The United Kingdom on Wednesday unveiled its largest Visa Application Centre in Africa, located in Ikeja, Lagos.

Operated by VFS Global, the new centre marks a significant step in enhancing visa application services for Nigerians travelling to the UK.

This was contained in a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos on Wednesday.

With additional centres in Abuja and Victoria Island, Lagos, now operational since November 19, the facility in Ikeja is designed to streamline visa submissions and offer applicants a seamless experience.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, attended the launch in Ikeja, emphasising the importance of the UK-Nigeria relationship.

He expressed optimism that the new centre would provide improved services for applicants.

“I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK,” Baxter said.

Also, the Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, Marc Owen, described the development as a milestone in offering world-class visa services.

Owen noted that over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in the year to June 2024, reflecting the growing demand for travel to the UK.

“The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” he noted.

The new partnership introduces a range of enhanced services, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

Additionally, Abuja residents can now submit applications from their preferred locations using the Mobile Visa Service, while a Premium Lounge option offers a personalised experience with dedicated staff.

These optional services aim to enhance convenience for applicants without affecting processing timelines or outcomes.

The UK remains a top destination for Nigerian travellers, who account for five per cent of all global UK visit visa applications.

The new facility underscores the UK’s commitment to meeting this demand while maintaining efficient and accessible visa services.

VFS Global, a long-term partner of UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, has expanded its operations from 58 countries to 142, further cementing its role in managing visa services worldwide.

A girl of Nigerian origin is being celebrated online because of her scientific prowess.

Eniola Shokunbi, a fifth-grade pupil, was given an assignment in class, which led her to create something valuable.

According to the story, 12-year-old Eniola was a student at Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy in Middletown, Connecticut, where the class assignment was given.

The class was tasked with producing a solution to a possible future pandemic, such as COVID-19, which spread through the air.

Eniola's impressive efforts resulted in her air purifier, which is said to be of low cost.

After rigorous testing at the University of Connecticut, it was confirmed the air purifier could remove 99% of viruses from the air.

Also, Eniola's device was further tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirmed its efficacy in purifying the air.

Eniola explains how air filter works

Following the success story of Eniola's invention, the Connecticut State Bond Commission has approved $11.5 million (N19.4 billion) in funding for its mass production for schools.

Reacting, Eniola explained how the $60 (N101,000) device works:

“The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top, so it filters in and out."

She said she hoped people would continue to fund scientific solutions. Her words:

“A lot of people don’t realize that the only thing standing between them and getting sick is science."

On her website, she explained further:

"I played a pivotal role in securing an $11.5 million grant to fund the construction and installation of DIY air filters in schools throughout Connecticut. With this determination, I aim to expand my efforts to ensure that every classroom nationwide and around the world benefits from cleaner air."

Eniola's story has been shared by many social media platforms, including on X by @mymixtapez.

Nigerian engineer reacts to Eniola's success abroad

Speaking to Legit.ng on the development, an engineer, Ziko Abara, said Eniola may not have received the funding support if she were to be in Nigeria.

Ziko studied electronics and computer engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

His words:

"Who cares about air quality development in Nigeria? Talk more about funding such an idea... It's in areas where the fight against negative climate change is active that her work will thrive in."

Ziko said lack of funding was one of the greatest impediments facing innovators such as himself in Nigeria.

Ziko, who built a jet engine, said:

"I'd say funding, and an enabling environment. Let me use myself as an example, the jet engine project development has gulped about N1.2m. If we didn't have the resources and support to do it, we'd never have done it. I see many creators building their ideas with paper and cartons and it's sad to see.

"An enabling environment will also help, maybe engineering and research facilities in universities can be opened up to young engineers who have the drive to work."

Reactions as Nigerian girl invents air filter system

@Triggerx09 said:

"See as life easy for saner climes, tell me say if to say na there you dey run this stuff, Elon or other people never go don put better money behind am. It's well shaa, you will get there."

@UncleOsas_ said:

"Saw her on the news the other day. Super impressive."

@femmymafia said:

"Nigerians would have been one of the greatest people ever created if not for the bad guys in the system!!!!! Go Girlllllll. We’re solidly behind you baby girl!!!"

“Please, you all should leave Davido alone, mad people. Davido spoke the truth. Nigeria's current economic state is so bad…”

Prominent Nigerian entertainers have rallied behind their colleague, Davido, to address the economic challenges Nigerians are enduring under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Music executive Paulo Okoye, rapper Ruggedman, Tiwa Savage, Kiekie, Tacha, and other celebrities voiced their concerns after Davido faced backlash for his comments on Nigeria’s economy.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Davido, during an appearance on the ‘Big Homies House’ podcast, urged Black Americans to reconsider relocating to Nigeria due to economic difficulties.

The 32-year-old singer highlighted poor leadership, a high exchange rate, and skyrocketing petroleum prices as significant hindrances.

However, the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker remarks sparked criticism, notably from All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Joe Igbokwe and Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Several celebrities took to social media to defend Davido, highlighting the struggles of ordinary Nigerians with inflation, rising living costs, and an unpredictable business climate.

The truth

Paulo, 57, supported Davido’s comments in an Instagram post on Monday, describing them as a reflection of Nigeria’s harsh realities.

According to him, the challenging economy has driven global companies out of the country and left local businesses grappling with significant losses.

He also emphasised the growing trend of young talents emigrating for better opportunities abroad.

He said: “Please, you all should leave Davido alone, mad people. Davido spoke the truth. Nigeria’s current economic state is so bad.

“With global companies leaving and local businesses facing significant losses, we face challenges. Let’s acknowledge the reality and work towards a better future. God bless Nigeria.”

Too much hardship

Ruggedman, whose real name is Michael Stephens, stressed that the level of hardship in Nigeria has become unbearable for its citizens.

He called on the government to address the situation instead of shifting blame and criticising Davido for his remarks.

“Okay, Davido has said what he said. Moving forward, the government should fix Nigeria so nobody will say such a thing again.

“All this barking all over the place is not fixing the nation. The hardship is too much”, said the ‘Thy Album Come’ hitmaker.

Surviving in Nigeria

Additionally, Tiwa Savage revealed how Nigeria’s economic challenges have negatively affected the entertainment industry and its creative talents.

During her appearance on the ‘Shopping The Sneakers’ podcast on Sunday, the 44-year-old said surviving in the country is hard.

She remarked that the state of the Nigerian economy has essentially transformed celebrities into hustlers.

Tiwa Savage said, “I think Nigeria is, but when you come to Nigeria, you will understand why we breed so many superstars.

“To survive in Nigeria is something else, so the artists that come out of Nigeria are just like hustlers. They are just hustling.”

Double hustle

More so, content creator Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, known as KieKie stated that the current economic challenges have forced entertainers to juggle multiple jobs simultaneously.

In a now-deleted post on her Instagram story, KieKie lamented the constant rise in commodity prices, highlighting the daily struggle of increasing costs.

The brand influencer, TV host and actress wrote: “We’ve all doubled our hustle, but it’s not showing because things are ridiculously and unbelievably expensive. May God help us.”

Relocation

Meanwhile, Reality TV star and entrepreneur Anita Akide, known as Tacha, has announced her decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, citing Nigeria’s worsening economy.

Tacha, who gained fame as a housemate in BBNaija Season 4, shared the news on her X page on Monday.

While she did not specify her departure date, she wrote: “Relocating to the UK so help me God.”

Background

The celebrities mentioned are not the first to criticise Nigeria’s worsening hardships and dire economic situation.

In February, this newspaper reported that veteran Yoruba actor Ebun Oloyede, known as Olaiya Igwe, who went naked to campaign for Mr Tinubu, expressed concern about the country’s growing struggles.

Olaiya, 66, a staunch APC supporter, urged Mr Tinubu to tackle the widespread hunger and address the lack of positive changes Nigerians had been anticipating under his leadership.

Olaiya’s outcry over the economic challenges was preceded by that of Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as Kwam 1, another ardent supporter of Mr Tinubu, who also called for urgent action to alleviate the nation’s hardships and insecurity.

In February, Kwam 1 lamented the worsening conditions Nigerians have faced since Mr Tinubu assumed office.

He urged the President to fulfil the promises of good governance made during his campaign and respond to the cries of citizens, emphasising their widespread suffering.

As of press time, Davido has responded to criticisms of his remark about the economic situation.

On Monday’s X page, the singer wrote, “God bless Nigeria.”

The Federal Government Wednesday, disclosed that about N8.8 billion has been spent to repair and put into functional use power transmission towers attacked by vandals and bandits across the country.

A statement by the Special Adviser to Minister of Power on Communications, Mr. Bolaji Tunji said this disclosure was made by the Managing Director of the Transition Company of Nigeria, Engr. Suleiman Ahmed Abdulaziz, at the Quarterly Power Sector Working Group meeting in Abuja.

Abdulaziz, who was represented by the Executive Director , Transmission Service Provider (TSO) of TCN, Engr. Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajiboye said that between January 13, 2024 and now, 128 transmission towers have been destroyed either by vandals or bandits, across the country.

He lamented that when the vandals were apprehended and handed over to police for prosecution, they were bailed and they would return and continue with the vandalism.

“As I talk to you today, 128 of our towers have been destroyed by either vandals or bandits. Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by our estimation, to put them back to full and functional use. It is so sad that each time the vandals were caught and taken to police for prosecution, police would incident them for theft, instead of vandalism and they will be bailed. If they are charged for vandalism, they cannot be bailed, but this is where we are. So many of them have been arrested, but each time they will be bailed because police often incident their cases as that of theft.

“When the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna towers were destroyed, we had to get the full military escorts for our contractors to get the transmission lines and towers restored and in the some cases, they would tell us that we could only work for two hour in some days. In some instances, they would even tell us that it was not safe to move there. How do we get out of this? How can we deliver electricity to Nigerians under these terrible circumstances? These are part of the challenges we are facing in the power sector”, Abdulaziz lamented.

At the meeting, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu also disclosed that the Federal Government was working in collaboration with the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to make electricity available to 50 million Nigerians by the year 2030.

Adelabu, who was represented by his Chief Technical Adviser, Mr. Adedayo Olowoniyi, said the Nigerian government was working with the Word Bank and the African Development Bank to get 300 million Africans to have access to electricity by the year 2030.

He said the Power Ministry is collaborating with its Finance counterpart to get this process achieved.

“The mission 300 is been driven by the World Bank and the African Development Bank and it is a project that will provide electricity to 300 millions Africans and Nigeria will benefit 50 millions from this. Nigeria has a large population that is without electricity and this is a great opportunity for us to be part of this process.

“The Compact document will be signed by our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Tanzania in January, 2025. We worked extensively with World Bank, the AfDB and the Ministry of Finance to develop the document with all the countries that will be participating in it.

“The most important thing is that we have to drive the process by ourselves through the private and public sector participation. We will do it through the solar form system, mini and micro grid, grid extension and connection”, the Minister said.

Only four states—Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, and Bayelsa—received less than they contributed.

An analysis of revenue allocation data from Nigeria’s Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has highlighted some disparities in the redistribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds among states.

Agora Policy, in a data analysis shared on its X account on Tuesday, highlighted inequalities in VAT distribution among states.

Data analysis from the policy think tank highlighted how Lagos State, the top VAT contributor for the first 10 months of 2024, was allocated 16.78 per cent of its contributions. Meanwhile, Imo State received a staggering 1,715.98 per cent of its contributions during the same period.

The data, which covers VAT contributions and disbursements from January to October 2024, reveals some distortions in how funds are distributed under the federal system.

Lagos contributed N2.21 trillion in VAT, accounting for the highest share of the total pool. Meanwhile, Imo’s contributions stood at N3.33 billion, the lowest among the states. But Imo received N57.09 billion, a figure significantly higher than what it contributed.

The report categorised states based on the proportion of VAT they received relative to their contributions.

Only four states—Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, and Bayelsa—received less than they contributed.

Seventeen states, including Kano and Kaduna, received between 101per cent and 300 per cent of their contributions, while eleven states, such as Bauchi and Ekiti, were allocated 301 per cent to 500 per cent.

Four states—Imo, Abia, Cross River, and Kebbi—benefited the most, each receiving more than 500 per cent of their VAT contributions.

Agora Policy’s analysis highlights Lagos and Imo as outliers.

For the ten months under review, the highest total VAT allocation to a state was N371.09 billion. In contrast, Nasarawa received the least allocation, totalling N47.07 billion with a difference of N324.02 billion.

Value Added Tax (VAT) remains a crucial revenue source in Nigeria’s fiscal framework, with collections distributed among the federal, state, and local governments through a set formula.

The federal government currently retains 15 per cent, states receive 50 per cent, while local governments are allocated the remaining 35 per cent.

Critics argue that the current inter-state sharing formula—based on factors such as population, equality, and landmass—does not favour high-revenue states like Lagos and Rivers which contribute significantly to VAT collections.

Earlier in October, President Bola Tinubu submitted four fiscal bills to the National Assembly, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Tax Administration Bill.

Among the proposed measures is a plan to reduce the federal government’s VAT share to 10 per cent, while states’ allocations would reflect a derivation principle, allowing states to earn more based on the revenue collected within their borders.

However, the new tax proposals have generated controversy, particularly from northern elites, who fear the reforms could place their region at a disadvantage.

The Presidency on Wednesday highlighted reasons every Nigerian may need to acquire the soon-to-be-launched general multipurpose ID card of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

In a sensitization video posted on X by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre, the Presidency noted that the card will provide access to government interventions, reflecting efforts to enhance transparency in social contracts with citizens.

In addition, it said the cardholders can easily access loans from any government and other financial institutions as they come with verifiable credit scores based on their past financial records.

Recall that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) recently announced that it has entered into a partnership with NIMC to fast-track the building of credit scores for all Nigerians with the National Identification Number (NIN).

Driving financial inclusion

While noting that the multipurpose card would soon be available to the general public, the Presidency emphasized its resolve to bring more Nigerians into financial inclusion through the multipurpose card.

“The National ID Card aims to bring over 100 million Nigerians into the banking sector as it automatically bestows on them an inclusion that has evaded more than half of the country’s population for a very long time,” it said.

“Users also have the option of requesting either credit or debit cards,” it added.

While the NIN is already a prerequisite for obtaining an international passport and driver’s licence, among others, the Presidency said this will now be required to apply for government jobs as well as private sector jobs.

It said this would give employers confidence on the profile of the job seekers as verified citizens without questionable records.

How to get the card

Explaining the modalities for the distribution of the cards during a media workshop in Lagos last week, the Head of Card Management Services at NIMC, Dr. Peter Iwegbu, noted that while the NIN is mandatory for every Nigerian, those who need the card would have to request for it.

While noting that the multipurpose cards would launched in a matter of weeks as the sample test cards had been received, Iwegbu, said NIMC has also decentralised requesting and collecting the banks to make it easy for Nigerians.

According to him, the NIMC is working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request a card.

He said the Commission would also ensure that the cards are issued at uniform price across the banks.

Backstory

The NIMC in April this year announced plans to launch a multipurpose National ID card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services.

The card to be powered by AfriGO, was launched in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS)

Information released by the NIMC reveals that the card will be enabled for all government intervention and services across multiple Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA).

Among other capabilities and functionalities, it will also be enabled for the eNaira in compliance with the EMV operational and security standards.

The former president emphasised the critical role of leadership at all levels of government, urging leaders to implement policies and projects that promote unity over short-term praise.

Former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, has stated that Nigerians are more loyal to their ethnic nationalities than to the country which has prevented a collective approach to move Nigeria forward.

Speaking at a forum in Effurun, Delta State, Jonathan disclosed the importance of the federal legislators also seeing themselves as representatives of the entire nation rather than their individual states or ethnic groups.

"You are a member of the Nigerian National Assembly, either the Senate or the House of Representatives. You are not a member of the assembly of your people at the state assembly," Jonathan stated.

"We must begin to take the whole country as our people if we are to get out of this quagmire."

"Nigeria is not the only country with multiple nationalities, but it remains a place where people have yet to see themselves as common citizens of one nation. As long as this persists, genuine development will remain elusive.

"After over 100 years of amalgamation, Nigerians should have recognized the benefits of unity, especially given our geography and ecological diversity," he said.

"Yet, from that time to now, we have failed to develop the sense of unity required to see ourselves as one.

“Currently, the forces pulling us apart are too strong. We must weaken the divisions along ethnic and regional lines and embrace the idea of a united nation.

“We are more loyal to our ethnic groups than to the nation. Nigeria, as it stands, is a collection of small ethnic nationalities, each prioritizing its interests. Over time, the divisions between these groups have only deepened.

“Other countries with diverse nationalities have managed to overcome these barriers, evolving into unified nations. Until we achieve this transformation and break down these ethnic boundaries, progress will remain elusive,” he stated.

The former president emphasised the critical role of leadership at all levels of government, urging leaders to implement policies and projects that promote unity over short-term praise.

“Under the constitution, it’s straightforward to appoint one minister per state, given there are 36 states. However, it becomes more complex when appointing heads of agencies and parastatals, as this often attracts accusations of favoritism or nepotism,” he explained.

Former Manchester United youth coach, Jonathan Hill, has expressed interest in taking on the coaching job of Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.

This comes at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking stability and a new direction following recent changes in the coaching staff.

Note that a former Nigeria international, Augustine Eguavoen, has successfully led the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite this achievement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) remains focused on bringing in an expatriate coach who can provide a fresh perspective and approach to the team’s strategy and development.

Hill, who recently concluded his tenure as the assistant coach at Rotherham United in the English Football League, has already taken proactive steps by submitting his application to the NFF for the head coaching position.

In a conversation with Sports Boom, he shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “This is a position I very much fancy because of its demanding nature and the relentless pursuit of delivering top results.”

He highlighted his admiration for Nigerian players, noting, “I’ve always known Nigerian players to be incredibly athletic, technically skilled, and brimming with energy.”

Hill emphasized the extensive talent pool in Nigeria and expressed his commitment to nurturing young players who align with the team’s philosophy and can elevate the national squad’s performance on an international stage.

[Sportsboom ]