Latest News
Nigeria Senate Decries Global Disrespect for Green Passport
ABUJA — The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the growing lack of respect for the country’s international passport, once regarded as a symbol of national pride and global identity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During Tuesday’s plenary session, lawmakers in the upper chamber lamented that the green passport has lost its value in the eyes of many foreign authorities, leading to the humiliation of Nigerians at international airports and embassies.
Senator Biodun Olujimi (Ekiti South), who raised the issue on the floor, described the development as “deeply embarrassing” and called on the federal government to act swiftly to restore the integrity of Nigeria’s passport abroad.
“The green passport used to represent strength and unity. Today, it attracts suspicion instead of respect,” she said. “Our people are being treated poorly at airports simply because of where they come from. It is time the government works to rebuild the country’s image.”
Several lawmakers supported the motion, noting that negative global perception, corruption, and frequent cases of document forgery have damaged Nigeria’s reputation. They urged the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate in addressing the problem.
Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) said that the disrespect faced by Nigerians abroad was a reflection of the nation’s internal challenges. “Until we fix our systems, others will continue to look down on us,” he said. “The solution starts with good governance, respect for our laws, and proper documentation.”
The Senate further emphasized the need to strengthen passport issuance procedures, citing reports of delays, multiple intermediaries, and irregularities at passport offices nationwide. Lawmakers argued that improving transparency would help build confidence both locally and internationally.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the motion as “timely and necessary,” noting that the Nigerian identity must not be allowed to lose its global standing. He urged the relevant ministries to ensure that Nigerians traveling abroad are treated with dignity.
“The Nigerian passport should open doors, not close them,” Akpabio said. “It is the duty of the government to protect its citizens’ rights everywhere in the world.”
The Senate resolved to summon officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Immigration Service to brief the chamber on efforts to reform the passport system and enhance Nigeria’s global image.
In recent years, several reports have surfaced of Nigerians being subjected to extra screening or denied entry at international borders, especially in Europe and Asia. Analysts say the trend is partly fueled by security concerns and global visa restrictions affecting many African nations.
Observers believe that rebuilding the credibility of the Nigerian passport will require more than diplomatic engagement. They urge the government to improve service delivery, strengthen institutions, and project a positive image through consistent foreign policy actions.
For many Nigerians, the green passport remains more than a travel document — it represents hope, identity, and belonging. Restoring its respect, lawmakers say, is vital to protecting national pride and ensuring equal treatment for citizens across the world.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Thursday inspected security deployments at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the inspection is part of proactive measures to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examinations.
The UTME is scheduled to run nationwide from April 16 to 18, 2026.
During the exercise, CP Sanusi assessed security arrangements put in place to safeguard candidates, examination officials, and CBT facilities.
He also engaged with centre supervisors, assuring them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period.
Adeh added that the CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt the examinations would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
Over 700 former terrorists who have undergone deradicalisation and rehabilitation are set to be reintegrated into their communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigerian military has also dismissed reports alleging that beneficiaries of Operation Safe Corridor are being recruited into military institutions.
According to African Independent Television, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, made this known during a media tour of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre in Gombe, North-East Nigeria.
He said many Nigerians still misunderstand the Federal Government’s structured counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to restore peace in communities affected by insurgency.
Brigadier-General Ali explained that the programme focuses on rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
During the tour, some of the participants also shared accounts of their involvement in offences that led to their admission into the programme.
The facility inspection was part of preparations for the graduation of over 700 clients who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process and are set for reintegration.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp