The United States has clarified that its recent visa policy changes for Nigerians are not intended to punish applicants, but to improve security and service delivery.
In a joint press briefing in Abuja with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the measures formed part of a global review of US visa operations.
“Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries. Visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations. If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face,” Mills said.
A file of the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.
He explained that the US still welcomes Nigerians for study, business, tourism, medical visits and family reunions, but expects visitors to obey visa regulations.
“We needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities we saw in our visa processing,” he added, noting that the Nigerian government is working to improve information-sharing, including access to criminal records.
The US embassy recently announced a reduction in the validity period and entry allowance for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians. Mills urged applicants to be truthful in their submissions, warning that giving false information could lead to deportation or a lifetime travel ban.
On his part, Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed suggestions that the policy was discriminatory, describing the US as “a key partner in Nigeria’s social and economic development”.
“Myself and the ambassador just had a very useful and productive discussion about US visa laws and how to communicate to the Nigerian people the importance of compliance. The Federal Government will continue to work with the US mission to provide timely and accurate information on visa matters, particularly the importance of compliance,” he said.
The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has laid off two senior aides over their roles in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron and the diversion of palliative grains.
The action, announced in a statement by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim on Saturday, followed damning findings from investigative committees that probed the separate cases.
Sharada Indicted Over Drug Baron Bail
Abubakar Umar Sharada, Senior Special Assistant on Political Mobilisation, was shown the door after a Special Investigative Committee found him to be the “mastermind” behind securing bail for Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu, a suspected dangerous drug baron.
“The committee confirmed Sharada’s culpability through his own testimony, which established his direct involvement in the bail process,” the SSG revealed.
READ ALSO: Former Abia Gov Ikeazu’s Deputy Resigns From PDP
Roba Dismissed Over Palliative Diversion
In a separate case, Tasiu Adamu Al’amin Roba, Senior Special Assistant in the Cabinet Office, was dismissed for allegedly rebagging palliative grains in 2024 at a Sharada warehouse.
“Roba has been arraigned in court and faces charges of theft and criminal conspiracy for diverting public assets,” Ibrahim said, adding that both men must return government property by Monday, August 11, 2025, and desist from parading themselves as public officials.
One Aide Cleared
However, the Governor exonerated Hon. Musa Ado Tsamiya, Special Adviser on Drainages, after an investigative committee cleared him of all allegations.
Governor Yusuf warned all appointees that the administration’s fight against corruption was not negotiable.
“Our commitment to discipline, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption is unwavering. Public officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity both in their official duties and private lives,” he said.
The statement also warned members of the public against dealing with the sacked aides on any matter concerning the state government.
The Dangote Refinery has commenced phased receipt of the 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks as its petroleum products distribution operations are expected to kick off across the country.
The development forms part of the company’s logistics programme to herald product distribution this month.
The initiative hopes to transform the distribution landscape in Nigeria by reducing logistics costs and enhancing supply efficiency for customers.
In June, the Refinery said it invested over ₦720 billion to implement the landmark initiative for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, which is expected to save Nigerians over ₦1. 7 trillion annually.
The initiative is also poised to significantly benefit over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability.
The initiative, which eliminates transportation costs for fuel marketers and large-scale consumers, is expected to help reduce pump prices and inflation.
From 15 August, Dangote will begin the direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling stations, industrial facilities, and other high-volume consumers.
According to a statement from the refinery, it aims to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption of 65 million litres of refined petroleum products. This includes 45 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 15 million litres of diesel, and 5 million litres of aviation fuel.
With the average logistics cost estimated at ₦45 per litre, the refinery will cover over N1.07trn annually in free distribution expenses.
The ₦720 billion investment also includes the establishment of nationwide CNG ‘mother and daughter’ stations, among other infrastructure, to implement the free distribution initiative.
L-R: Global Co-Head, Corporate & Investment Banking CEO, Europe Americas, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered, Roberto Hoornweg; Managing Director & CEO Kenya and Africa, Standard Chartered, Kariuki Ngari; Chairman, African Industries Group, Raj Gupta; CEO & Head of CIB Coverage, Nigeria, Standard Chartered, Dalu Ajene; Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole MFR; Global Co-Head Corporate & Investment Banking CEO, ASEAN, and South Asia, Standard Chartered, Sunil Kaushal; Founder & President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School /Chairman, FSDH Group, Hakeem Belo-Osagie at the Standard Chartered Africa summit held in Lagos.
The strategic programme forms part of Dangote’s broader commitment to eliminating logistics bottlenecks, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting environmental sustainability, and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. The company noted that lower fuel distribution costs will help reduce production costs, ease inflationary pressures, and stimulate economic growth.
The initiative is also expected to resuscitate dormant filling stations, fostering job creation in the process. Over 15,000 direct jobs are projected to be created across the logistics chain, including drivers, station managers, and attendants at the CNG stations.
The refinery also emphasised that this programme would help curb cross-border smuggling of petroleum products and support a more efficient and environmentally friendly distribution system.
Presidential Endorsement And Industry Praise
The Presidency described the initiative as a pivotal moment in the Federal Government’s push to mainstream gas-powered transportation.
Commercial Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), Tosin Coker, praised the move as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s gas-fueled future.
FILE: A Dangote Refinery tanker
“Dangote Group’s acquisition of 4,000 CNG trucks is not only impressive in scale but also highly strategic,” he said. “It signals to the market that CNG is no longer a distant prospect but a current, practical solution to high energy costs, emissions, and supply chain challenges. PCNGI regards this as a milestone achievement in our efforts to accelerate gas-powered transport adoption.”
Time Resolution, Says IPMAN
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also commended the development, calling it a timely resolution to longstanding challenges in the downstream sector.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that the new model would significantly reduce logistical burdens for independent marketers by delivering more affordable fuel directly to filling stations.
Aliko Dangote and NNPC GCEO, Bayo Ojulari
“Our pipelines have been non-functional for years, yet nothing has been done to revive the infrastructure linking the country’s 21 depots. We’ve had to rely on expensive transport from coastal depots,” Ukadike said. “Dangote’s intervention lifts a huge burden off the shoulders of independent marketers.”
Development Economist and Policy Analyst, Professor Ken Ife, said the initiative would drive down the price of PMS and yield widespread benefits for Nigerians.
CEO, Financial Derivatives Company, Bismarck Rewane, dismissed concerns about the refinery becoming a monopoly, arguing that inefficiencies in the sector have been systemic and long-standing. He added that the scheme would help curb the parasitic role traditionally played by middlemen.
“What Dangote is doing achieves two key objectives: delivering products across the entire country at a uniform price by eliminating bridging costs, and significantly reducing logistics expenses through the use of CNG-powered trucks to reach every corner of the nation. “In economic terms, middlemen—who typically do not invest—are often viewed as parasitic, extracting margins simply for distributing goods. Dangote is bypassing this layer by directly handling distribution and, notably, providing credit facilities to the retail end of the business,” he said.
A file photo of Dangote and President Bola Tinubu.
Energy expert and co-founder of Dairy Hills, Kelvin Emmanuel, said Dangote’s decision to absorb logistics costs marks a turning point that could finally allow Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of local refining.
Energy analyst Ibukun Phillips described the move as “revolutionary”, suggesting it could reshape Nigeria’s energy sector by improving affordability and access, particularly in rural communities.
At age 5, Chief Olamilekan Adebayo, also known as “an encyclopedia of Yoruba proverbs,” was crowned the ruler of the Slu Alade Kingdom, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
He is now nine and has English translations of more than 500 Yoruba proverbs.
He recalled developing his passion at age four when he surprised his father by correctly reciting a proverb he had overheard in an exclusive interview with Channels Television.
They love me because I make an impact through my proverbs, he said.
Chiefs in Yoruba culture are crucial to governance and cultural preservation, making Adebayo’s early coronation a triumph of admiration.
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated ₦110 million to the families of the 22 Kano athletes who lost their lives in a tragic road accident earlier this year.
According to the spokesperson to the Kano State governor, Sanusi Tofa, each bereaved family received ₦5 million, as stated in a post on the Presidency’s X handle on Friday.
He explained that the disbursement was facilitated through the Victim Support Fund, a government-backed initiative designed to assist Nigerians affected by emergencies, tragedies, or crises.
The fund, he said, had been “instrumental in helping victims cope with the emotional and financial burdens that often follow such incidents”.
“Mrs Tinubu’s gesture has drawn commendation nationwide, with many describing it as a heartfelt display of compassion and national solidarity”. The First Lady’s timely response reflects values of empathy and responsive leadership, “the statement noted.
The Presidency said the donation aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
” Through actions like this, the First Lady exemplifies the administration’s commitment to restoring faith in governance by reaching out directly to citizens in times of pain and need, “the statement added.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Mourns Kano Athletes, Sympathises With Families
The donation followed a fatal road crash in May along the Kano–Kaduna highway, which claimed the lives of the athletes.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the victims were members of the Kano State contingent returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The team had reportedly been on the road shortly after the festival’s conclusion.
One of the survivors, Ado Salisu, told journalists that the accident happened just hours before they were expected to arrive in Kano.
The incident occurred around 12: 30 p. m. at Gadar Yankifi in Garun Malam Local Government Area.
It involved a Toyota Coaster Bus with registration number KN041 A17.
The gunmen who kidnapped Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have contacted his family, demanding a ransom of ₦7 million for his release.
Mr Eleyinmi, a Faculty Officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was abducted on Sunday at his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the gunmen had lurked around his residence, and upon his arrival on a commercial motorcycle, they quickly got hold of him and took him away while shooting sporadically to scare away people who might try to resist them.
According to a family source, who pleaded to remain anonymous, the kidnappers, who made contact with Mr Eleyinmi’s family on Thursday for the ransom, had on Wednesday allowed the wife of the victim to briefly speak with him for her to verify that he is alive.
The source disclosed that the kidnappers had initially demanded 100 million naira ransom, but it was later reduced to seven million naira, after a series of pleas and negotiations.
Following the development, the Alumni Association of AAUA, which Mr Eleyinmi belongs has called for donations from Nigerians in order to raise the funds to pay for his ransom.
In a statement issued by the Global Publicity Secretary of the association, O’Seun Ogunsakin, it appealed for timely donations, saying it would go a long way in ensuring that Mr Eleyinmi reunites with his family hale and hearty.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA”, the statement read.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7, 000, 000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors”.
“We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum. Kindly make your donation into the account below: Polaris Bank 1011167606 Akinwande Joyce Morenikeji. May God help us as we make the donation”.
Reacting, the Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, said that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had directed tactical commanders to ensure that the victim was rescued unhurt as well as apprehend those involved in the abduction.
While distancing the police from ransom negotiation, Mr Ayanlade said, “The Commissioner of Police has directed all tactical commanders to swiftly act and ensure that the victim is rescued.
” He also directed that all suspects connected with the crime be apprehended.
