Morning star view

19/09/2025

NIS to Deliver Passports Within One Week, Scales Up Production Capacity to 4,000–5,000 Daily

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) plans to deliver passports to Nigerians within one week, following the centralisation of passport production for the first time in 62 years.

Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced this on Thursday during an inspection of the new Centralised Passport Personalisation Centre at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.

“The project is 100 per cent ready. Nigeria can now be more productive and efficient in delivering passport services,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that old machines could only produce 250 to 300 passports daily, but the new system had a capacity of 4,500 to 5,000 passports every day.

“With this, NIS can now meet daily demands within just four to five hours of operation,” he added, describing it as a game-changer for passport processing in Nigeria.

“We promised two-week delivery, and we’re now pushing for one week.

“Automation and optimisation are crucial for keeping this promise to Nigerians,” the minister said.

He noted that centralisation, in line with global standards, would improve uniformity and enhance the overall integrity of Nigerian travel documents worldwide.

He said the centralised production system aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, boosting NIS capacity and changing the narrative for better service delivery.

14/09/2025

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has instructed its members who have not yet registered with the Dangote Refinery to do so immediately, in preparation for the start of direct fuel supply on Monday.

The directive was issued in a memo to all zonal and depot chairmen by the IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, along with the National Secretary, Hon. James Terlumun Tor.

The memo read: “The National Executive Committee (NEC) of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) under the Leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima as the National President and Hon. James Terlumun Tor as the National Secretary, is pleased to inform our members who have renewed IPMAN membership registration in line with IPMAN 2009 Constitution as amended that payment, loading, and supply of petroleum products at the Dangote Refinery have commenced.

“IPMAN members who have already registered with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Co. Ltd, as was announced, are all directed to resume immediate Payment to Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Co. Ltd.

“Be informed that on Monday, 15th September 2025, the company will commence product loading and supply directly to buyers’ locations within the country.

“Interested members who are yet to register with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Co. Limited are urged to go ahead with their registrations.”

11/09/2025

Yesterday, I signed the Abia State Mini Grid Regulation, formalising a framework that opens our electricity market to competent investors and development partners. The formalisation and adoption of the Abia State Mini Grid regulatory architecture is hinged on the new legal framework which empowers sub-nationals, private investors, and institutions to invest across the electricity value chains, extending access to millions of people, particularly in underserved and unserved communities.

The overarching objective of the framework is to promote the use and adoption of alternative energy options for both domestic and commercial activities. The regulation provides a clear structure for decentralised energy solutions, offering practical answers to technical and commercial questions from investors and consumers. It defines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders and establishes mechanisms for resolving disputes efficiently.

I acknowledge the role of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in advancing the decentralisation of Nigeria’s electricity sector through the amended Electricity Act 2023. By moving electricity to the concurrent legislative list, the Act empowers sub-national governments to shape their energy future. As a direct outcome, the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) was established and assumed regulatory oversight in line with the Act’s mandate. This transition positions Abia to lead with clarity and autonomy in energy governance.

I also extend my appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, and the entire team for partnering with the relevant stakeholders to get the exercise concluded in good time.

With this regulation, we are unlocking opportunities for small businesses, improving public services, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth and sustainable development across our communities.

06/09/2025

30/08/2025

Kebbi Assembly Passes Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill

Under the new law, prospective couples are required to undergo medical tests, including genotype and blood group screening at recognised health facilities, no later than three months and two weeks before their wedding.

channelstv.com/2025/08/29/keb…

27/08/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS BRAZIL FOR ABUJA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is en route to Abuja from Brazil following his state visit, which focused on strengthening relations between Nigeria and Brazil.

The presidential jet took off from Brasília International Airport Air Force Base at 12:57 pm (local time).

Amb. Carlos Sérgio Sobral Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East and Amb Carlos José Areias Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria, were present at the airport to bid farewell to the President.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other government officials were also at the airport.

A guard of honour, led by Col. Cel Nicolas, was part of the brief departure ceremony.

President Tinubu arrived in Brasília early on Monday, August 25, for the strategic diplomatic engagement.

After his arrival, Brazil rolled out the red carpet and accorded the Nigerian leader full military honours at the Palácio do Planalto.

President Tinubu later met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior Brazilian officials.

Both leaders witnessed the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding, covering aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture—key sectors in Nigeria’s development agenda.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 27, 2025

21/08/2025

What Empty Nigeria booths in TICAD9 mean

The empty Nigerian booths in the ongoing Ninth Tokyo International Conference, TICAD9, in Japan do not just define the empty promises of this government for the past two years, they also reflect the consistent emptiness Nigerians have been fed at home by this government. Even the defence being put forward by the government, that they only wanted to have more “strategic engagements” is the same tired excuse we have heard over and over again.

This government has mastered the art of throwing around wrong statistics and misleading statements, not to provide real solutions, but to camouflage the emptiness of its performance and the suffering it has inflicted on Nigerians.

The empty booths at TICAD are not just about a diplomatic embarrassment, they are a clear symbol of the hollow promises and empty governance that our citizens have endured.

Just as those booths stood empty in Japan, so too have the lives of millions of Nigerians been left empty, with empty hope, empty relief and empty of the progress they were promised. The truth is unavoidable, the empty booths abroad are a physical reminder of the empty promises at home.
We must do better as a nation.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

18/08/2025

2026 AREA COUNCIL ELECTION: INEC PUBLISHES PERSONAL PARTICULARS OF 637 CANDIDATES

In compliance with Section 29(3) of the 2022 Electoral Act, INEC FCT, on Monday 18th August 2025 displayed the personal particulars of 637 candidates submitted by the 17 Political Parties contesting for the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections.

The publication, which consists of the particulars of the Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates for 68 seats( 6 chairmen and 62 councillors) took place at the FCT State office, as well as the six (6) Area Councils.

The Hon. Resident Electoral Commissioner FCT, Mr. Aminu Kasimu Idris alongside the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Abimbola Oladunjoye, supervised the publication of the particulars of candidates at the State office.

Addressing the media, the Resident Electoral Commissioner stressed the importance of the exercise and advised the public to avail themselves of the display to verify the details published to ensure accuracy. He also urged aspirants that contested in the just concluded party primaries that have reasonable grounds to doubt information provided by a candidate to approach the federal high court.

The REC also used the occasion to encourage residents to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which commenced online, today, Monday, August 18th, 2025.

12/08/2025

The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives and the inadequacies of our various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner.

I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson. We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living.

However, I must equally strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman. Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies. It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven.

This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.

While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court.

We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.

We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly. The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication.
Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all.

The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy.

A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO

02/08/2025

No, it's not possible to travel directly from Nigeria to the USA by road. The two countries are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, making a continuous land route impossible without crossing a large body of water.
Here's why and what options exist:
Physical Barrier: The Atlantic Ocean is a major obstacle.
No Direct Land Route: There is no bridge or tunnel connecting Nigeria and the USA.
Possible, but not by road: While it's possible to travel from Nigeria to the USA by plane, or potentially by ship, a continuous road trip is not feasible.
Bicycle Journey: There are examples of individuals attempting to cycle, but this would involve shipping the bicycle across the Atlantic.
Alternative: Fly and Drive: You can fly from Nigeria to a location in North America (e.g., Canada) and then drive to your final destination.

30/07/2025

Shun Cybercrime, Channel Potentials to Noble Ventures, Olukoyede Tells Youth

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on Nigerian youths to harness their talents and energy for ventures that bring honour to the nation rather than engaging in social vices and cybercrime, which ultimately lead to regret and disgrace.

Olukoyede who spoke on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Ilorin at a youth empowerment programme organised by Faitheroic Generation (FHG), warned that criminal activities, particularly internet fraud, might appear lucrative at first but always end in tears for perpetrators.

Faitheroic Generation is a national youth empowerment organisation dedicated to building financially independent young Nigerians through freelancing, digital skills, and ethical network marketing in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is dignity in labour, shortcuts through cybercrime may seem attractive, but they destroy futures and reputations. Nigeria’s youths must rise above these temptations and use their potential to build a country they can be proud of,” Olukoyede said.

Addressing over 400 youths, the EFCC boss, who was represented by Ayodele Babatunde, Head, Public Affairs Department of the EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Directorate, stressed that unemployment should never be an excuse for criminality. “We understand the challenges young people face, but cybercrime is not a solution. You have gifts and skills that can thrive legitimately. Channel them into productive ventures, and you will enjoy lasting fulfilment,” he added.

30/07/2025

OPERATION DEEP PUNCH II

Deep punch II operation was aimed at clearing book haram insurgents from the sambisa forest and the lake Chad region by the Nigerian army, dated as far back as 2016. It was launched as a follow up to operation DEEP PUNCH I. This operation led to the recapture of CAMP ZAIRO and fall of the sambisa forest, the hideout of boko haram.
Sambisa Forest has a landmass of 66,000 sq/km, that's twelve times the size of Lagos. This was the former stronghold of Boko Haram, with its command and operational base situated in Camp Zairo, which had been a springboard for bomb attacks since it was seized by insurgents.