Nigerians To Pay $80 Duty For Every Package Sent To US — NIPOST

Nigerians will now be required to pay $80 or the equivalent of naira for each package sent to the US, according to the NIPSOST on Friday.

NIPOST announced the change would start taking effect on August 29, 2025, but it also disclosed that all letters and other documents would not be subject to the requisite prepaid customs fee.

It explained that the development came after a US Executive Order that suspended de minimis deferrals for all international postal shipments.

All postal products to the United States, aside from letters and documents, will now be subject to a prepaid customs duty of USD $80 (or its naira equivalent) at the point of acceptance in Nigeria, according to the organization.

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According to the statement, “Global logistics operations are also being impacted as airlines and cargo carriers handle shipments headed to the US with more care.” This could cause delays in delivery by potentially extending both transit and processing times. Customs checks are also required for all US-bound shipments at the destination.

The circular read partially as NIPOST “is actively working with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and our airline partners to minimize service disruptions and safeguard customer experience.”

Kebbi Assembly Passes Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill

The state’s House of Assembly has passed the state’s Pre-Marital Medical Examination Bill 2025, which mandates that all intending couples in the state undergo medical examination.

After the first, second, and third readings, the bill was approved by Speaker Muhammad Usman, who had previously introduced it to the House Committee on Health.

No later than three months and two weeks before their wedding, prospective couples are required to undergo medical tests, including genotype and blood group testing at recognized health facilities as required by the new law.

Before marriage can be officially arranged, a valid medical certificate issued by a qualified medical professional would be required.

Additionally, the bill listed penalties for breaking the law.

If weddings are held without valid medical certificates, clerics, traditional leaders, or marriage officials may be subject to fines of up to $200 000 or six months in prison.

Medical professionals who issue fabricated test results face fines of up to $1 million or a year in prison.

The ministries of health and religious affairs will work with community leaders to oversee the law’s implementation and enforcement.

The Chief Magistrates’ Courts and Shari’ah Courts will have jurisdiction over crimes.

Tinubu Congratulates Babalola On Election As Rotary International President

Olayinka Babalola was elected president of Rotary International for the year 2026/207, according to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following SangKoo Yun’s resignation on health grounds, Babalola, a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, was chosen by the Rotary International Board of Directors.

On July 1, 2026, Balacola will take office.

In the 120-year history of the global humanitarian organization, the Rotarian is the second African and Nigerian to do so.

According to President Tinubu, Babalola’s elevation was a result of his years of involvement with Rotary International and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

INCLUDE   Yinka Babalola, president of Rotary International in Nigeria, is the first to win.

He claimed that it reflected the new Rotary International president’s admirable philanthropic initiatives and relentless pursuit of projects that had improved communities, brought about peace, progress, and human dignity.

The President also believes that Babalola’s victory will inspire millions of Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, by demonstrating that anyone can lead transformative change with vision, integrity, and service, according to a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

You can count on our assistance as you prepare to take office and continue to promote international cooperation, support humanitarian causes, and advance the spirit of service to humanity, Babalola assures him.

Ibim Semenitari, the Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Africa Zone 22, Region 27, announced Babalola as its president for the Rotary year 2026-2027 in a statement signed by Rotary International on Thursday.

His professional affiliations include those of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners, according to the statement. He and his wife Preba reside in Port Harcourt, which is where he and his wife reside. He also belongs to the Jericho Business Club.

Babalola, a devoted Rotarian and philanthropist, is a member of the Arch Klumph Society and supports The Rotary Foundation. His work as a ShelterBox UK trustee and the Safe Blood Africa project is a part of his humanitarian legacy.

He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, the RI Service Above Self Award, and the Africa Centennial Heroes Award.

Security Agencies Stage Show Of Force Ahead Of Rivers LG Polls

Rivers State’s security authorities have put on a show of force to reassure residents of their safety.

A convoy of patrol vehicles from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the NSCDC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other allied organizations were present for the exercise, which started at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

Before, during, and after the polls, the joint team demonstrated operational readiness to maintain peace and order in the major streets in the Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas.

Read more about how police arrested a kidnapping suspect and rescued a seven-year-old victim in Lagos.

Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, earlier in the week, assured residents that the elections would have adequate security measures.

NLC Demands ₦150,000 Minimum Wage For Lagos Workers

According to rising living costs and recent wage increases in the Imo and Ebonyi States, the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a new minimum wage of N150, 000 for state employees.

Funmi Sesi, the chairperson of Lagos NLC, made the call on Thursday in response to the two states’ upward-pay review.

She claimed that Lagos employees currently receive the state’s highest minimum wage, which is 85, 000, and that they deserve an increase in pay in response to the state’s higher costs for housing, transportation, feeding, and utilities.

Ebonyi Increases the Minimum Wage For State Civil Servants To 90,000

“The minimum wage in Lagos needs to be revised.” Someone at least opened the space by taking the bull by the horns.

No one can blame Governor Sanwo-Olu for raising the wage for Lagos employees, as the country deserves better pay and decent working conditions that are comparable to those in Lagos.

She expressed hope that Imo and Ebonyi’s success will be emulated by all state governments.

Polytechnic Workers Issue FG 21-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Arrears

The Federal Government is required by members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics to resolve any unresolved issues with the workers, or they could face a nationwide strike.

A communiqué was released at the conclusion of the association’s 77th General Executive Council Meeting held at Danbatta, Kano State, at the Audu Bako College of Agriculture. The 21-day ultimatum ended on August 27, 2025.

The workers at Polytechnic demanded the release of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Needs Assessment Funds, as well as the creation of the new Scheme of Service and the constitution of the Renegotiation Committee for the 2010 Agreement.

The organization expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s inaction in addressing the issues.

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The Federal Government was accused of lip service to agreements reached by the association’s president, Philip Ogunsipe, and its national secretary, Shehu Gaya, in a statement that was jointly signed by both the association’s president, Philip Ogunsipe, and the national secretary, Shehu Gaya.

ASUU members also object to the FG Loan Scheme and Unpaid Salaries.

The 77th General Executive Council meetings of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) took place between Tuesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 28 at Audu Bako College of Agriculture in Danbatta, Kano State, where important issues arose regarding the Union’s and its members’ welfare, according to the communiqué.

The Council and the government discussed the following issues during the session:

the introduction of new services and policies;

The renegotiation committee’s constitution from 2010;

“Non-release of the 2023, 2024, 2025 NEEDS Assessment fund;

Paying salary arrears, including promotions, 25/35 salary reviews, wage increases, and full implementation of the new minimum wage;

The council was shocked to find the government’s insincerity in reversing previous agreements or giving the education sector preceding itself after it had abused its patience with the above issues.

The government has only given lip service to the issues, according to the council, who also pointed out that despite making numerous efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the issues raised.