The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has resolved over 1,000 petitions in the last five years, addressing issues such as emergencies, stranded citizens, consular matters, trafficking, and deportation, according to the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the achievements as part of the Commission’s reflection on its milestones since its establishment in May 2019. 

She also noted significant progress in increasing Diaspora investments in Nigeria, a key focus of the agency’s mandate.

In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad.

According to the statement, “The Chairman, NiDCOM informed, also that, the anniversary celebration doubled to successfully celebrate the year, which is gradually ending. 

“She lauded the NiDCOM team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.

“The NiDCOM Boss acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope for the future, envisioning a brighter path for the Commission and its staff.”

Also  Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission underlined the staff’s pivotal role in fostering diaspora engagement, attracting investment, protecting Nigerians abroad, and promoting Nigeria’s positive image, for the Commission. 

He noted the hurdles NiDCOM experienced but expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to deliver effective services.

Habibat Pat-Eluameh Esq, a former staff member, shared her pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and showed optimism for a dedicated Commission building.

Mrs. Halima Ajagbe, Head of Administration, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Staff’s commitment to work hand in hand with top management to find more ways of value addition.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to deserving staff, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Commission’s success story.

The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, overseeing the South-West zone under the National Security Advisor, announced the interception of six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State and Benin Republic border.

The weapons, identified by their serial numbers, were concealed inside sacks of cassava flour (garri) and loaded in a Toyota Camry Saloon car as a decoy.

Speaking in Lagos, the Team’s Coordinator, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, disclosed that since August 2019, the unit has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, reflecting its commitment to border security and anti-smuggling operations.

His words: “The former code-named “Operation Swift Response” was inaugurated on 20th August 2019 to address security challenges along the nation’s international borders caused by the proliferation of smuggled small and light weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods, and other cross-border crimes.

“As the principal adviser to the President on national security, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates the management of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead agency to ensure improved security at the nation’s border.

“The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 covers the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It specifically focused on the border corridors with the neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that “the doggedness and the sacrifice of JBPT Sector 2 in fighting cross-border crimes were instrumental in achieving some significant successes. This includes the seizure of goods worth a duty-paid value of over N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants. ” The Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales. An aggregate of N1,140,162,562 was paid into the federation account from the sales of seized petroleum products.

The recent of this kind of seizure, he said, “was on December 3, 2024, when a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path of Oyo State. The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084. A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

Prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date, he added, ” are: I, 130,954 bags of foreign bags of rice (50 kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200 kg of pangolin scales; 5,575,020 litres of Premium motor spirit; 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes; 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil; 15 pump action riffles; 280 suspected cases of human trafficking; 480 units of motor vehicles; and 1,190 means of conveyance

“The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 had encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment. However, these challenges were surmounted with the aid of collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills, and commitment to effective leadership and management.

“At this juncture, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2, across the component security agencies, patriotic citizens, and stakeholders for your unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed. Thank you for demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and patriotism in the face of numerous challenges.

“To the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support towards the success of the Joint Border Patrol Team.”

Their leadership styles and logistics supply, he added ” are instrumental to our success story at suppressing cross-border crimes. We are grateful for the opportunity to work under your supervision,” he said.

Renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about Netflix’s funding of Nigerian original movies.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Afolayan clarified that his statement had been misinterpreted. 

He explained that he was not suggesting Netflix is exiting Nigeria but was emphasizing the importance of developing local distribution platforms instead of relying solely on Netflix.

The filmmaker noted that his remarks were taken out of context, stating that he was advocating for Nigerian filmmakers to explore alternative channels for distributing their content.

Afolayan also disclosed that Netflix had reassured him and other filmmakers of their continued support for Nigerian content, though with some adjustments to their operational structure.

“If Netflix parks and leaves, of course, it is going to affect all of us. I was addressing some of the government officials who were there at Zuma because Victor Okhai who is the moderator was a voice in the Nigeria film industry. I was not at the event he was talking about. I was not privy to whatever conversation must have happened there,” he said.

“I think there is a bit of a change in the structure and mode of operation. And this is open to people who supply them with films.

“The last time they were here, we had a meeting, they were still reassuring us, saying, look, we are still here. We are going to do stuff but we might not be able to do the kind of volume that we used to do.

“What I was emphasizing is that even if Netflix say they are not doing enough, or taking as many films as they should, why shouldn’t we as a country come up with other distribution platforms? Just like other people put up their films on YouTube.

“I never said Netflix is leaving Nigeria. What I said was we just shot two seasons of ‘Anikulapo’ and I heard some people who were not quick enough to make their films say they can’t shoot again because they are cutting down on numbers.

“We have a relationship that we have built over the years. I give them good content and we will continue to give them as long as they are here.”

Netflix had earlier said “we are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to invest in Nigerian stories to delight our audience”.

Scientists have developed a urine test that could indicate the first signs of lung cancer.

The researchers from the University of Cambridge and Early Cancer Institute said the goal was to find a test that is a cheaper alternative to scans.

The study was funded by Cancer Research UK. The group examined proteins excreted by senescent cells into the lungs.

Senescent cells are often called “zombie cells” because though alive in the body, they are unable to grow and divide.

The cells reprogramme their immediate environment to help promote the emergence of cancer cells.

The scientists developed an injectable sensor that interacts with the zombie cell proteins and releases an easily detectable compound into urine.

The method has been successfully tested on mice and there is optimism that it could be used on humans soon.

Ljiljana Fruk, one of the scientists, said his team set out to develop a urine test that could help doctors identify signs of the early stages of cancer — potentially months or even years before noticeable symptoms appear.

“We know that before cancer emerges there are changes in the affected tissues,” he said.

“One of the changes is the accumulation of damaged cells that are not damaged enough to be removed, but enough to release signals that reprogramme the tissue and make it perfect for cancer development.

“Once in urine, this part of the probe is too small to be detected, but it can be made visible by adding a bit of silver solution to it — the same silver compound used in photography in the early days of analogue photos.

“By monitoring the colour of urine after the injection of the probe, we can say if cells are present in lungs that would indicate the early signs of pathological changes that might lead to cancer.”

Atsi Kefas, the sister of Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba state, has reportedly been shot by a police escort during an attack by gunmen on Thursday.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Jumai, the governor’s mother and Atsi were driving along Kente road in Wukari LGA of Taraba state when they were attacked.

The publication stated that a police officer assigned to escort the family “accidentally shot Atsi” while attempting to fend off the assailants. 

Following the attack, troops rescued the victims and evacuated both Jumai and Atsi Kefas from the scene with the use of an air ambulance. 

The injured sister was rushed to the hospital for treatment and her condition remains undisclosed at the time of this report.

The vehicle used by the gunmen was recovered by the security force including an empty magazine and luggage of the passengers were found in the vehicle.

David Adeleke, the world-famous, Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, who is widely known as Davido, has shared in an interview with The Morning Hustle, an American music podcast, how his father's influence turned what he initially thought was a one-time act into his annual orphanage donations.

The musician said that following a random tweet where he posted his account on his birthday, fans sent him close to $400,000 which his father encouraged him to donate.

He said: "I do it every year, I've done it for like 3 years now. On My birthday two years ago I tweeted my account number randomly on twitter, like yoo it's My birthday, send me money. And then my fans ended up sending me up to like $400,000, it was a big story.

"So I'm thinking,like what should I do, then My Pops called me like, you know you can't keep that money right.

"Then we decided to just give it all away, to a course, which was the motherless babies ,so we did that the first year, we did that the second year back to back.”

Ada Egede, a Nigerian lady, has gone online to make a serious complaint.

The woman has expressed great sadness after 25 men were ordained Catholic priests.

According to her, husbands have become scarce as more men are taking interest in becoming priests. She advised women in relationships to hold on to their men.

“25 men taken by the Holy Catholic Church yesterday as priests.

"And we no see husband marry. Ladies husband no day again oo.

"Hold your man well ohh. Good night,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has acknowledged that Nigeria's justice system is deeply plagued by corruption.

The commission’s chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the remark on Thursday while speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, organised by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN.

Aliyu opined that corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of Nigerian society.

He stressed that the trend undermines policy decision-making in the country.

According to Aliyu, the Justice System Administration faces institutional, funding, infrastructural, human resources, and socio-cultural challenges.

He added that, “The widespread corruption within the justice system, including bribery, influence peddling and attitudinal challenges are more fundamental and daunting.

“I dare say that the justice sector remains a focal point of concern, particularly regarding bribery involving stakeholders in the justice sector, and despite limited public contact, judicial officials exhibit relatively high bribery prevalence, hence the need for targeted anti-corruption measures in this sector.”

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has reiterated the Senate's dedication to progressing legislative work on the contentious tax reform bills, highlighting their significance for Nigeria's development.

Presiding over the plenary on Thursday, Akpabio explained that the committee led by Senator Abba Moro, established to interface with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on the contentious aspects of the bills, is part of the Senate’s internal mechanisms.

“We are elected to work for the interest of Nigerians,” Akpabio said, adding, “Once a bill passes a second reading in the Senate, it is alive. It is then up to the committee on finance to begin consultations and hold public hearings.”

Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) clarified that the Senate had not suspended deliberations on the tax reform bills, countering media reports purporting that the Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin’s announced indefinite suspension of action on the bills during Wednesday’s plenary.

On Wednesday, Senator Barau, who presided over the session, was reported to have said that the Senate Committee on Finance, chaired by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), will put on hold further action on the bills.

 He had also announced the formation of a special committee led by Senator Moro to engage with the AGF on the concerns raised.

However, Bamidele, invoking Senate Rule 42 on Thursday, asked: “Where was it stated that we have suspended our proceedings on the tax reform bills? This Senate did not suspend and does not intend to suspend, deliberations on the tax reform bills.

“These bills are executive bills and can only be withdrawn by the President. There is no basis for their withdrawal, and the Senate Committee on Finance is actively working to meet its six-week deadline, including conducting a public hearing. The bills remain very much alive.”

Efforts to confirm whether the scheduled meeting between the Senate committee and the AGF took place were unsuccessful. Calls to Senator Moro, other committee members, and the AGF’s office went unanswered at the time of filing this report.

South-South senators back tax reform bills

In a related development, 16 senators from the South-South region have pledged their support for the proposed tax reform bills. Following a meeting on Wednesday, the caucus, in a communiqué signed by Senator Seriake Dickson (Chairman) and Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe (Secretary), emphasised their commitment to fostering legislative initiatives that ensure the country’s peace, prosperity, and progress.

The communiqué stated, “Recognising the importance of tax reforms in enhancing national revenue and fostering economic stability, we resolved to support the tax reform bills. This support will be based on a comprehensive study and thorough evaluation of the bills to ensure they align with the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly the well-being of the South-South region.”

The caucus also urged restraint from individuals attempting to inject regional, ethnic, or tribal sentiments into the national dialogue and expressed readiness to participate in robust consultations and interactions initiated by the Senate.

The PH Refinery ships its first export of petroleum products to Dubai.

The company is expected to load the cargo in the coming days onboard the Wonder Star MR1 ship, signalling the commencement of operations at the plant and the exportation of petroleum products.

The ship will load 15,000 metric tons of the product, which translates to about 13.6 million litres.

Although the volume coming from the NNPC into the global market is still small, the development has the potential to impact the Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) benchmarks in the future while changing the market realities for Atlantic Basin exporters into Nigeria and other regions.

The sulfur content of the export by NNPC stands at 0.26 per cent per wt and a 0.918 g/ml density at 15°C, according to Kpler, a data and analysis company.

The cargo was reportedly sold at an $8.50/t discount to the NWE 0.5 per cent benchmark on a Free on Board (FOB) basis.

Kpler reported that the development would help displace imports from traditional suppliers in Africa and Europe, as Nigeria’s falling clean product (CPP) imports are already decreasing, dragging imports into the wider West Africa region lower as well.