News

NIS cleared 204,332 passport applications in 10 months – Minister

Published

3 weeks ago

September 28, 2024

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) cleared over 204,332 backlog of passports in 10 months.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known while reeling out his ministry’s achievements in the last year, at a media event organised by the ministry on Friday in Abuja.

He said assured Nigerians that never again will there be backlogs of passports in Nigeria, with the reform measure in place.

“In the last year, we introduced advanced border management technologies, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other surveillance tools and infrastructure, to enhance national security.

“This technology allows for better monitoring and control of Nigeria’s extensive borders, ensuring that our immigration services are prepared to face modern security challenges.

‘As you are aware, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the passport issuance process, addressing long-standing issues that have frustrated millions of Nigerians.

“One of our key accomplishments was clearing a massive backlog of 204,332 passport applications, a backlog that had left many citizens stranded for months if not years,” he said.

He said,” Today, I can proudly say that we have not only addressed this challenge but we have introduced home delivery services for passports.”

Tunji-Ojo said that the innovation was to ensure that Nigerians no longer have to endure the stress of traveling long distances or waiting in long queues all in the name passport.

“Passports are now delivered directly to the homes of applicants, a service that has brought immense relief to thousands.

“The NIS has also implemented contactless technology, streamlining the passport application process and improving overall efficiency.

“The days of bottlenecks and endless paperwork are behind us. Today, Nigerians experience a faster, more transparent, and seamless passport issuance process.

“We have also established a cutting-edge data center at the NIS with an impressive storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes.

“This state-of-the-art facility is designed to securely house and manage a vast array of critical national information, including the biometric data and personal records of Nigerian citizens,” he added.

The minister explained that the efforts were to ensure the safe storage and retrieval of sensitive information and enhance the efficiency of national security operations, identity management, and service delivery across the country.

Tunji-Ojo stated that the Federal Government had also embarked on the installation of a total of 41 e-gates at the five international airports across the country for a seamless screening of people who arrived in the country.

According to him, eight are to be installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, 21 slated for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and four each at Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt airports.

“This is to offer diasporan Nigerians and returning citizens an automated, hassle-free screening process. This innovation not only improves efficiency at entry points but also ensures that our citizens abroad return home with pride and ease.

“We also made tremendous progress in international collaborations by enhancing our partnerships with global agencies to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking, illegal immigration, and smuggling.

“These partnerships have bolstered our efforts to safeguard national security while contributing to the global fight against organised crime.

“Furthermore, the integration of Nigerian passports into global standards (ICAO PKD and PKI) has further solidified the NIS as a key player on the international stage,” he said.

The minister added that the initiatives were to enhance both access and security, thereby, making Nigerian passports more secure and respected worldwide.

News

New Tax Bills Not To Merge Govt Agencies, Cause Job Losses – FIRS

Published

56 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zack Adedeji, has explained that the four new tax reform bills are meant to combine all scattered tax laws into one, making it easier to manage.

Adedeji who stated this at a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, said the bills presented to the National Assembly were not about raising or introducing new taxes, this is even as he also clarified that the reforms will not merge any government agencies or cause job losses.

He said, “We want to harmonize all the tax laws because we have different tax laws scattered in various establishment laws. This leads to multiple taxes because each agency enforces its own tax law.”

The FIRS boss further noted that no agency is more important than another, and each must carry out its duties. This, he said was not good for the economy, which is why President Tinubu wants to combine all the tax laws into one system.

He added, “As we stand today, there is no law regulating or monitoring cryptocurrency. We can’t isolate ourselves from global developments, so one of the goals is to organize the fiscal framework efficiently.”

Adedeji also highlighted that the reform will help government spending. “For example, before the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the government could have money in one bank but still borrow from another. TSA now gives a clear picture of where government funds are”.

He further stressed the need for transparency in revenue collection, and assured that the government is not looking to tax poverty or inflation.

“We want the tax laws to be simple so that people can comply easily.

“The reforms will also update old tax laws to fit current realities. We’re still using a tax integrity test from 1939 when there was no internet or online shopping. These bills aim to align Nigeria with international standards and attract investment.”

“We will never increase the rate or number of taxes. The president believes in harmonizing the taxes we have, with fewer than 20 types of taxes”, he added.

He stated that the proposed Nigeria Tax Act will put all tax laws in one book, reducing the number of taxes, citing the example of the Education Tax Act, which collects a percentage for various funds, and said compliance has been an issue and the new act will make this simpler.

“The Nigeria Tax Administration Act will harmonize the administration of taxes, ensuring a uniform process so people don’t have to navigate different systems”, he noted.

Adedeji also discussed renaming the FIRS to Nigeria Revenue Service to reflect its role in collecting taxes for both the federal and state governments, as well as from international companies like Google and Jumia.

“The final reform is the establishment of a Joint Revenue Board to create a legal framework for resolving conflicts between states and local governments over revenue collection.

“These tax reforms will stimulate the economy and lay a foundation for the type of economy the president envisions”, he concluded.

Chairman of the Committee, James Faleke, earlier in his remarked that the meeting was to give members firsthand information on the necessity of the bills ahead of their second reading.

News

Parents Of 2-year Old Boy Killed By NDLEA Demand N2b Compensation

Published

1 hour ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The parents of a two-year-old boy, Ivan Omhonria, who was shot and killed, and his younger brother, Eromonsele, who was shot in the eye by officers of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), are demanding N2 billion in compensation from the Agency.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that the incident took place in Delta State in 2023, when Eromonsele, who survived, was only one year old.

The father, Fidelis, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, expressed bitterness that the NDLEA has neglected them since the tragedy occurred over a year ago. He also disclosed that Eromonsele’s health has been getting worse due to a lack of proper medical care.

The family had filed a petition against the NDLEA, and the first hearing was held on Wednesday, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

During the hearing, NDLEA’s lawyer, Muniat Adeleye, stated that the Agency had agreed to pay the family N25 million, with N5 million already sent as the first installment, and that the payment was to be spread over five months.

Adeleye expressed surprise at the petition, and said, “The Agency did not expect it, as the matter had already been resolved with an agreement between both parents.”

However, when asked for the signed agreement, Adeleye, who is the Assistant Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, admitted that it had not been signed. This upset the Committee, which demanded that NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), appear at the next hearing.

Fidelis denied any such agreement, saying, “I was shocked to hear about an agreement just now. I’m not a party to any agreement. Yes, the NDLEA Chairman called me after the incident and said he was sorry and that he would send me a token from his personal funds. He didn’t mention an amount, but later, I received N5 million in my wife’s account. That’s all. So where did the N25 million agreement come from?”

The family’s lawyer added, “We demanded N2 billion in compensation, but the NDLEA never responded. They ignored us with arrogance. A life was lost, and another child’s future is at risk because of the eye injury. We want the House to make sure the NDLEA takes responsibility and compensates the family properly.”

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Mike Etaba, expressed the seriousness of the matter, “This is a grave issue. Nigerians and the world are watching us. At the next hearing, the NDLEA head must appear in person to explain what steps he has taken to help this family. The money sent was just a token to cover some medical costs, not part of any agreement. No one should claim there was a N25 million agreement.”

The matter was adjourned to October 22, 2024.

News

Companies Blame Host Communities For Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…seek intervention of NASS for legal framework

By Gloria Ikibah

Aieto and Nigeria Agip (now Oando) Oil companies have given different submissions before the House of Representatives’ Environment Committee, during the ongoing investigative hearing into oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and their environmental impact in oil-producing states on Tuesday in Abuja.

The hearing was occasioned by a lot of petitions from host communities affected by Aieto’s and Oando’s operations, who drew special attention on the environmental and economic concerns caused by oil spills and sabotage.

Both companies stressed the need for legislative intervention by the House of Representatives to create legal framework that discourages acts harmful to the nation’s economy and ecosystem.

Oando Team Lead, Philip Akuduro, blamed a significant portion of oil spillage on host communities, citing theft and vandalism as primary causes.

He stated, “Data by Oando on Burutu in Southern Ijaw revealed that virtually over 90% of oil theft and pipeline vandalism were perpetrated by members of the host communities, whose increasing penance and capacity to steal from the common well knows no bounds.”

“Host communities are individually and collectively sabotaging efforts of oil companies to minimize incidences of spillages in their area. Our operations, largely covering onshore and marshy areas, are easily accessible to vandals. Their activities result in spillage and pollution, as oil spills are swiftly spread by strong underwater currents.”

But members of the committee, mostly from the Niger Delta region, led by Chairman Rep. Julius Pondi (representing Ijaw South), vehemently were against the generalized accusations.

They particularly objected to the terms “increasing appetite and capacities for theft,” and therefore urged Oando to withdraw the statement, which the company did spot-on.

Chief Operating Officer of Aieto, Ewarezi Useh, who emphasised the importance of maintaining a good relationship with host communities, however noted that vested interests often lead to conflicts between oil companies and local communities.

Useh credited such clashes to the significant drop in production to 700,000 barrels per day in 2018, which later improved through the efforts of combined security stakeholders.

Rep. Julius Pondi reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to address the root causes of environmental degradation and pollution caused by oil company operations.

He disclosed that there will be an oversight visit to Oando’s operation sites in Delta State to verify their claims of cleaning up the aftermath of a May 2024 oil spill in the area.