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Author: Ibironke Ariyo

  • Eid-El-Kabir: FRSC deploys personnel, 1,163 vehicles nationwide

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

    Eid-El-Kabir: FRSC deploys personnel, 1,163 vehicles nationwide

    Deployment
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed no fewer than 41,470 officers, marshals and special marshals, alongside 1,163 vehicles for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol, nationwide.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during a news briefing on Friday, in Abuja.

    Mohammed said that the objectives of the Eid-El-Kabir special operations were to achieve reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs), and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).

    He said that other objectives include prompt responses to RTCs victims, unhindered engagement in purposeful public education, and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways.

    According to Mohammed, the  operation will strengthening of surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional excesses, sustained effective patrol, as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.

    “To this end, I am honoured to let you into strategies already in place to combat crashes on our roads during this year’s Eid-El-Kabir special patrol scheduled to commence from Friday June 14, to Sunday June 23, 2024.

    “Personnel deployed for the special operations are 7,994, 20,449 marshals , 13,027 special marshal with the total of 41,470 in all.

    “Over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes are being deployed as part of the patrol logistics. This brings to the total of 1,163,“ he said.

    The FRSC boss said that reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, a number of extricating machines and digital breathalysers were part of the tools set aside for the special operation.

    Mohammed added that a total of 23 help areas were mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions, and rescue operations during the period.

    According to him, this is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which would be dedicated solely to identifying traffic gridlock areas to be manned by the personnel on 24/7 basis.

    “For effective monitoring and prompt response, the Corps has put in place a Situation Room at the National Headquarters to monitor the activities across the country.

    “It will also collate and process information for dissemination to relevant commands and stakeholders as the case may be.

    “This is in addition to 28 RTCs Clinics and 53 Zebra points located along the major routes.

    “This would be covered by the 92 ambulances to be fully utilised for prompt response to crashes and rescue of injured victims to hospitals for more professional attention, “he said.

    The corps marshal urged  commuters to check the excesses of reckless drivers and report  to the FRSC operatives or any security outpost on the highways. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/AYO/SOA

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC prepares 200 mobile courts for traffic offenders

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC prepares 200 mobile courts for traffic offenders

    Offenders

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it has set up over 200 mobile courts operations to prosecute traffic offenders during the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol operations across the country.

    The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during a press briefing on the Corps’ preparations ahead of the Sallah celebration, on Friday in Abuja.

    Mohammed said that recent developments on the roads, revealed some of the challenges confronting safe use of the highways, which he said the Corps had stepped up to confront on all fronts.

    He said that the challenges include the ugly trend of using trailers and trucks to convey human beings, night trips, fatigue, speed violations, driving under influence, as well as overloading of vehicles.

    He also said that the Corps had introduced some key safety initiatives to tackle the menace and combat the ugly trend, as well as meet up with the changing times, especially developments coming from the unsafe behaviours.

    According to him, one of these is the result oriented efforts that have been directed towards effective collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and State Judiciaries.

    “This is for timely prosecution of drivers and vehicle owners caught contravening established traffic regulations like overloading, dangerous driving, and use of phone as well as speeding.

    “These violations will be tamed through the instrumentality of mobile court operations.

    “To this end, we shall carryout aggressive enforcement including conducting over 200 Mobile Courts operations, with the aim of checking the following offences.

    “Speeding and Dangerous Driving/Overtaking, Lane indiscipline/Route violation, Road Obstructions, Use of Phone while Driving, Overloading, Seatbelt/Child restraint Use Violations,

    “Others are Passenger’s Manifest Violation, Operation of mechanical deficient and rickety vehicles, loading of trailers with passengers and Illegal use of the Spy Number Plates, “he said.

    The FRSC boss called on drivers to imbibe the culture of courtesy, civility and consideration for other road users.

    He said “they must learn to do the right thing at all times because, as you have the right to use the roads, so do others.

    “As such, drivers must drive with the consciousness that members of their families, friends and loved ones are waiting for them at home, whenever they are on the road.

    “At all times, they must be conscious of the fact that those they carry are breadwinners, family and friends to other people whose lives are precious to them.

    “We must therefore exercise restraint and show respect to each other while on the road, “he said. (NAN)(http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FRSC expresses concern about drivers’ conduct on highways

    Vehicle at the accident scene
    FRSC
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Shehu Mohammed, has expressed concern about what he describes as alarming rate of recklessness among drivers on highways.
    According to him, the drivers have continued to contravene established traffic regulations, causing undue harm to lives and unprecedented destruction to property.
    The corps said in Abuja on Friday that in spite of the efforts put in place by the corps to reduce accidents on the nation’s highways, drivers were still adamant.
    The Corps Marshal stated this in the wake of a fatal road accidents that occurred at Kanbi village, Jebba road in Kwara on June 13.
    Mohammed said that Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident occurred as a result of excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.
    He said that two vehicles; a blue articulated vehicle with no trace of registration and a white bus marked LSD363YE were involved.
    He explained that 25 people were involved, comprising 13 male adults, five female adults, two female children and five male children.
    “From this number, five people were injured (three male adults and two female adults) and 19 victims killed (11 male adults, three female adults, three male children and two female children.
    “The injured victims have been rescued to Orisun Ayo hospital, one body was deposited at the morgue of the same hospital while the remaining 18 bodies were claimed by the families of the deceased.
    “You will recall that in recent time, apart from setting up an Inter-agency Joint Task Force (JTF) to tackle the excesses of articulated vehicle drivers, the corps equally enhanced its enlightenment campaigns.
    “The corps also ensure robust engagement of stakeholders, especially the various transport unions, all in a bit to curb accidents.
    “It is, therefore, unfortunate that irrespective of all the efforts in place, some drivers have decided not to adhere to safety standards as such compromising the safety of innocent road users,” he said.

    In line with his 2024 agenda for drastic reduction in road accidents,  the corps marshal has directed commanding officers to intensify special patrol operations against these identified violations.(NAN)(http://www.nannews.ng
    ICA/KAY
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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Academy organises road safety education for drivers nationwide

    Academy organises road safety education for drivers nationwide

    Drivers
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) A driving institute,  the Professional Driving and Safety Academy says it is organising a free road safety education for drivers and riders to reduce Road Traffic Crashes.

    The Project Coordinator, Mr Jide Owatunmise said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Owatunmise said that the academy would also organise best driving competitions for drivers and riders to improve their performance.

    He said the aim and objective of the event was to promote road safety education among all categories of road users for sustained safety on Nigerian roads.

    According to him, this conforms with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021 – 2030), Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (2021 – 2030), and the Resolutions of the National Council on Transportation (December 8, 2022).

    Owatunmise said that the essence of the competition and the free road safety education was to address causative factors relating to road mishaps in the country.

    He said that it was also to further complement the laudable efforts in road traffic crash reduction by relevant stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians.

    According to him, several national and global research reports have affirmed that over 80 per cent of road traffic crashes are caused by human factors while over 70 per cent are attributed to drivers.

    “If the causative factors associated with the drivers are effectively addressed, the rate of road traffic crashes will be significantly and sustainably reduced.

    “Consequent to the worrisome high rate of road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria, there is an urgent need to embark on multi-dimensional, result–oriented, and proactive measures.

    “This is to sustainably boost driver’s education, motivation, and road safety culture in Nigeria as obtained in several other Countries.

    “Our Organisation, in collaboration with several road safety stakeholders initiated and commenced the annual driver’s day event in Nigeria on November 15, 2023.

    “The 2024 edition of the National Drivers’ Day will be held on June 27, and it includes “Best Driver in Nigeria Competition and Free road safety education for drivers and riders with varieties of awards and prizes, “he said.

    Owatunmise commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant stakeholders in the road safety sectors for their significant contributions to transportation, security, and safety on Nigeria roads. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/NNO/SH

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Sadiya Hamza

  • Group hails Soludo for law on peace building, conflict management agency

    Group hails Soludo for law on peace building, conflict management agency

     

    Law
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN)An NGO, the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking,Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has hailed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo  for signing into Law the Anambra State Peace building and Conflicts Management Agency ( ANSPEBCOMA) bill.

    This is contained in a statement by the Founder of the organisation, Mr Belonwu Ezeanyaeche on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the law would foster peace and manage conflicts within the state with harmonious environment for its residents,

    This, he also added would be aligning with the governor’s broader agenda of infrastructure, economic transformation, security and social cohesion.

    Ezeanyaeche believed that the law would also help curb Illicit substances and illicit drug abuse and crime against humanity in the State.

    ”The law will cover a lot of issues. Our organisation is all about protecting people, rescuing youths and children from drug related issues and other criminal acts.

    He also added that it would underscore the need for greater resources to be committed to fighting drugs problem and its attendant consequences.

    This, he said included banditry, kidnaping, assassination, insurgency, terrorism, human trafficking, Child abuse and general insecurity.

    He said “we are very proud of our Legislator for carrying out an excellent legislation on this bill, and the Speaker and entire Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly.

    “We are much more grateful to Governor Soludo, for making it a legal entity to fill the huge gap and address the issues bothering on Peace building programmes and activities.

    “Also, conflicts management, prevention and resolutions and related matters in the State, which would in no small measures help the State Government in achieving a peaceful, liveable and prosperous home land

    Ezeanyaeche urged Anambra residents to ”sink their differences” and support Soludo’ administration to succeed.

    The group also commended Soludo for signing into law, 10 other crucial bills to propel the state to the next level in governance.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the newly signed laws are the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, Anambra State Touting Prohibition Law, 2024, Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Law, 2024,

    Also included are Health Facilities and Accreditation Agency Law, 2024, Anambra State Peace Building and Conflict Management Agency, Anambra State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (ANSOGPADEC) Law, 2024 and Market Safety and Protection Law, 2024.

    Other are: the Trafficking In Person Prohibition Law, 2024, Anambra State Revenue Administration (Consolidation. and Harmonization) Law, 2024, Anambra State Private Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2024.

    The Law to Amend the Anambra State House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2021 and for other Connected Purposes. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Enugu-Onitsha crash: FRSC rescues 25 victims alive, orders prosecution of driver

    Enugu-Onitsha crash: FRSC rescues 25 victims alive, orders prosecution of driver

    Crash
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) rescued 25 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) victims alive from the avoidable crash that occured at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Enugu.

    This is even as the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed called for investigation and speedy prosecution of the driver responsible for the fatal crash.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Corps Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The accident  occurred at about 1900hrs.

    The corps  said that the preliminary crash investigation report revealed that the crash was caused by speed violation.

    The FRSC said that it involved seven vehicles comprising of a black Toyota Matrix bearing the following registration details ENU742NL, a white Suzuki Hijet mini bus ENU982XY.

    This, the corps said included a Custom Toyota Highlander jeep JRV247HK, and a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number UWN16AP.

    Others are; a Toyota Rav 4, a Red Mack Tanker and a Mazda vehicle.

    The FRSC emergency rescue teams deployed to carryout rescue operations reported that the crash involved a total of 29 people comprising of 20 male adults and 9 female adults.

    “From the number, 10 victims comprising of eight male adults and two females sustained different degrees of injuries. Unfortunately, four victims were killed as a result of the crash, “the corps said.

    “FRSC investigation report indicates that of the 4 fatalities recorded, two victims were killed on the spot while the remaining two died in the hospital.

    “The injured victims were rescued to orthopedic hospital, Enugu while the dead bodies have been deposited in Park Lane hospital morgue, “the FRSC said.

    The corps  marshal reaffirmed the position of the Corps on deepening its ongoing prosecution of drivers who by their actions caused road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

    He however, noted that the driver responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama crash would not be spared.

    The FRSC boss called on the Judiciary, leadership of transport unions and other relevant stakeholders in the road transportation sector to join hands with the Corps towards restoring sanity on the roads

    This, he said would be through speedy and effective prosecution of traffic violators, especially those who caused crashes on the roads.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal had during his inaugural address to the mediadrawn the attention of road users to issues of imbibing moral and ethical rebirth, which have become a major issue in the country.

    NAN also reports that he warned against traffic violations citing instances where they resulted in avoidable crashes with fire outbreak, leading to wanton loss of precious lives and destruction to properties.

    According to him, there is no going back on prosecuting of erring drivers.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/BEKl/SH

    ==========

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

  • Abuja traders decry rising food prices, seek government’s intervention

     

    Abuja traders decry rising food prices, seek government’s intervention

    Food

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Some residents and foodstuff traders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have decried the instability in produce prices as well as the worsening inflation in the country.

    The residents and traders voiced their complaints in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Mr Nduka Ndubisi, a food stuff trader at Aco AMAC Market, said that the unpredictability of food prices had limited the trade, as they could no longer take large stock.

    Ndubisi said, “The prices of most food stuff items are currently unstable; we cannot even predict the prices anymore. This is tiring and frustrating.’’

    A resident of Aco AMAC estate, Mr Victor Azikiwe, said that the rising cost of food items in the market was because of the hike in the price of petrol.

    Azikiwe expressed concern that some sell a litre of petrol at N650 while others at N690, thereby affecting the cost of transportation of the goods.

    “This contributed to the rise in food prices as the cost of transportation of foodstuffs across the country increased. For instance, Abuja to Ilorin is N18,000 as compared to N7,500 before now,” he said.

    Another resident, Sherifat Musa, said that her major concern was on how people, especially the Muslims, would cope with the situation during Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

    Musa stressed the need for the authorities to do the needful before things get out of control.

    “Our annual celebration is here. How do we buy all we need?

    “I am scared of going to the Market because I don’t know what I’ll meet there. It’s scary because the hike in price keeps going getting worse,” she said.

    On her part, Hajiya Amoke Omole, a tomato and pepper trader at Gosa market, said that the, “ups and downs’’ in the price of produce had made most traders wary of the trade.

    “We do not even understand the situation; the price of foodstuff has been fluctuating for a while now.

    “The price of tomatoes is also fluctuating; last week, we bought a basket-full for as high as N100,000; this week, it is N130,000 per basket which means the price is high and unpredictable.

    “Sometimes, when pepper becomes affordable, tomatoes become more expensive, but now everything is on the high side. In fact, pepper is now more expensive than tomatoes,” she said.

    A civil servant, Mr Ibrahim Sule, described food as one of the most important basic needs for survival.

    Sule said that its availability and accessibility were very important to any nation because its unavailability could lead to civil unrest, untimely death, malnourishment and more.

    “Unfortunately, the price of food items in the markets has increased exponentially, daily.

    “Nigerians have to spend more money these days before they can afford enough food for themselves and their families and this alone contributed enormously to the increase in food inflation.

    “The current situation is beyond explanation. I think we need to pray and seek the face of God for his divine intervention,”he said.

    Oluwaseun Soleye, a student in University of Abuja, said that only God could help in the situation affecting Nigerians and Nigeria as a whole.

    Soleye opined that the country was suffering from a form of sin and God needed to forgive, “so we could overcome the issues bedeviling the country”.

    “We have to turn to God and seek his forgiveness, because what is happening goes beyond human explanation. Imagine noddles (Super pack) of N80 before, is now N400 per one.

    “To many of us, life has never been so difficult than what we are going through. Many households cannot afford three meals in a day,” she said.

    Mrs Juliana Arome, a food seller, lamented low patronage by customers as a result of the hike in price of commodities and the low purchasing power of citizens.

    Arome revealed that she had reduced the quantity of food she sells to her customers as “everything has gone high”.

    She, however, called on the government to salvage the the people adding that there was need for stability in food supply.

    “Imagine, maggi moved from N700 to N1,300 per pack and Spaghetti is N850. We are not making any gain, government please help us, this is too much for us,”she said.

    A trader, Mrs Bose Oluwole, who sells groceries and provisions at Wuse market, believed that President Tinubu could address the situation and provide solutions to the disturbing concern.

    Oluwole said, “before, we used to buy a bag of milk for 5,500, now it is N15,000.

    “The loaf of bread that I used to buy from bakers at N600, now sells for N1600 to N2000 because of the high cost of the flour, milk and sugar.

    “As traders, we are tired; we just sit under the sun getting nothing and we pay for shop and shade in the market,” she lamented.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OJI/AMM

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • FRSC Corps Marshal seeks stiffer penalties for traffic offenders

    The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during the induction of the Chief Justice of the Federation, (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola

     

    FRSC Corps Marshal seeks stiffer penalties for traffic offenders

    Induction
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Malam Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has called on Chief the Justice of the Federation, (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola to strengthen existing laws with stiffer punishment for traffic offenders.

    Mohammed made the call during the induction of the CJN as Honourary Special Marshal on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mohammed said that there was need for harsh penalties that would deter road users from violating established regulations.

    This, he said was because the Corps was propelled by a great deal of passion and commitment to the safety of lives and properties on Nigerian roads.

    The FRSC boss appreciated the CJN for piloting the affairs of the Judiciary in a manner that upholds the standards of the rule of law.

    He said that honorary special Marshals were given to citizens of impeccable character who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation.

    “I am exited you joined the league of distinguished Nigerians who volunteered to join the services of entrenching safety on Nigerian roads as Honorary Special Marshal.

    “We need you to strengthen existing laws with stiffer punishment that will deter road users from violating established regulations,’’ he said.

    The Corps Marshal said that there was no doubt that the capacity, competence and administrative prowess of the CJN would in no little degree enhance and solidify the existing relationship between the Corps and Judiciary.

    Speaking after the investiture, Ariwoola said that the recognition was not a personal honour but a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all road users across the country.

    “I am reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with this title.

    “The Special Marshal arm of the FRSC plays a pivotal role in the society. Our mandate is multifaceted and crucial to road safety fabric,’’ he said.

    In her welcome remark during the investiture, the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen congratulated the Chief Justice for accepting the huge responsibility.

    She expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to the eradication of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal, conducted the investiture in company of the President, Court of Appeal in the Supreme Court. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/OIF/SH

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza

     

  • NCoS not detaining army general illegally-Official

    Army
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has said that the service did not detain Maj. Gen. Umaru Mohammed the former Group Managing Director, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited illegally.
    The Public Relations Officer, NCoS FCT command, Mr Samson Duza said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
    Duza said that the Service was a responsible security agency set up by the laws of the federation, with the mandate of keeping the legally interned.
    According to him, the attention of the Command, has been drawn to a report by a whistle blowing group demanding for the release of Maj. Gen. Umaru Mohammed, purporting that he was detained without a warrant.
    “The Service only admits persons legally interned by a competent court of law or a military court martial.
    “In the case of the said General, he was legally detained by a military court martial, with a valid warrant.
    “It is rather unfortunate for the said group, acting without knowledge of how the system works, to feed the public with false information born out of crass ignorance.
    “Asking the NCoS to release the Major General, who was legally interned by a military court martial, is aberration to the criminal justice process,” he said.
    Duza enjoined the public to disregard the call by the said group as it was committed to safe and humane custody of all persons committed in its care.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army Special Court Martial had convicted the former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Maj.-Gen. Umaru Mohammed to seven years imprisonment on Oct. 10, 2023.
    NAN reports that the court also ordered the convicted senior officer to refund $2.17 million dollars and N1.06 billion being amount of monies he stole, back to the company’s coffers.
    The officer was found guilty on 14 of the 18 count charges brought against him and the sentence was based on the provisions of the Criminal Code Act Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and section 174 of the Armed Forces Act cap  20 Laws, 2004.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
    ICA/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • NIS to unveil user-friendly e-visa channel

    The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap

    NIS to unveil user-friendly e-visa channel

    Visa
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 11, 2024(NAN) The Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Kemi Nandap has announced plans to inaugurate a more accessible e-Visa application channel for short visits in line with the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020.

    Nandap said this in her address delivered at the graduation ceremony of the 12th Command Course of the Immigration Command and Staff College, in Sokoto.

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Mr Kenneth Udo on Tuesday in Abuja stated that the CG was represented by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) George Didel.

    The CG said that the new channel was designed to streamline visa processes adding that it was to also foster Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and boost tourism.

    She said:”we must embrace these reforms and implement effective internal control and monitoring mechanisms.

    “This is to track the presence and activities of all foreigners in Nigeria”.

    The CG reiterated her commitment towards the full implementation of the e-Border Project.

    This, she said included the installation of e-Gates at international airports in Lagos and Abuja, and the integration of the Advance Passenger Information System (API).

    “As well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) to enhance border control and clearance systems.

    “These centres are expected to significantly improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination to enhance National Security.

    Nandap emphasised the need to revitalise NIS’s Divisional Offices and called for improved participation in Security Council Meetings.

    This, she said would be at State and Local Government levels, as well as other ad-hoc duties with utmost professionalism and interagency collaboration.

    Nandap charged formation heads to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the automation of Passport application processes, which was intended to reduce human interface, curtail sharp practices, and enhance efficiency.

    She said the ongoing rollout of enhanced e-Passports would continue both locally and at the foreign missions until full transition was achieved.

    The CG urged all NIS formations to participate actively in the nationwide sensitisation campaign against irregular migration especially Smuggling of Migrants(SOM)

    She however , reiterated NIS’s commitment to capacity building for all Service cadres, stressing the importance of engaging partners and stakeholders in sustaining training and capacity-building programs.

    She pledged to improve the welfare of NIS officers through timely promotions, affordable housing, and health care schemes.

    Nandap urged the course participants to be agents of transformation and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

    The highlight of the event, was the award of the “Passed Command Course” (PCC) and to all participants, while directing staff received the “Dagger Merit Award (+)”, in recognition of their dedication and hard work.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza