metro
Immigration: Minister launches centre to monitor all int’l airports
Immigration: Minister launches centre to monitor all int’l airports
The Federal Government has launched the Regular Migration Control Centre at the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, to monitor all international airports in Nigeria in real-time.
The Interior Minister, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that the centre began 24-hour operations on Monday, following an induction program held about two weeks ago, during an appearance on the Politics Today programme on Channels Television on Tuesday.
“The command center is 100% complete. As a matter of fact, we did the induction program about two weeks ago. Just yesterday we started the 24-hour operation of the command and control centre in the Nigerian Immigration Service Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja. It covers all the international airports in the country,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The minister explained that the centre is equipped with the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which enables the pre-profiling of passengers before they arrive in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:
- COP29: Islamic bank supports WHO Impact Investment with $10m
- Court orders Alcon Nigeria to pay ex-workers over N39m
- Two brothers remanded in Kaduna for alleged armed robbery, killing
He noted that the system is integrated with global databases, including INTERPOL and national criminal records, allowing authorities to track passengers’ travel history, including routes taken and countries visited in recent weeks or months.
The Interior Minister further noted that integration with land and sea borders is underway to expand the centre’s coverage. Once completed, the Regular Migration Control Centre will monitor Nigeria’s major entry points comprehensively.
- He revealed that the Federal Government has installed a **0.5MW solar farm** to ensure uninterrupted operations at the centre and its associated facilities, including the data and visa approval centres, all located within the NIS headquarters.
- This off-grid power solution guarantees seamless 24-hour functionality, eliminating the risk of downtime from power outages.
- Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the launch of the Regular Migration Control Centre is a significant step forward in Nigeria’s border security framework.
By monitoring international airports and expanding to other entry points, the system enhances the ability to deter illegal migration, streamline passenger processing, and strengthen the nation’s overall security apparatus.
Immigration: Minister launches centre to monitor all int’l airports
metro
24-hour power supply: FG seeks private sector support for $10bn funding gap
24-hour power supply: FG seeks private sector support for $10bn funding gap
The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that it needs a $10 billion investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) over the next five to ten years to achieve a 24-hour power supply nationwide.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu disclosed this during a courtesy visit from Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Adelabu emphasized that the government alone cannot afford the $10 billion investment due to other pressing funding needs.
He highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector while maintaining government interests, stating, “The government cannot do it alone… we need to do this in collaboration with the private sector, and the best way is through concession.”
READ ALSO:
- Shell working to address Nigeria’s energy challenges – MD
- 12-yr-old Nigerian girl invents air filter, gets $11.5m funding
- Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Dr. Ewalefoh echoed this sentiment, noting that a PPP approach is crucial to enhancing Nigeria’s power sector, which is essential for the nation’s economic development.
He explained that addressing the sector’s challenges requires funding beyond what the government can provide alone. The ICRC aims to support private sector investment through its regulatory processes to meet the $10 billion target, ultimately improving regular electricity access.
Ewalefoh praised the minister’s expertise in the sector and President Bola Tinubu’s choice to appoint him.
He also mentioned the ICRC’s 6-point policy directive designed to streamline PPP processes, adding that the commission is committed to maintaining strict regulatory standards to ensure capable investment partners without delays.
24-hour power supply: FG seeks private sector support for $10bn funding gap
metro
Lagos govt revokes allocations of unoccupied housing units
Lagos govt revokes allocations of unoccupied housing units
By Dada Jackson
Lagos State Government has revoked housing units allocated to subscribers but unoccupied for over two years.
The unoccupied units are said to be constituting nuisance in some of the housing estates due to unkept premises, poor maintenance schedule and other negative consequences.
This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during a visit to enforce the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at one of the Lagos State housing estates Sangotedo, Lekki.
He said the revocation was a directive of the state governor based on empirical evidences that most allottees kept the housing units under lock and key while the state continued to feel the pressure of prospective subscribers who need them.
The commissioner inspected some of the sealed blocks and flats and stated that the exercise was done irrespective of whether the allottee made full payment or applied under the Rent-To-Own scheme.
Hon Akinderu-Fatai Saïd, “Lagos State Government Housing Units are meant for those who actually need them and not speculators.”
He stressed that the various initiatives of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration to increase the housing stock of the state would not be sacrificed for the interest of the privileged few.
The Commissioner said, “Applying for a Rent-To-Own scheme presupposes the allottee is in desperate need of accommodation. Why should such allotted flats be left unoccupied after two years?”
He reiterated that the state government would not allow its investment and state-of-the-art housing infrastructure to rot away while genuine home seekers lament.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the ministry “will refund such allottees and reallocate the housing units to other Lagosians who are ready to put the houses to use immediately”.
The commissioner stated that the rule in the letter of allocation given to allottees indicates “allocated housing estate flats should be occupied three months after allocation and keys released to beneficiaries”.
The estates have shared facilities that should be maintained with the contribution of all allottees.
In the last five years the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned 21 housing estates through direct intervention and public private partnerships.
The housing estates spread across the state are provided with infrastructure facilities for decent living.
metro
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.
A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.
READ ALSO:
- 94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
- Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
- Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.
The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
-
Auto3 days ago
Toyota by CFAO surprises customers with free Hilux, motorcycles, all-expense-paid trip to Seychelles
-
International2 days ago
Belgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
-
Railway2 days ago
Nigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
-
International2 days ago
UK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
-
Business3 days ago
Finally, marketers, Dangote refinery agree on direct fuel supply
-
International2 days ago
Saudi crown prince says Israel committing ‘genocide’ in Gaza
-
Business3 days ago
Cement price surges by 100% to N8,800 in one year
-
Education14 hours ago
12-year-old Nigerian girl Eniola Shokunbi invents air filter to reduce spread of diseases in US schools