‘Our goal is to produce a new Electoral Act that stands the test of time.

‘The tasks ahead are demanding but achievable. Nigerians will judge us not by party affiliations but by the results we deliver.’

The beer industry has requested the Federal Government to jettison the introduction of tax stamp because of its negative consequences for the economy.

It announced support for the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)’s call for the government to rescind the proposal to introduce tax stamps

The industry called on the Federal Government to sustain existing home-grown digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations.

Executive Director, Beer Sectoral Group of MAN, Abiola Laseinde said the tax stamps (digital identifiers also referred to as tack and trace systems) will be counterproductive.

She warned that the system presents operational challenges and financial risks that could undermine the fragile recovery of the manufacturing industry and the Nigerian economy.

She added in a statement that ‘the tax stamps system is largely inefficient, causing production slowdowns, distribution delays, product stock-outs, and high compliance costs.’

She explained that the industry is concerned that this proposal is coming at a time when operators are already ‘grappling with rising excise rates, foreign exchange volatility, and high inflation-making the additional burden of implementing tax stamps a serious threat to business sustainability’.

‘Tax stamps are often positioned as a solution to illicit trade, would have no benefit to beer as there is zero illicit in the sector. The brewing process is complex, the product is bulky, and resale value is low-making counterfeiting unprofitable. It is also pertinent to note that the beer industry already maintains strict compliance, with digital counters, on-site Customs officers, and auditable records in place.’

The Federal Government has already invested in digital systems that deliver full visibility of excise operations. Most recently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully launched and piloted the B’Odogwu automated Excise Reporting System (ERS), a modern platform that digitizes excise administration. ERS replaces manual registers with an automated process that:

– Tracks production volumes and excise computation in real time

– Enhances compliance monitoring through full transparency

– Creates an auditable digital trail that reduces leakages and inefficiency

Giving alternatives to the government, the beer industry, Laseinde said: ‘Accordingly, we urge the government to consider the following actions in the national interest:

.Rescind the proposed rollout of tax stamps to avert disruption to production, jobs, and revenues.

.Consolidate and strengthen existing systems like Customs’ ERS and FIRS e-Invoicing, which are effective, transparent, and locally driven.

Julius and Eunice Adegoroye Foundation has urged wealthy Nigerians to support the less privileged with scholarships.

It spoke when it presented N3 million to a Pharmacy undergraduate of University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, David Akinwale, as part of its 2025 Education Scholarship.

At the ceremony in Adetola International Schools, Akure, Executive Secretary, Dr Aderinsola Adegoroye, said the scholarship was in fulfilment of one of its mandates, to promote academic excellence.

She urged students to commit to their studies, stressing education is the platform on which developed society rests.

Dr Adegoroye said the scholarship will be spread over the six years of Akinwale’s programme at UniMed, Ondo, as he will get N500,000 every session.

He urged him not to relent in his drive for excellence.

Appealing to Nigerians to lend a hand to those in need, she said the foundation earlier this year sponsored surgery for a woman with an inflamed jaw (Ameloblastoma).

It donated a vicarage for Anglican Church last year to support God’s work.

Dr Adegoroye said God repays those who support people and appealed with capacity to help should do good.

Represented by Director of Adetola International Schools, Sir Ademola Adegoroye, the secretary said she recommended the recipient, a graduate of Adetola International College in 2023/2024, because he did well in his studies, athletics, cultural dance and others, despite his physical challenge.

Dr Adegoroye congratulated Akinwale for making himself, his family and school proud, recalling he was Punctuality prefect at Adetola college.

Administrator and Deputy Director of Adetola, Mrs. Vera Agbetuyi and Mr Tola Olowe, hoped Akinwale will live by the legacy ingrained in him.

Akinwale said he would fly the Adetola flag high and enjoined students of the school to be diligent in their studies.

His mother thanked the foundation and prayed for its progress and Adetola school’.

The foundation was set up to immortalise the philanthropy of the late Julius and late Eunice Adegoroye, and to continue their love and selflessness.

It began with a whisper – the sound of wind flirting with the water – and then, a sudden roar. The Lagos Lagoon, long accustomed to the lazy glide of ferries and the rhythmic paddles of fishermen, found a new heartbeat. Sleek, winged vessels rose from its surface like metallic birds, slicing through the morning haze with electric grace. Cameras clicked, crowds cheered, and for a few dazzling hours, the city by the sea became the epicentre of a new revolution – one of speed, sustainability, and spectacle. This was not just sport. It was Lagos announcing itself – bold, restless, and forward-looking – to the world.

On that luminous October weekend, as sunlight danced on the waters of Victoria Island, the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship brought the future to Nigeria’s shores. For the first time ever, Africa hosted a race in the all-electric series, a global contest where innovation meets adrenaline, and where every ripple tells a story about the planet’s greener tomorrow. And Lagos, never one to do things quietly, seized the moment.

For decades, Lagos has been defined by its land – its unending traffic, its restless population, its rhythm of trade and survival. But the lagoon has always been its quiet soul, stretching endlessly from the Atlantic to the creeks of Ikorodu and Badagry. Last weekend, that soul stirred. The city’s famed skyline gleamed under the tropical sun as the RaceBirds – sleek, electric hydrofoil boats – danced across the lagoon. Each vessel, powered entirely by battery, lifted above the water on carbon-fibre wings, gliding silently yet powerfully. To the uninitiated, it was magic; to the engineers, it was the future of sustainable racing.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who had championed Lagos’s inclusion in the E1 calendar, called it ‘a defining moment in the city’s evolution – where tradition meets technology.’ For him, and for many Lagosians watching from the banks and balconies, it was more than a race. It was proof that Africa’s largest city could lead in innovation, hospitality, and green mobility. His Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, hailed the E1 Lagos Grand Prix as a bold testament to the state’s global stature and innovative spirit. Declaring it Africa’s first all-electric powerboat race, he said the event showcased Lagos’ resilience, creativity, and readiness for a sustainable future while inspiring youths in sports and technology.

The E1 Championship is not a typical boat race. Founded to reimagine marine motorsport for a sustainable world, the series pits nations and celebrity-backed teams against one another – not in fossil-fuel engines, but in zero-emission vessels. Each RaceBird is a marvel of engineering, reaching speeds of up to 93 km/h, powered by lithium batteries and controlled with the precision of a jet cockpit. The Lagos event marked a milestone not only for the city but for the continent. Africa’s debut in the E1 series showed that the drive for cleaner energy and sport innovation is universal. The lagoon – a symbol of history, commerce, and culture – became a metaphor for transformation.

It also tied neatly into the Lagos State Government’s Omi Eko Project, a pound 410 million plan to modernise water transport infrastructure, electrify ferries, and reclaim the lagoon as a clean, functional waterway. The E1 race, then, was not an isolated spectacle; it was a glimpse of what could be. As Rodi Basso, E1’s Chief Executive Officer, put it: ‘We didn’t choose Lagos just for its location. We chose it for its energy. Lagos represents the kind of boldness the future demands – a city that never sleeps, never fears change, and never stops dreaming.’

By midday, the sun had turned the lagoon into a mirror, and the crowd’s anticipation reached fever pitch. From the Five Cowries Terminal to Oniru Beach, the city’s waterfront shimmered with excitement. Vendors sold flags, grilled fish, and fresh coconuts; influencers livestreamed the spectacle to millions online. Then came the sound – a deep, futuristic hum as the boats powered up. Within seconds, the still waters erupted into motion. Twelve hydrofoils took off, skimming above the surface in synchronized bursts of speed. The waves they left glistened like silver ribbons.

Among them were Team Brazil, Team Blue Rising, and Team Drogba Global Africa, all fighting for dominance in Lagos’s unpredictable lagoon winds. For the racers, it was no ordinary circuit – the tropical breeze, the tide’s temperament, and the humidity created an entirely new challenge. And then, as if nature wanted to test their resolve, the sky darkened. A storm gathered over the Atlantic and swept in with sudden fury. Waves rose, visibility dropped. It became a battle not just of machines, but of human skill and endurance.

Through it all, Team Brazil, led by Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin, held their line. In the chaos of wind and spray, their electric RaceBird cut through the turbulence with precision, crossing the finish line first. Lagos erupted in applause. The sound rolled across the water like thunder. When the rain cleared and the winners lifted their trophy, the symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone. This wasn’t merely about sport. It was about Lagos – a city of contradictions, chaos, and creativity – proving that it could host the world and do it in style.

Hotels were full, restaurants buzzed with visitors, and every camera lens turned toward the lagoon. For two days, the city became a magnet for innovation, tourism, and pride. Economists estimate that the event generated millions of naira in direct spending, with long-term benefits for hospitality and marine infrastructure. But beyond figures, there was something deeper – a renewed sense of what Lagos could be.

As one spectator, Chioma, put it: ‘For once, we’re not talking about traffic or floods. We’re talking about something beautiful – something that makes Lagos feel like it belongs to the future.’

There’s poetry in the fact that the same waters where fishermen once paddled hand-carved canoes are now hosting electric hydrofoils. The same lagoon that witnessed centuries of commerce and colonial history now mirrors the promise of clean technology and global sport. To older residents, it felt like a bridge between generations. ‘I grew up watching wooden boats,’ said Chief Adesanya, a retired sailor from Ebute Metta. ‘I never thought I’d see machines flying on water. Lagos is changing before our eyes.’ For younger Lagosians – engineers, students, entrepreneurs – it was a spark of inspiration. Universities began discussing electric marine design; start-ups explored solar charging docks. The E1 race ignited not just applause, but imagination.

Governor Sanwo-Olu called the event ‘a triumph of partnership and progress,’ crediting collaboration among the state, private sector, and international bodies. Indeed, the logistics were immense: road closures around Victoria Island, ferry diversions across the Five Cowries Creek, and extensive safety coordination with marine agencies.

But the payoff was clear. Lagos demonstrated that it could organise world-class sporting events – blending African flair with global sophistication. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message of commendation, praising the race as ‘a milestone that signals Nigeria’s readiness to lead in sustainable innovation and tourism.’ From tech giants to local artisans, the synergy was palpable. Corporate sponsors saw visibility; artisans sold souvenirs; media houses beamed images of Lagos’s sparkling lagoon to homes across the world.

When dusk fell on the final day, the lagoon glowed in twilight. The race was over, but the echoes lingered – in the laughter of children still waving flags, in the glimmering reflection of lights on the water, in the quiet pride of a city that dared to dream. The lagoon, once merely a backdrop, had become a stage. And Lagos, that irrepressible city of noise and hustle, had found serenity – if only for a moment – in the harmony of speed, silence, and sustainability.

There are still challenges ahead: keeping the waterways clean, ensuring inclusivity, extending water transport to underserved communities. But something irreversible has begun. The idea that Lagos can merge innovation with identity – that it can race toward the future without losing its soul – is no longer just a dream. As Rodi Basso said after the race: ‘The world saw Lagos today – its energy, its chaos, its beauty. The lagoon came alive, and in doing so, it showed us what the future could look like.’ And perhaps, in that single weekend when machines flew and waters danced, Lagos glimpsed a vision of itself – a city reborn not by concrete, but by current; not by roads, but by waves.

The Senate yesterday moved to impose a 10-year passport ban on Nigerians who have been convicted and deported from foreign countries over criminal activities.

This move followed the second reading of a Bill titled: ‘A Bill to amend the Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. P343 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,’ sponsored by Senator Bello Sani Abubakar (APC, Niger North).

Presenting the lead debate on the Bill on behalf of the sponsor, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo said the Bill was intended to highlight the need for more provisions in the extant legislation to globally preserve, sanctify, and redeem the image of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said the Bill sought to provide for measures towards preserving the image of Nigerians while abroad and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘The implication of the proposed amendment is that where a Nigerian commits any of the foregoing offences in a foreign country and is convicted for the crime, the international passport of the convict would be withdrawn for 10 years. This measure serves as a veritable deterrent to the commission of crime in a foreign country.

‘This proposed amendment will redeem, preserve, and elevate the image and integrity of our dear country. It is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to good governance and stance against crimes and criminalities.’

In his lead debate, Onawo averred that the proposed amendment to the extant Act had become imperative and compelling as a veritable action to effectively redeem the severely tarnished image of Nigeria in the eyes of the international community.

The lawmaker said there was a need to enact a strong disincentive for the commission of crimes by Nigerians across international jurisdictions.

He said: ‘The commission of crimes by Nigerians in foreign jurisdictions has dealt a crashing blow to the reputation and image of Nigeria, and is costing us stupendous disgrace in the diplomatic community and in international transits.

‘It projects Nigerians as personae non grata to whom foreign visas are restricted or denied, with a negative effect on our national interest.

‘Countries like China, Turkey, Canada, France, Egypt, Germany, Ethiopia, South Africa, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, among others, which are destinations of interest to our citizens, apply stringent visa rules to Nigerians.

‘A major reason for the visa restriction is the significant commission of crimes and conviction of Nigerians in those countries.

‘Though profiles of crimes by Nigerians in foreign countries are protected for human rights reasons, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, and being privy to the issues in the diplomatic community, the detriment of such crimes to our foreign affairs, the harm to our bilateral and multilateral interests, and the dent to our image and integrity, I am convinced, that it is incumbent upon us as a country to act and demonstrate responsibility to ending the indulgence of our citizens in crimes anywhere in the world.

‘As a consequence of the injury to the integrity of our country from crimes by our citizens in foreign jurisdictions, innocent and patriotic Nigerians suffer harassment in international transits, denial and hardship in visa applications, discrimination and negative stereotype in social dealings, costs and distress.

‘The green passport is widely discountenanced and the sovereign pride it intrinsically bears has severely diminished. That is nothing less than a state of emergency!

‘The Legislature is mandated, under Section 4 of the Constitution, with lawmaking for the peace, order and good governance of Nigeria.

‘The extant law on Passport (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act is good, but good is the enemy of better.

‘It would do better if amended with provisions that impose an extra layer of deterrents to the commission of crime by our citizens in foreign countries.

‘It would demonstrate responsibility on our part to discourage the perpetration of crime by our citizens and to redeem the image of our country.’

In their contribution, the senators supported the Bill and approved that it should be read for a second time when it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Supporting the Bill, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa Northwest) called for a tighter control over passport issuance to prevent non-Nigerians from fraudulently obtaining the country’s passports.

He said: ‘Nigerians of all shades and colours are being disrespected in foreign lands because of the ease of acquiring Nigerian passports.

‘In some cases, crimes committed by foreigners are attributed to Nigerians simply because they carry our passports.

‘We must reclaim the dignity of the green passport. When non-Nigerians use it to commit crimes, and Nigerians are profiled for it, that is an injustice to our people.’

Akpabio also threw his weight behind the Bill, describing it as ‘a bold step to preserve the dignity and integrity of Nigerians’.

He recalled a case in Dubai where a group of black men committed robbery using Nigerian passports but were later discovered not to be Nigerians.

‘This Bill will help tighten the process of passport issuance and ensure that those who mess up the country’s image abroad face the consequences.

‘Any Nigerian who tarnishes our image should not only face imprisonment abroad but also lose their passport for at least 10 years,’ Akpabio said.

The Bill, which enjoyed unanimous support on the floor, was referred to the Senate Committee on Interior for further legislative work and public hearing.

If passed, the law will make Nigeria one of the few African countries with domestic legislation sanctioning citizens convicted of crimes in foreign jurisdictions, as part of efforts to restore global respect for the Nigerian passport.

Akpabio added: ‘I applauded this bill when I first read it, because it speaks to preserving the integrity and international reputation of our nation.

‘So, as this bill, when it goes through public hearing and all, and comes back to us, and we send it to Mr. President for assent, and the concurrence of our colleague in the House of Representatives who helped to cope such incidents, who tightened the ways and manner in which Nigerian passports circulate in the hands of foreigners, and also where a Nigerian goes to mess up the image of the country, such a Nigerian should not just go to prison and be deported to Nigeria.

‘Such a person should actually lose an international passport for at least 10 years, or 10 to 20 years, to serve as a deterrent.’

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said it will, within the month, launch an enhanced and upgraded system for the processing of driver’s licences and vehicle number plates to ensure effective and efficient service delivery nationwide.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, announced this yesterday in Abuja while addressing the corps workers and stakeholders during the 2025 Customer Service Week celebration of the corps.

Mohammed said the new system would significantly reduce waiting time, ensure faster processing, and improve data integrity.

The corps marshal explained that the initiative was part of broader efforts to modernise FRSC’s operations through technology.

He said the FRSC recognised the invaluable trust and loyalty of its customers, describing them as critical partners in the corps’ collective achievements in road safety administration across the country.

‘For every challenge solved, opportunities seized, and milestones recorded, it’s made possible by the trust and loyalty of our customers,’ Mohammed said.

The corps marshal expressed appreciation to FRSC’s personnel and customers for their cooperation and commitment.

He assured them that the corps would continue to advocate for effective legislation, policy implementation, and sustained enforcement.

This, Mohammed said, would be to reduce road crashes, fatalities and injuries nationwide.

He expressed concern over the challenges that applicants experienced in processing and obtaining driver’s licences and vehicle number plates.

According to him, the FRSC is aware of the delays and difficulties that applicants face nationwide.

‘We want to also apologise to our team and customers for the delay and difficulty experienced over a period of time in processing and obtaining a driver’s licence and number plate.

‘I want to assure them that we are upscaling and upgrading the technology and system infrastructure of these two products.

‘By the grace of God, within this month, we are launching an enhanced system to improve service delivery and efficiency,’ he added.

The corps marshal also urged motorists and all road users to continue to obey traffic rules and regulations, emphasising that adherence remains the foundation of safety on the roads.

‘We want to tell our teeming motorists and road users that they should continue to abide by road traffic rules and regulations so that we have safety first, safety always and safety forever,’ Mohammed said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Customer Service Week is celebrated annually to prioritise customer satisfaction and honour the contributions of service providers and consumers across sectors.

Lagos State Government has honoured 750 public servants, including six permanent secretaries, for their commitment and decades of meritorious service to the state.

The recognition took place yesterday at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, during the Year 2025 Long Service Merit Award Ceremony, one of the major events marking Public Service Week Celebration.

Head of Service (HoS) Mr. Bode Agoro said the initiative, which had been sustained for over two decades, was designed to recognise and reward diligence, loyalty and commitment among public servants.

‘This programme, which has been consistently organised for over 20 years, is aimed at recognising and rewarding diligence, commitment and loyalty among public servants in Lagos State.

‘Public servants deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their long-term dedication to supporting good governance,’ he said.

Agoro said the long service awards not only honoured those who had served for over 30 years, but also motivated other officers to remain steadfast in the pursuit of excellence and efficient service delivery.

‘While congratulating the proud recipients of today’s awards, I urge you not to rest on your oars. Continue to exhibit the high sense of responsibility, commitment to duty and loyalty that earned you this recognition,’ he said.

Agoro encouraged public officers to embrace technological advancement and continuous learning, to meet the evolving demands of governance.

‘The changing nature of public policy and technological innovations requires higher levels of skills and competences. As you remain dedicated to your duties, also focus on personal development and take advantage of the latest ICT tools to improve yourselves,’ he said.

The HoS said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remained committed to improving workers’ welfare and providing a conducive environment for optimal performance.

‘Government will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare and create the right atmosphere for the attainment of public policy objectives,’ he said.

Agoro urged awardees and other officers to continue upholding the values of dedication, integrity and professionalism that defined Lagos State Public Service.

‘Let us celebrate in moderation and continue to uphold the spirit of excellence that defines Lagos State Public Service,’ he said.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will today unveil a newly completed 420 home units at Ajara, Badagry.

The opening of the new Lagos State Housing Estate Ajara phase 1 at Badagry, will further increase the stock of model housing units and cater for accomodation needs of over 2000 individuals.

Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during a media chats with reporters stated that the estate consists of 420 home apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

Akinderu-Fatai said the aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state.

He expressed excitement about the project’s completion, citing its potential impact on the community’s economy.

The commissioner thanked prospective subscribers for their patience and trust in the administration.

He also advised interested subscribers who have intention to apply to visit the Estate department of the Ministry at Block 3, the Secretariat, Alausa and refrain from dealing with swindlers as the ministry does not engage agents in the sale of any of its housing units.