Day: March 13, 2025

NCC, USPF, ITU, UK FCDO partner to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO), has reiterated its commitment to bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. Speaking at the Industry-Focused Stakeholder’s Engagement Session held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the critical role of partnerships in delivering sustainable telecommunication infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities. Themed “Strengthening Partnership for Sustainable Telecommunication…

Military eliminates 74 terrorists, rescues 61 hostages in sweeping operations across Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified crackdown on terrorism, insurgency, and criminal activities, achieving significant victories in various military operations across the country.   Major General Markus Kangye, Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), disclosed in a statement that between February 5 and March 13, 2025, troops neutralized 74 terrorists, arrested 130 suspected criminals, and rescued 61 kidnapped victims in different regions. Additionally, 31 oil thieves were apprehended, while numerous illegal refining sites and criminal hideouts were dismantled.   In the Northeast, sustained military operations led to the surrender of…

NCoS Boss, Nwakuche pledges reforms to tackle Prison Congestion, ensure speedy trials

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The number of inmates on death row in Nigeria has risen to 3,688, marking an increase of 98 prisoners within six months, the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, has disclosed.   Speaking during his screening before the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Nwakuche described the worsening congestion in correctional facilities as a major crisis, calling for urgent collaboration among security and judicial agencies to expedite justice delivery.   He attributed part of the problem to…

Niger Police Command presents ₦51million to families of fallen officers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has disbursed cheques worth over ₦51 million to 30 families of police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, presented the cheques on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) as part of the Force’s welfare initiative. The payments, totaling ₦51,539,621.45, were drawn from key police welfare schemes, including the Group Life Assurance, Group Personal Accident, and IGP Family Welfare Schemes. These initiatives aimed to provide financial relief and support to…

NiDCOM seeks probe into Nigerian TikTok Worker’s mysterious death in Kenya

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called for a thorough investigation into the death of Ms. Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian TikTok content moderator employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya.   Ms. Olubunmi, who had been working with the company since 2022, was found dead in her Nairobi apartment last week after being absent from work for three days. Reports indicated that her body was discovered in a decomposing state, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.   In response, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,…

NSC hails Nigeria Customs’ role in securing CAVB 2025 Women’s Volleyball Championship hosting rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed deep appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its crucial support in securing the hosting rights for the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, set to take place in Abuja from April 1 to 14, 2025.   In a letter of appreciation dated March 17, 2025, and personally signed by the Director-General (DG) of NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, the Commission acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, in facilitating Nigeria’s successful bid. The Customs Service…

Nigeria Customs intercepts over $1.1 million, SR135,900 undeclared foreign currency at Kano Airport

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a total of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred US Dollars) and SR135,900 (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) in undeclared foreign currency at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).   The seizure occurred during a routine baggage check on an inbound passenger, Hauwa Ibrahim Abdullahi, who arrived on Saudi Airline Flight SV401 from Saudi Arabia. During the physical examination of her luggage, customs officers discovered the undeclared money concealed inside packs of palm-date fruits, locally…

Tension mounts in Benikrukru as Court bars Chevron from paying compensation to Itsekiri Communities

Emporium Reporters

Rising tension has engulfed Benikrukru Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area following threats allegedly issued by militant groups linked to the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. The threats come in the aftermath of a Federal High Court judgment in Warri, which barred Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) from paying compensation to some Itsekiri communities in the Abiteye oil fields.   Reports indicated that Itsekiri militant groups have vowed to unleash violence on economic assets and have sent death threats to leaders of Benikrukru community, expressing dissatisfaction with the court ruling. A widely…

CGC Adeniyi hosts Volleyball Federation delegation, assures support for Continental Tournament

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commitment to fostering sports development as he hosted a delegation from the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Friday, March 7, 2025.   The delegation, led by NVF President Engineer Musa Nimrod, was also joined by the Benin Republic Volleyball Federation President, Ali Yaro. The CGC expressed delight at the growing prominence of the upcoming continental volleyball championship, which has attracted significant interest from clubs across Africa. CGC Adeniyi described…

Nigeria Customs Service launches ‘Customs Cares’ Initiative to boost Community Development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a bid to enhance community engagement and contribute to national development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has established a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Unit and launched the “Customs Cares” initiative. The new program aims to foster inclusive growth and provide sustainable support to communities across the country. According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the initiative reflects the Service’s commitment beyond its traditional roles of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security. The “Customs Cares” initiative will focus…