Federal Government Archives

FG Clears ₦20bn Debt, Processes Over 3.5m Passports Under Tinubu Administration

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago24 mins

The Federal Government has cleared a ₦20 billion debt and resolved a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications inherited before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Passport Front Office in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the achievement was part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has so far resulted in the issuance of over 3.5 million passports in less than two years. “When we came in, there was a backlog of over 200,000 passports and nearly ₦20 billion in debt. Today, that backlog has been cleared, and the debt has been settled,” the minister stated. From August 2023, a total of 3,546,258 passports have been processed: 3,080,141 locally and 466,117 in the diaspora. He credited the improvements to reforms that also saved the government over ₦1 billion annually. A key move, he said, was the automation of breeder document uploads—such as birth and marriage certificates—previously managed by expensive third-party contractors. “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now,” Tunji-Ojo noted. To enhance accessibility and global recognition, the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports has expanded from 26 to 44 locally, and from five to 47 internationally. All passport offices now issue harmonised, ICAO-compliant enhanced passports, eliminating inconsistencies that previously undermined Nigeria’s global travel credibility. He also announced that a central passport personalisation facility—funded at zero cost to the government by Iris Smart Technologies—will launch in August 2025, further modernising Nigeria’s passport infrastructure. Nigeria has also joined the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), allowing global digital authentication of its passports. Additionally, the minister revealed that from July 31, 2025, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online only, citing national security and transparency. “Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics, and documentation of every applicant,” he said. The reforms, according to Tunji-Ojo, are rooted in a commitment to digital transformation, transparency, and national security, while eliminating systemic inefficiencies and ensuring citizens get timely, secure, and world-class services.

SWAN Wants FG To Immortalise Ex-Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed grief over the demise of Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described Rufai as a patriot who made Nigeria proud as his legacies linger. The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria while remembering the footprints of hardwork, dedication and abundant results credited to Rufai over the years, called on the Federal Government to make plans to immortalise the late Sage in any memorable way possible. “It’s our desire and I believe that of entire Nigerians that immortalising Peter Rufai will among other things serve as a source of inspiration for younger generation,” he said. President Benjamin then commiserated with his immediate family members, football and entire sports fraternity for the loss of a rare soccer figure. He said, “On behalf of the entire Sporting Media in Nigeria, I wish to commiserate with the family, and indeed concerned Football and Sports Stakeholders over the death of our legend. “Yes, Peter Rufai served Nigeria meritorious, mostly during his playing days, but I fill his advice and experience were still needed for a more prosperous sports development, but the reason for his departure from this side of life at this time is only known or determined by God Almighty. “May his soul continuously find rest in eternity.” Rufai’s life time, especially in his active playing days as a footballer is one filled with numerous success stories. From the clubs he featured for, to the Senior Men National team, he made an indelible impacts which will hardly be forgotten.

Kano Commends FG and Edo’s Swift Response to Uromi Killings

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

The Kano State Government has commended the Federal Government and the Edo State Government for their swift response in managing the aftermath of the gruesome killing of 16 Kano indigenes in Uromi, Edo State. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their prompt intervention, which included dispatching delegations to Kano in a show of solidarity and concern. “We extend profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for the visit of Federal Government delegation and that of the Governor of Edo State in a show of solidarity and concern over this tragic incident,” Yusuf stated. In a statement on Tuesday by Kano Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, Yusuf reiterated his demand for justice and stressed the importance of transparency in the legal proceedings against those responsible. “Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The people of Kano, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve to see those responsible for this massacre brought to justice publicly,” he said. Yusuf also commended Okpebholo’s engagement with the Hausa community in Edo State to prevent further escalation of tensions.He particularly acknowledged the Edo State Government’s commitment to compensating the bereaved families, urging that the compensation be executed without delay. “The compensation which the delegation promised is a commendable step, but it must be executed without delay to support the grieving families who have lost their breadwinners,” he noted. The swift intervention by the Federal Government, according to Yusuf, underscores its commitment to the security and protection of all Nigerians, irrespective of their state of origin. Residents of Torankawa, the hometown of most of the victims, also voiced appreciation for the concerted efforts of the Federal and Edo State Governments in addressing the matter. Both Governors pledged to ensure a thorough and transparent justice process to prevent such an unfortunate incident from recurring anywhere in the country. The Kano State Government reaffirmed unwavering commitment to justice, vowing to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the victims’ families receive the compensation and support they deserve.