Fani-Kayode fires back, denies Germany snub over ambassadorial posting

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly refuted reports alleging that his ambassadorial nomination was turned down by the German government, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.

An online publication, Peoples Gazette, had earlier reported that German authorities declined his posting over concerns tied to alleged ethnic and religious remarks, as well as what it described as a “controversial track record.”

The report claimed the decision was taken on March 13, 2026, citing unnamed officials who reportedly raised issues about his “erratic behaviour” and past comments deemed divisive and potentially destabilising. It further suggested that the former minister could be reassigned to another country, possibly South Africa.

Bola Tinubu had previously approved Fani-Kayode’s nomination as an ambassador-designate to a Central European nation, as part of broader diplomatic postings.

Reacting swiftly via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Fani-Kayode dismissed the claims as “fake news,” insisting that no such rejection had occurred. He accused unnamed opposition figures of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at derailing his appointment.

According to him, critics unsettled by his nomination are actively pushing narratives to discredit him and frustrate the process.

“Fake news everywhere. These opposition elements are so pained by my appointment, and they are doing everything to discredit me and scuttle it,” he wrote, adding, “Whether they like it or not, I will serve my country.”

The development adds a fresh layer of controversy to Nigeria’s ongoing ambassadorial appointments, with official clarification from the Federal Government or German authorities yet to be issued.

UK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8

The UK Home Office has announced a sweeping increase in visa application charges, with new fees taking effect from April 8, 2026, as part of a broader strategy by the Government of the United Kingdom to curb migration and shift more costs onto applicants.

Under the revised structure, visa fees across visitor, student, work, settlement, and citizenship routes will rise, with some categories recording increases of over £200. The move reflects a tougher immigration stance amid sustained political and public pressure to reduce net migration.

Short-term visitor visas of up to six months will see a modest increase from £127 to £135. However, longer-duration visas will rise more sharply, with two-year visas now costing £506, five-year visas £903, and ten-year visas climbing to £1,128.

For those seeking long-term residency, the cost of settlement visas has increased significantly, with some routes exceeding £2,000, while Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) now rises to £3,226. Similarly, British citizenship applications will increase from £1,605 to £1,709, adding to the financial burden on migrants aiming to permanently settle in the UK.

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The impact is also pronounced on work and study visas. The Skilled Worker visa for applicants outside the UK will now cost £819 for stays of up to three years, while student visa applications will rise to £558. The Graduate visa route has also been increased to £937, marking one of the more noticeable jumps in the new pricing regime.

Beyond application fees, applicants must still pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which remains a substantial additional cost. This brings the total cost of relocating to the UK significantly higher for many migrants, especially students and early-career professionals.

Explaining the decision, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the changes were necessary to address increasing migration pressures, including a rise in asylum applications from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan.

In addition to the UK visa fee increase, authorities are introducing stricter immigration controls. These include plans to offer up to £10,000 to failed asylum seekers willing to leave voluntarily, as well as withdrawing state-funded accommodation from migrants found to be working illegally.

The government is also tightening rules around international education by proposing an “emergency brake” on student visas from countries considered high-risk for overstaying. Universities may face increased scrutiny, while compliance checks on employers sponsoring foreign workers are expected to intensify.

Taken together, the measures signal a decisive shift toward a more restrictive immigration system, with the UK aiming to balance economic migration needs against growing demands to reduce inflows.

For prospective migrants, including many from Nigeria, the changes mean higher upfront costs, stricter visa conditions, and increased scrutiny, making the path to studying, working, or settling in the UK more challenging.

UK Raises Visa Costs, Tightens Immigration Rules From April 8

Final Notice: FG Orders Civil Servants to Complete PASGA Verification by March 31

The Federal Government of Nigeria has set Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as the final deadline for civil servants to complete the mandatory Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis (PASGA) verification exercise. Workers who fail to comply risk salary suspension and other administrative sanctions, officials warned.

The directive, issued by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Didi Walson-Jack, applies to all employees within the Federal Civil Service. The memo emphasised that the verification process is part of the government’s ongoing effort to eliminate ghost workers, enhance workforce accountability, and improve efficiency in public service operations.

The PASGA exercise consists of two components: Personnel Verification and Skill Assessment and Competency Analysis. Civil servants who have not completed either component are required to do so by March 31, 2026, to obtain their Certificates of Completion. These certificates must then be submitted to the Director of Human Resource Management in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

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The OHCSF warned that any officer who fails to comply will be subject to “appropriate administrative sanctions in line with extant rules and regulations,” which may include suspension from the payroll until compliance. Permanent Secretaries and Heads of MDAs have been instructed to circulate the memo widely to ensure that all affected officers are informed.

The PASGA exercise, rolled out in 2025, is designed to assess staffing structures, identify skill gaps, and support the development of targeted training and capacity-building programmes aligned with national priorities. Its outcomes will also guide government decisions on recruitment, career advancement, and resource allocation within the Federal Civil Service.

Officials say the verification process is essential to address longstanding issues such as payroll irregularities and fraudulent entries, which have historically cost billions of naira annually. Completion of the exercise will protect civil servants’ rights to salary and benefits while strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s public service system.

Civil servants have been urged to prioritise the exercise to avoid disruptions to their pay and career progression. Authorities stressed that while compliance with local laws is expected, all government procedures must follow due process and fairness to ensure that legitimate workers are not unfairly penalised.

Final Notice: FG Orders Civil Servants to Complete PASGA Verification by March 31