FG Declares Public Holiday to Honour Ex-President Buhari (Press Statement)

 

PRESS STATEMENT

FG DECLARES TUESDAY, 15 JULY, 2025 PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN HONOUR OF LATE FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

In futherance to the seven days of National mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a Public Holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

Federal Ministry of Interior 2025 Massive Recruitment (All You Need To Know)

The Ministry of Interior, Nigeria has announced to the general public that recruitment into its Parastatals will commence on Monday, 14th July 2025. The involved Parastatals are:

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Nigeria Fire Service (NFS)

Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS)

Interested and qualified candidates are to register through recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng and are also advised to visit the Ministry of Interior website for further information on the application process, requirements, and other relevant details.

FG Attributes Delayed June Salary on Technical Glitch

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), says it is addressing recent complaints regarding the non-receipt of June salaries by some civil servants.

According to a statement issued by Bawa Mokwa, the Director, Press and Public Relations of the OAGF, the salary delay was particularly experienced by those whose accounts are domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc.

“Upon investigation, it was discovered that the salary payments for employees across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were affected due to a technical network glitch in the bank.

“The OAGF understands the anxiety and frustration this situation has caused, particularly given the importance of timely salary payments to the livelihoods and responsibilities of our valued public servants.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience this unfortunate incident has caused and wish to assure all affected employees that immediate steps have been taken to resolve the issue.” Mokwa said.

He said that the OAGF was currently working closely with the relevant service providers and stakeholders to ensure that the failed payments were reprocessed without further delay.

“We appeal to all affected staff of the federal public service to remain calm and rest assured that no effort will be spared in ensuring everyone receives their rightful salaries.

“The OAGF understands the anxiety and frustration this situation has caused, particularly given the importance of timely salary payments to the livelihoods and responsibilities of our valued public servants.

New Visa Policy Not Punitive Measure Against Nigeria; Says US Government

Recent reports (from July 2025) indicate that the United States Department of State has indeed announced updates to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens. These changes include:

Single-entry visas with a three-month validity period for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas, replacing previous longer-term, multiple-entry visas.

The US Embassy has stated that this is part of a "global visa reciprocity process" and is "subject to review and change at any time," emphasizing that it's designed to protect the integrity of US immigration systems and is based on global technical and security benchmarks.

They also stated that the US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure Nigeria can meet the criteria, which includes secure travel documents, visa overstay management, and information sharing.

The US has explicitly framed these changes as part of a reciprocal process and not as a punitive measure, despite the fact that Nigerian officials have reportedly expressed that Nigeria does not have a similar reciprocal policy towards US citizens.

Therefore, while the policy has significant implications for Nigerian travelers, the US's official communication characterizes it as a standard and ongoing review of visa reciprocity, rather than a punitive action.

Read full statement below:

The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries.  

This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS.  

The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems.  

We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.

Lagos Releases Entrance Examination Results for Model Colleges/Upgraded Schools

 

LAGOS RELEASES MODEL COLLEGES/UPGRADED SCHOOLS RESULTS

The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has officially announced the publication of results for the entrance examination into Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools for the 2025/2026 academic session.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, parents and prospective candidates can access the results at their various schools of choice.

The Permanent Secretary affirmed that the admission process will be transparent and merit-based, solely determined by the Screening Test, with varying cut-off marks for each school.

Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite cautions parents, students, and guardians against falling prey to fraudsters, emphasising that the Lagos State Government does not engage in clandestine admission processes, as successful candidates will be treated equally during the placement process.

US Visa Restrictions: FG Appeals for Reversal (Press Statement)

 

Ministry Of  Foreign Affairs, Abuja 

STATEMENT BY NIGERIA ON UNITED STATES VISA RESTRICTIONS 

The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent 
decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule 
for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including Bl/B2, 
F and J categories to three months With single entry. 

The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, 
particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people 
ties between our two countries. The decision appears misaligned with the 
principles Of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral 
engagements between friendly nations. 

Nigeria notes that this restriction places a disproportionate burden on Nigerian 
travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in 
legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to 
cultural and educational exchanges. 

While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its 
immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider 
this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global 
responsibilities. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness 
and upholds the values of mutual interest. 

Signed: 
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, 
Spokesperson, 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. 
Wednesday 9th July, 2025 

Lagos State Government Announces Second Phase of Entrance Examination Into Model Colleges

 LASG SET TO COMMENCE SECOND PHASE OF ENTRANCE EXAMINATION INTO MODEL COLLEGES, UPGRADED JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Lagos State Government, through the State Examinations Board, has announced the commencement of the Second Phase of the Year 2025 Entrance Examination (Screening Test) to the State's 16 Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools, excluding Vetland Junior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye.

A statement signed by the Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Orunsolu Adebayo, said the second phase becomes imperative following public appeals received through the State's Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. 

He said it is in response to the avalanche of requests that the State Government approved the second phase, aimed at providing another opportunity for eligible primary six pupils and scheduled to commence with registration on Wednesday, 9th July to Friday, 15th August, 2025. 

Adebayo informed that the Screening Test has been scheduled to be held on Saturday, 23rd August, 2025, at designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres across the State, in line with the State’s ongoing commitment to improving digital literacy and innovation in assessment processes.

According to him, “All eligible candidates are enjoined to visit the Board’s official portal via the link: https://examsboard.lagosstate.gov.ngand complete the necessary registration for the examination. 
Upon successful registration, candidates are to log in using their USERNAME and PASSWORD to print their examination slips, which contain their details”.

The Director reiterated that the Screening Test remains the sole criterion for placement into any of the State's Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools and strictly for Primary Six pupils.

The Lagos State Examinations Board, therefore, solicits the cooperation and understanding of parents, guardians, school Administrators and all Stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free conduct of the second phase examination exercise.

BREAKING: U.S. restricts Nigerian visa applicants to single entry visits of just 3-months (Press Statement)

 BREAKING: U.S. Limits Validity Of Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas To 3 Months, Single Entry.

 

 United States Embassy, Abuja

Press Release 
July 8, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JULY 8, 2025
Abuja, July 8, 2025 – 


REVISED VISA RECIPROCITY POLICY FOR NIGERIA

The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria. Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.  We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.  You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.  The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.

Examples of standard criteria include:

Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.
Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.
Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.
The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger. We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.  We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.

Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.  The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.   We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries.

 

2025 UTME: JAMB Releases Details of 10 Best Candidates

 

Okeke Chinedu from Anambra state has emerged the top scorer of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with 375 score.

Full list of the ten best candidates below:

Lagos Announces Commencement Date for new Laws (See List)

The Lagos State Government has officially announced the commencement dates for seven bills newly signed into law by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, aimed at strengthening public safety, governance, and institutional development across the state.

In a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Grace Alo, the government disclosed that the laws, passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly—were assented to by the Governor with corresponding Commencement Orders issued in accordance with statutory provisions.

  

According to the statement, five of the laws became operational from February 19, 2025, while two others will take effect from August 4, 2025.

  

“This is to allow for sufficient time to disseminate information about the new laws, educate the public, and put in place the necessary infrastructure and resources for their enforcement,” the statement read.

  

Laws effective from February 19, 2025, are the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service Law, which establishes a comprehensive legal framework for enhancing fire safety, emergency response, and rescue services in the state as well as the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute Law, which aimed at improving law enforcement standards.

This legislation mandates structured training and certification for officers across security and regulatory agencies. Others are the Human Organ Harvest and Tissue Transplantation Law: This law regulates the donation, harvesting, and transplantation of human organs and tissues within Lagos State, setting out strict penalties for illegal practices.

  

Consumer Protection Agency Law: This sets up a dedicated agency to enforce consumer rights, address complaints, and ensure fair trade practices across goods and service sectors.

  

Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Law: It establishes systems for the protection of witnesses and provision of support to victims of crime, to encourage cooperation with law enforcement and reduce fear of reprisal.

  

Laws that would take effect from August 4, 2025, include the Local Government Administration Law, 2025. This legislation reforms local government operations across Lagos, clarifying administrative roles and promoting greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

  

Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Law, 2025; This law named after the late elder statesman and former governor of Lagos State, institutionalises a leadership development programme for young professionals to groom future public sector leaders.

  

The Ministry of Justice therefore called on all stakeholders, including government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the public to note the commencement dates and prepare accordingly for full implementation and compliance.

  

“The assigned commencement dates are part of the state’s deliberate and coordinated effort to ensure the effective rollout of the laws and public awareness.

  

“The Lagos State reaffirms its commitment to institutional reforms, human rights protection, and improved governance. The laws are expected to significantly impact sectors including emergency management, consumer rights, justice delivery, organ transplant regulation, and grassroots administration,” Alo emphasised.

Jamb Announces Minimum Cut-off Mark for 2025 Admission

The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions).

More details shortly...