Month: May 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a firm directive mandating all foreign nationals with expired visas to exit the country within a three-month grace period. This was announced in a statement by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on Friday, May 2, 2025. Signed by NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi, the directive warns that beginning September 2025, any foreigner who overstays their visa will incur a daily penalty of $15 and may face a re-entry ban of up to five years or permanent blacklisting. The NIS emphasized that the grace period will end on August 1, 2025, and that those affected must either regularize their status or leave Nigeria to avoid penalties. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration rules and urged all foreigners to comply fully with the updated guidelines. As part of the new enforcement framework, the NIS also announced the rollout of a mandatory online landing card for all inbound foreign travelers and an exit card for those departing the country. These documents must be completed at lecard.immigration.gov.ng before entry or exit. The announcement comes amid broader efforts by Nigerian authorities to tighten border controls and enhance national security. Immigration officials are expected to begin strict monitoring and enforcement once the grace period expires.

Lere Olayinka, spokesperson and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has stirred controversy with a pointed attack on Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former presidential aide and influential Northern political commentator. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka wrote: “One man from Mauritania is going up and down, telling real Nigerians in the North what should happen in 2027.” Though he didn’t name Baba-Ahmed directly, the innuendo was unmistakable, referencing long-circulated but unproven claims about Baba-Ahmed’s ancestry. The comment appears to be a response to Baba-Ahmed’s recent critiques and projections about Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, formerly a Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has been a consistent voice within the Northern Elders Forum. Known for advocating for political equity, transparency, and good governance, his views have often challenged both ruling and opposition party structures. Olayinka’s attack is indicative of growing political unease as the 2027 general elections approach. It also reflects broader issues within Nigeria’s political discourse, where personal attacks and ethnic insinuations often substitute for issue-based engagement. Key Context: Ethnic undertones in Olayinka’s jab have drawn criticism online, with observers cautioning against divisive rhetoric that could inflame tensions ahead of the election cycle. Would you like a summary of key political players already positioning for 2027?

Nigerians may soon lose access to Facebook and Instagram, as Meta—the parent company of both platforms—has warned it may shut down services in Nigeria due to mounting regulatory pressure and hefty fines imposed by local authorities. In court documents submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, Meta stated that it could be “forced to effectively shut down” Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria to avoid the risk of enforcement actions tied to fines exceeding $290 million. The warning follows the company’s failed legal bid to overturn the sanctions. Breakdown of Fines Against Meta: Meta has until end of June 2025 to pay the fines. Core Dispute: Data Privacy Enforcement Meta said its biggest concern lies with the NDPC, which allegedly misinterpreted Nigeria’s data privacy laws. Key demands from the commission include: Meta called these requirements “unrealistic” and “unfeasible”, arguing that they go far beyond international norms and would severely impair the company’s operations. Implications for Nigerians The potential ban would affect tens of millions of users, especially small businesses that rely on Facebook and Instagram for marketing, communication, and sales. WhatsApp, also owned by Meta, was notably not mentioned in the shutdown threat. Government Position While the FCCPC and NDPC claim their actions are based on protecting consumers and data subjects, they have yet to clarify specific violations. The NDPC insists that Meta must protect Nigerians from “manipulative and unfair data processing” that could lead to health and financial risks. This standoff underscores growing tensions between global tech giants and African regulators, particularly around data sovereignty, content control, and market dominance. Would you like a summary of how similar disputes have played out in other countries?

At least 27 political aides to Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State have been sacked after attending the inauguration of a grassroots political movement, The NEW Associates, and participating in a mega rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, News360 Nigeria reports. The affected individuals were relieved of their duties via a formal letter titled “Termination of Appointment” dated April 23, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo. The letter stated that the termination was with immediate effect and referenced official communication records detailing their appointments. PDP Reacts: ‘A Disturbing Show of Intolerance’ The Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) swiftly condemned the action, labeling it an “alarming demonstration of intolerance and high-handedness.” In a statement signed by Derri Alasuote Wright, Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, the party expressed deep disappointment over the dismissals. “The sacking of these political appointees from the Prosperity Administration is particularly unfortunate,” the statement read. “They are all party members who believed in our vision and laboured for our collective success.” The PDP emphasized that the dismissed aides played significant roles in securing Governor Diri’s re-election, and accused the governor of misusing his office to punish perceived dissenters. A Call for Political Tolerance The PDP warned that Governor Diri’s move could discourage political engagement and suppress internal diversity within the party. Describing the action as a “severe breach of trust and an affront to democratic participation,” the party urged the governor to reconsider his decision in favor of inclusivity and tolerance. The statement concluded with a broader appeal: “Together, let us stand firm in our commitment to democracy, solidarity, and the right to associate freely.” The sackings highlight growing tensions within the PDP and raise questions about freedom of political association in the state’s ruling administration.