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Gaidam Harps on Importance of Implementing WAPIS Programme

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The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the immense importance the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) programme holds for the Nigerian Police and the nation.

He stated this during the visit of the ECOWAS, European Union, and INTERPOL delegation led by Head of Politics, Press and Information Section European Union (ECOWAS/Nigeria) Zissimos Vergos, to the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja.

The Minister, according to a statement signed by the Press Deputy Director, Bolaji Kazeem and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), stated that Nigeria is at the forefront of addressing the complex challenges of transnational crime and terrorism and the need for efficient and reliable information-sharing mechanisms cannot be overstated.

“The WAPIS system presents us with a unique opportunity to strengthen our law enforcement efforts and foster collaboration among West African countries. This visit marks a significant milestone in our journey towards implementing the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) here in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“By implementing the WAPIS, we will enhance our capacity to collect, store, analyze, and share crucial law enforcement data across borders. This system will enable us to tackle the menace of organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism more effectively,” he said.

Gaidam added that it will empower our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to identify and apprehend criminals who operate across national boundaries, ensuring that they face the full force of justice.

The Minister expressed that, the WAPIS system will contribute to the creation of a safer and more secure West Africa; It will foster trust and cooperation among our regional partners, facilitating the exchange of information, best practices, and expertise.

“Together, we can establish a formidable network that transcends borders, allowing us to combat crime collectively and protect the well-being of our citizens. WAPIS in Nigeria would not have been possible without the steadfast support and collaboration of our esteemed partners. The ECOWAS Commission, the European Union, and INTERPOL have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to fostering regional security and supporting Nigeria’s efforts in this critical endeavor.

Earlier, Head of Politics, Press and Information Section European Union (ECOWAS/Nigeria) Zissimos VERGOS who led the delegation stated that the purpose of their visit is to review the specific objective of the program and examine the status regarding the development of WAPIS mechanism within Nigeria law enforcement landscape noting that there is the need for better coordination and dialogue among the security agencies and exchange of information within West Africa region.
In his contribution, the Head of the Regional Security Division (ECOWAS Commission) Colonel Abdourahmane Dieng said that WAPIS is an ECOWAS programme and the need for political support towards the advancement of the process adding that they had identified some issues in the implementation of the programme in Nigeria and the need for the technical mission to support the team in Nigeria.

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Glo Subscribers Win Big in Palmpay Recharge and Win Bonanza

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Glo subscribers who use Palmpay app to recharge their lines are in for an exciting time as winners have begun to emerge in the ongoing second edition of the “Recharge and Win Bonanza”, a collaborative promo between Palmpay and Globacom.

The promotion rewards Glo users who recharge their lines via the Palmpay app with a chance to win premium prizes, including the iPhone 15 Pro, Infinix Hot 40, and several other exciting giveaways. According to a joint statement from both companies, the initiative is designed to encourage seamless digital recharges while rewarding customer loyalty in the process.

So far, winners have been announced from the latest draws, with several participants winning brand new Infinix Hot 40 smartphones and other prizes. Among the lucky winners are Basirat Mayowa Opatunji from Osogbo, Osun State, Wisdom Anayo Uzoma, Afeez Akanfe Muraina, and Oyedikachi Herbert.

To ensure convenience, winners outside Lagos will have their prizes dispatched to the nearest Palmpay office for pickup.

Participation in the promo is open until August 8, 2025, and is as simple as recharging a Glo line with ₦500 or more via the Palmpay app. Each qualifying transaction automatically enters the subscriber into a draw for a chance to win. In addition, a daily social media challenge offers more opportunities to win cash prizes.

Palmpay users also enjoy up to 6 percent cashback on Glo airtime and data purchases during the promo. Even better, customers who haven’t activated a Glo data plan in the last 90 days are eligible for a 100% bonus on their recharge.

One of the winners, Basirat Mayowa Opatunji, couldn’t hide her excitement after winning an Infinix Hot 40 smartphone. “I’ve always recharged my Glo line through the Palmpay app, but I never imagined I’d actually win a phone,” she said. Currently studying at Ekiti State University through the Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun study centre, Basirat added that she would be picking up her prize in Osogbo.

To participate in the ongoing bonanza, Glo subscribers can simply visit: http://bit.ly/PalmPaySms

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Review Your New Visa Rules, Tinubu’s Govt Urges U.S.

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The Federal government has responded to the United States’ recent visa rules that reduce how long Nigerian visitors can stay in the United States and limit them to one entry per visa by calling on Washington to reconsider its new visa policy.

The U.S. Department of State had recently updated its non-immigrant visa policy for several countries, including Nigeria, on Tuesday.

Under the new rule, most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be valid for only three months and allow just a single entry into the United States.

The changes took effect immediately.In a notice published on its website, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria state: “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

“The Federal government responded to this by describing the new US directive as “misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect” that ought to govern bilateral engagements between friendly nations in a statement released on Wednesday through Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson.

The Federal government said it views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

“The attention of the Federal government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry,” it stated.

“The Federal government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries. The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations.”

It also claimed that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones, and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

The government also said it understands that every country has the right to make its own immigration rules, but it hopes the U.S. will “reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.”

It also added that diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest.

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APC’s ‘Fake Lawsuit’: ADC Assembles 97 Lawyers for Defence

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has assembled a team of 97 lawyers to challenge what it describes as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ‘fake lawsuit’ against its interim leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola.

The legal team, led by Barrister Mohammed Sheriff, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, accusing the ruling APC of filing a suit using the names of individuals who are not members of the ADC.

The latest development follows a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja between Senator Mark, who is now the ADC’s Interim National Chairman, and the party’s Kogi State chapter.

At the meeting, Mark assured Nigerians that under his leadership, the ADC would operate with total transparency and would not favour any presidential aspirant.

“I don’t own this party more than any other member… All Nigerians must come together and take ownership of the ADC,” he said.

He, therefore, urged party members to set aside their differences and focus on building a united political force, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could fail if citizens remain passive.

The ADC chairman also criticised the APC, saying the ruling party should focus on fixing its own policy failures rather than targeting individuals.

“If they admitted that insecurity was bad and promised to improve it but instead made it worse, should Nigerians continue to support them? The answer is no,” he said.

The ADC alleged that the APC had fabricated names in its lawsuit against the party’s interim leadership.

According to the ADC, investigations showed that the supposed plaintiffs in the suit were not registered members of the party in either Kogi or Nasarawa State.

“It smacks of desperation that a party entrusted with leading 200 million Nigerians would engage in such dishonesty,” the party said.

Mark used the occasion to call for national unity and encouraged Nigerians to support the ADC’s vision of a reformed and people-centred democracy.

“Let us work together to rebuild this nation for future generations,” he urged.

Barrister Sheriff, head of the ADC’s national legal support team, confirmed that 97 lawyers have volunteered to take up the case.

“We are fully prepared to defend the ADC and its leaders against this politically motivated attack,” he said.

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