New US Visa Policy: FG orders Full Compliance (Press Statement)

 

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
 
ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VISA ISSUANCE POLICIES BY THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
 
The Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to maintaining and strengthening the longstanding and cordial diplomatic relations with the Governments of the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates.
 
The recent changes in visa issuance policies affecting Nigerian citizens by these two countries have received the attention of the Federal government. Relevant Nigerian Ministries, Departments and Agencies are actively engaging to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.
 
The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records. It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity duration.
 
In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad. The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions.
 
Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy. However, it is observed that visa issuance is currently progressing in a gradual and orderly manner. 
 
The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities. Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
 
The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank. 
 
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s valued bilateral relations with the Governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

BAYO ONANUGA
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
June 15, 2025

Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) Warns Against Fake Officials (Press Statement)

DISCLAIMER NOTICE

Re: Notification of LASPA’s on-street abandoned car scheme kicking out at designate street in Lagos State by June, 2025.

The attention of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA), has been drawn to a false and fraudulent letter titled “NOTIFICATION OF LASPA’S ON-STREET ABANDONED CAR SCHEME KICKING OUT AT DESIGNATE STREET IN LAGOS STATE BY JUNE, 2025” and signed by one Mrs. Adeniran Adelabi who claims to be the General Manager of LASPA.

2. The said notice was purported to have been used on Friday, 11th July, 2025 by some fraudulent people in towing away a Sky-Blue Nissan Primera 2.0 Car with Registration Number KV 948 KJA, belonging to Mr. George Tokuibiye, at his residence in Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos to an unknown destination.

3. The Lagos State Parking Authority wishes to inform members of the General Public that the General Manager of LASPA is Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu and not Mrs. Adeniran Adelabi as claimed, the said message/notice was not issued by LASPA, the Letter Headed paper used for the notice does not belong to LASPA as well as the phone numbers on the notice, hence, it should be disregarded.

4. LASPA maintains a strict policy of issuing warning notices to individuals or organizations defaulting the State Parking Regulations before any enforcement actions are carried out. LASPA’s On-Street Parking Enforcement has not commenced in Ifako Ijaiye Local Council Development Area of the State. 

6. All LASPA Officials can be identified by their branded vests, T-shirts, and official identity cards with QR codes as well as uniform featuring the Lagos State and LASPA logos while carrying out parking enforcement and related services.

7. Members of the public are hereby enjoined to be cautious and avoid any engagement with fraudulent individuals who may be posing as LASPA staff without proper verification. 

8. The authenticity of any notice or claim attributed to LASPA can be verified by contacting the Authority directly through its official communication channels or Call LASPA at Phone: 0700-00-52772, 02-01-2275230 or 02-01-2275231or visit the Head Office at 36b Sasegbon Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos

9. All residents and members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unauthorized activity involving parking enforcement to the appropriate authorities.

Signed:

Mrs Adebisi Adelabu,

General Manager,

Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA)

14th July, 2025

#AGreaterLagosRising

#LASG

Buhari: PTDF Adjust Interview Date (Press Statement)

PRESS RELEASE

ADJUSTMENT OF PTDF INTERVIEW ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, 15TH JULY 2025

The Management of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) wishes to inform all candidates scheduled for interviews on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, that the interviews have been postponed due to the Federal Government’s declaration of a public holiday in honour of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

All affected candidates will receive individual notifications with the updated date, time, and venue for their interviews.

Candidates are advised to regularly check their email and the official PTDF website for further updates and instructions.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we join the nation in paying tribute to the life and legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL OTHER CANDIDATES ARE UNAFFECTED BY THIS DEVELOPMENT AND ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THEIR INTERVIEWS AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED "

Signed,

Management.

BREAKING: Special Federal Executive Council Session to Honour Buhari Postpone Indefinitely

STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

NEW DATE FOR THE SPECIAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SESSION IN HONOUR OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO BE ANNOUNCED

The special Federal Executive Council session on Tuesday in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari will no longer be held as announced earlier, given the state funeral in his hometown, Daura, on the same day.

In addition, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday in honour of the departed Nigerian leader.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will announce a new date after the funeral proceedings.

President Tinubu called for the special FEC session to honour his predecessor for his invaluable contributions to our country.

The remains of the former Nigerian leader will arrive from London tomorrow by noon, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in his home town, in accordance with Islamic rites.

President Buhari died on Sunday in a London Clinic after a prolonged illness.

President Tinubu declared a national mourning for seven days, with flags at half-staff.

He also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to join the Buhari family in London to condole with the family and bring the former President's remains back home.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

July 14, 2025

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.