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The Senate has approved a total of ₦403.1 billion for the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to strengthen policing and support the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other security challenges across the country for two consecutive years.

The upper chamber approved ₦170.1 billion for the Police Trust Fund’s 2025 fiscal year, as well as ₦233 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

The approved 2026 budget covers personnel costs, capital projects, and overhead expenditures aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Lawmakers expressed optimism that the funding will improve the provision of critical equipment, infrastructure, training and other resources needed to bolster security operations and address the country’s growing security concerns.

The move comes amid a rising spate of crime across Nigeria, with citizens calling for authorities to tighten security in the nation.

Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Approval For Criminal Justice Reform Bill

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a legislative proposal to the Senate seeking to reform the country’s criminal justice system through the repeal and reenactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and replace it with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s criminal justice framework.

A key provision of the bill is the establishment of a criminal justice monitoring council to oversee the implementation of the law in courts within the FCT and other federal courts across the country.

In a communication to the Senate during plenary, President Tinubu said the proposed legislation is designed to address procedural gaps and long-standing challenges that have hindered the speedy dispensation of justice.

According to the President, the bill also seeks to align Nigeria’s criminal justice system with emerging developments by promoting the use of technology, introducing innovative measures and enhancing the effective implementation of the law by relevant institutions.

The proposed legislation is to undergo legislative consideration by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.

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The United States has updated statutory guidelines for its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), confirming that travelers who have visited or hold dual nationality with specific countries are no longer eligible to enter the country under the visa-free scheme.

The Visa Waiver Program typically allows citizens of participating nations to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa. Eligible travelers must, however, secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

Under structural changes maintained via the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, certain travelers who would otherwise qualify for visa-free entry must instead apply for a standard visitor visa.

The restrictions target specific countries based on travel history or dual citizenship status.

The restrictions apply to nationals of participating Visa Waiver Program countries who have traveled to or been physically present in the following nations on or after March 1, 2011:

Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen

Additionally, individuals who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are similarly excluded from visa-free entry.

Limited exceptions exist for individuals who traveled to these regions strictly for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP-member government.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program nations who also hold valid citizenship or dual nationality with any of the following countries are completely ineligible for an ESTA waiver:

Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria.

The updated guidance means that any affected traveler even when holding a passport from a primary Visa Waiver Program country like the United Kingdom, Japan, or an EU member state must apply for a standard Visitor (B) Visa through a US embassy or consulate before booking transit.

Travelers who remain fully eligible for the program face no changes but must maintain a valid ESTA approval, hold a biometric e-passport, and limit their stay to a maximum of 90 days.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday declared that the newly remodeled Abuja City Gate stands as an enduring symbol of national renewal, unity and progress, while commending the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for transforming the nation’s capital through sustained infrastructure development.

Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja, the President said the remodelling of the iconic monument was a fitting tribute to both the third anniversary of his administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.

“It gives me great pleasure to join you this evening for the commissioning of the remodeled Abuja City Gate,” the President said.

“Today’s event is particularly significant as it forms part of two important national milestones: the third anniversary of our administration and the Golden Jubilee, that is the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Describing the City Gate as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable national monuments, Tinubu said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to building a capital city worthy of the nation’s status.

“There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital,” he said.

According to the President, Abuja represents the heart of the Nigerian federation as the nation’s diplomatic and administrative centre where all 36 states converge.

“Our city gate is one of the major first impressions of this city. It welcomes visitors, reflects the character of our people and communicates the pride our nation takes in its capital.

“This newly remodeled Abuja City Gate, with its beautiful water fountain representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, tells every visitor and Nigerians arriving from the airport that they have entered a city built on unity, diversity and shared aspirations.”

Tinubu said the remodeled gateway could now stand alongside renowned public monuments across major cities of the world.

He praised Wike for driving the transformation of Abuja through ambitious infrastructure projects.

“I commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, for remodeling the monument and for your relentless dedication to transforming the general ambience of the Federal Capital Territory.

“I also acknowledge the numerous infrastructural projects currently being undertaken across the capital city. Roads are being constructed and expanded, public spaces are being improved, and critical infrastructure is receiving renewed attention.

“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda. I say, well done.”

The President said the ongoing projects were repositioning Abuja as a capital city Nigerians could take pride in while advancing the administration’s vision of purposeful leadership, sustainable development and improved quality of life.

“As we commission this city gate today, may she stand as an enduring symbol of renewal, progress and national pride. May all who pass through her be reminded of the boundless potential of our nation and be inspired to contribute to its continued growth.”

He urged residents to safeguard the facility, stressing that public infrastructure belongs to all Nigerians.

“I encourage you all to protect and preserve this landmark. Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility.”

The President thereafter declared the remodeled Abuja City Gate officially commissioned.

Earlier, the FCT minister, Barr Nyesom Wike disclosed that the project originated from a directive by First Lady, who insisted that the entrance into Nigeria’s capital should reflect the stature of the country.

The minister recounted how persistent rainfall had threatened the commissioning but said postponing the event was never an option.

“Since late last night, it has been raining. This morning it started raining. I came here to see what we were doing this afternoon… I said, whatever they do, we must commission this city gate today.”

He revealed that although successive administrations had left the City Gate untouched, President Tinubu questioned why such a strategic national monument had remained unattractive.

“Your Excellency, this is your brainchild,” Wike said.

“You called me and asked, ‘Has he not been travelling? Is this how other city gates look? Is there no way you can beautify this place so that anybody coming to Abuja will say, indeed, I am entering the capital city of a country?’”

Wike said he immediately mobilised officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and construction giant Julius Berger to redesign the facility despite initial delays.

“I told Julius Berger that if I lose my job, they too would lose their job,” he said jokingly, drawing laughter from the audience.

According to him, the engineering work beneath the monument was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

“When I came here while they were working, I didn’t understand what they were doing. They were digging everywhere. They told me to be patient.

“You have come here now and it looks simple, but it is not simple. If you know what they have put underground, you will marvel.”

The minister expressed confidence that Nigerians would appreciate the transformation, particularly the newly installed water fountain and lighting system, describing the project as another milestone in the renewal of Abuja.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodeled City Gate as a visible symbol of the Renewed Hope transformation taking place across the nation’s capital.

She commended President Tinubu for his vision and Wike for driving the rehabilitation, reconstruction and completion of critical infrastructure projects across Abuja.

Mahmoud also praised the First Lady for her compassionate leadership, patriotic service and steadfast support for programmes that improve citizens’ wellbeing, noting that her presence added dignity and national significance to the commissioning ceremony.

She said the upgraded landmark represented “a new era of infrastructural renewal, urban rebirth and national pride,” adding that the ongoing projects were restoring Abuja’s original master plan and repositioning it as a capital city of global standard.