News
Aregbesola Launches New NIS’ ePassport Production Centre for Edo, Delta
The Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has commissioned the enhanced ePassport production Centre in the ancient City of Benin to take care of the production of Passport applications for Edo and Delta States Passport Offices.
A statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Amos Okpu, noted that the Minister declared the Centre as specially designated for the Passport Offices in the two States because of the increasing volume of applications in the States in recent times.
He stated that with the commissioning of the facility, Edo and Delta States Passport Offices have joined other locations in the southeast and southwest that have been successfully migrated to the enhanced ePassport platform. The Minister maintained that the enhanced ePassport offers sufficient options to applicants to choose from the 32-page five-year; 64-page five-year and 64-page ten-year validity Passport categories. He noted that the enhanced ePassport is a product of improved technology especially additional security feature a polycarbonate data page which would make the document difficult to counterfeit or forge.
He enjoined prospective applicants to avoid patronizing middlemen while applying for Passport as the process has been digitized to allow for the use of simple devices to apply and process Passport at the comfort of one’s home or offices. The Minister assured that more reforms are being planned by government to ensuring that the Passport application and issuance process is made a lot easier, dependable and seamless for Nigerians.
In his remark, the Comptroller General Isah Jere Idris stated that the roll-out of the enhanced ePassport at the Benin Centre was part of the Passport reform efforts particularly meant to offer expanded menu to applicants who can now make choices among the various categories of Passports. He enjoined applicants to turn in their applications via passport.immigration.gov.ng in good time, make payments and book their appointments to avoid last minute rush stressing that the Service shall not entertain frivolous requests for waiver of appointments. He maintained that the Service does not accept cash payments and enjoined prospective applicants to ensure that they have completed their applications and made payments online before visiting the Passport Offices on their appointment dates.
Earlier, the Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Noheghase Obaseki commended the Service for the profound reforms it has introduced into its Passport platform. He expressed appreciation for the choice of Benin City as the Centre for the facility and pledged more of his government’s support to the Service including assurances of meaningful support for the construction of the proposed Passport Office in Auchi.
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Omo no’ Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan has commended President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for approving that the enhanced ePassport Centre be located in his Kingdom stressing that the President has remained very nice to the people of Edo State in particular and all Nigerians in general. He assured of his support to the project and thanked the Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for leading a high level delegation of senior Officers of the Immigration Service and other agencies to his palace.
Dignitaries who attended the commissioning ceremony include Hon. Justice PA Akhikhero who represented the Chief Judge of the State, the Chief of Staff to the Governor; the immediate acting vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Osarheme Osadolor, heads of military, security and response agencies in the State among others.
The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has debunked reports about an ongoing recruitment in the Commission, saying it is not true.
The Public Relations Officer of the FCSC, Mr. Taiwo Hassan, quoting the Chairman Tunji Olaopa on Monday night, clarified that there is no fresh recruitment currently going on at the commission.
“The attention of the FCSC has been drawn to information making the rounds on various media platforms about advertised vacancies and recruitments in the commission.
“The commission unequivocally declares that the information containing the commission’s website and the name of the Director (Recruitment and Appointment) did not emanate from the commission.
“It is fictitious and should be disregarded,” Hassan said.
He warned members of the public to be wary of activities of fake recruitment syndicates and racketeers.
He said the commission would officially announce to the public on national dallies and through its website whenever such recruitment exercise commenced.
Nigeria has extended invitation to foreign investors with the assurance that the electricity sector is ripe for investment and transformative growth.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, extended the invite during his address at the African Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Speaking to a gathering of selected investors and development partners ahead of the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit, Edun noted the government’s commitment to achieving macroeconomic stability, advancing clean energy goals, and ensuring universal energy access.
He described Nigeria’s power sector as a pivotal area for investment and collaboration, aligning with the country’s broader energy transition goals under the “Mission 300” initiative.
A statement from the ministry said Edun detailed the Federal government’s focus on ensuring energy security while pursuing the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions. According to the minister, the Nigerian electricity sector offers vast opportunities for foreign and domestic investors. With a focus on clean energy transition and grid modernization, the government aims to increase the capacity and reliability of the power sector, unlocking its potential to drive economic growth.
Edun also informed the audience that President Bola Tinubu would personally participate in the summit, signifying Nigeria’s commitment to leading conversations on energy access and clean energy in Africa. The president’s attendance is expected to strengthen collaborative efforts among African nations, investors, and development partners toward achieving the continent’s energy and climate goals.
“Nigeria’s electricity sector is poised for transformative growth, and investors are invited to be a part of this exciting journey,” Edun said. He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s robust investment climate, supported by the government’s economic reforms, would attract global stakeholders to help drive progress in the energy sector.
“With one of the largest populations in Africa, Nigeria’s demand for reliable electricity continues to grow, presenting immense opportunities for investment. The federal government has already taken steps to reform the power sector, focusing on expanding access to renewable energy sources, encouraging private-sector participation, and ensuring regulatory stability to attract investors.
“As President Tinubu is set to join the discussions, Nigeria aims to build on its energy ambitions, securing investments that will empower its citizens, strengthen the economy, and contribute to Africa’s clean energy future,” he said.
Impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has described the corruption allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated”.
Speaking during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa maintained that he was not afraid of being impeached but emphasised that due process was not followed.
The former Speaker alleged that his removal was orchestrated while he was away, and accused the state commissioner of police of aiding the process.
He claimed security agents, led by the police commissioner, invaded the assembly complex and his homes in Agege and Ikeja, locking his family indoors with over 200 officers present.
Obasa dismissed allegations of misappropriation.
He mocked claims that a gate construction had cost N16 billion, saying, “Is it the wall of Jericho?”
He said: “I am not afraid of being removed, after all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.
“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.
The former Speaker cited the case of the former speaker, Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi.
He said when Pelumi was removed, he was in the assembly and “we did not invite policemen.
“When my sister, former deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho was removed, we did not invite the police.”
Obasa said an innocent person should not be discredited, and there must be proof of allegations showing exactly what he has done.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly is above common standard of excellence.
“I appreciate the members of the governance advisory council and Governor Babajide Olusola Aanwo-Olu of the state. He is my brother and he always calls me his younger brother.”
Obasa was impeached on January 13 by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house over alleged misconduct and sundry offences.
His Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately elected the new speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the State.
