Akwa Ibom and Rivers Communities Cry Out Over Oil Pollution, Poverty Despite Rich Resources

Communities in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States continue to suffer from oil pollution and poverty, despite being located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta. Residents of Ibeno, Okoroitak, Iwuopom, and Ogoniland report contaminated rivers, ruined farmlands, and decaying infrastructure caused by decades of oil spills and gas flaring. Many locals, including women and youth leaders, describe loss of livelihoods, absence of healthcare, and lack of jobs. Despite the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) mandating 3% of oil revenues for host communities, locals claim they have seen no benefits. Cleanup efforts by HYPREP and companies like Shell are slow, leaving communities vulnerable and dependent on dwindling resources. Rights groups warn of corruption, mismanagement, and ongoing environmental hazards from abandoned oil operations.

#OilPollution #NigerDelta #AkwaIbom #RiversState #EnvironmentalJustice #HYPREP #SeplatEnergy #ExxonMobil #PIA #CommunityStruggle

Over 100 Delta Women Protest Seplat Energy, Demand Recognition as Host Community Under Petroleum Industry Act

Women from Abigborodo community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State staged a protest at Seplat Energy’s project site, demanding formal recognition as a host community under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the women accused the company of ignoring their rights, denying them jobs, and commencing pipeline operations without resolving longstanding land disputes. Protest leaders called on the Delta State government to intervene, warning that continued neglect could fuel unrest, while citing government reports affirming Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed land. Seplat Energy was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.

NIGERIA SEEKS FINANCING SUPPORT FROM EU INVESTMENT BANK FOR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Nigeria is engaging the European Union Investment Bank and other donor agencies to mobilise funding that will accelerate investment in energy solutions for improved electricity supply in the Country

Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi leads the engagement on behalf of Nigeria with representatives of the European Union, European Investment Bank, GIZ, the International Energy Agency and Sustainable Energy for all, SEforALL on the sideline of African Energy Efficiency Conference in Ethiopia

The engagement explores areas of partnerships, financing models and policy frameworks with far reaching commitment by partners to expand investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria.

During the Conference, DG of Energy Commission of Nigeria highlights Federal Government commitment to catalyse investment in energy so as to stimulate economic growth and strengthen climate resilience through energy efficiency

Dr. Abdullahi emphasises Nigeria's strategic position and commitment to driving sustainable energy solutions for Africa's future.

Court Sets December 9 for Hearing in Tonye Cole’s ₦40B Defamation Suit Against FCT Minister Wike

The FCT High Court has scheduled December 9, 2025, for the mention of Tonye Patrick Cole’s ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Channels Television. Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, accuses Wike of making false and damaging statements during a September 18 broadcast, alleging financial misconduct involving state resources, Rivers State gas, and the Olympia Hotel. Represented by senior lawyer J.S. Okutepa, Cole seeks ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million in legal costs, a public apology, retraction of the statements, and a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications. The defendants have been ordered to enter appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.

JUST IN: The Madina District Court II has sentenced two Nigerian nationals to 12 months imprisonment each for attempting to acquire Ghana Cards using false identities.

The convicts, Ike Isaac, also known as Alex Kwesi Brown Appiah, 20, and Emmanuel Innocent Egbe, also known as Innocent Emmanuel Kodom, 24, were found guilty of providing false information to Ghana National Identification Authority (NIA) officials and possessing forged documents

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

Port Harcourt Teen, Agbo Adoga, Scores Perfect 1600 on SAT — Sets New Academic Record for Nigeria.

A 17-year-old student, Agbo Adoga, from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, has reportedly achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), marking an extraordinary academic milestone that has sparked widespread admiration across Nigeria’s education community.

The SAT, administered by the U.S.-based College Board, is a globally recognized university admissions test used by top institutions in the United States and beyond. Achieving a perfect 1600 places Adoga among a very small percentage of students worldwide who reach the highest possible score.

Social media erupted with praise after news of his result surfaced online, with many Nigerians celebrating his achievement as a testament to the potential and brilliance of the country’s young scholars.

His school, Graceland International, known for producing high-performing students in national and international examinations, has yet to release an official statement but has been receiving a flood of congratulatory messages from alumni and parents.

Before this latest feat, Agbo Adoga had already gained recognition for his excellence in mathematics and science competitions, including national Olympiads and international contests, where he consistently ranked among the top performers.

Education stakeholders have described his performance as “a source of pride for Nigeria,” urging the government and private sector to provide more support and mentorship opportunities for exceptional young talents like him.

If confirmed by the College Board, Adoga’s score would place him among an elite group of global students who have achieved perfection in the SAT’s nearly century-long history.

IMF excludes Nigeria from list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, calls for deeper reforms.

Nigeria has been left out of the International Monetary Fund’s latest list of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, sparking fresh discussions about the country’s sluggish growth and persistent structural challenges.

In its newly released Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, the IMF highlighted countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda as the continent’s top performers, projecting regional growth to stabilize around 4.1 percent in 2025.

Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria failed to make the list, reflecting what analysts describe as a combination of weak reforms, high inflation, and over-dependence on oil revenues. The IMF also warned that many African nations, including Nigeria, face growing fiscal pressures as governments turn to domestic banks for financing amid limited external funding opportunities.

According to the report, these fiscal and monetary imbalances, along with rising inflation and exchange-rate instability, continue to dampen Nigeria’s growth outlook. The Fund advised countries in the region to adopt sound fiscal policies, strengthen revenue mobilization, and diversify their economies to cushion against global shocks.

Experts say Nigeria’s omission underscores the urgent need for deeper reforms in public finance, infrastructure, and governance. While some progress has been made under ongoing policy adjustments, the IMF’s findings suggest the country still lags behind peers that have successfully implemented aggressive economic diversification and investment-friendly strategies.

NDLEA Nabs Lagos, Onitsha Boutique Owner With 127 Wraps of Cocaine Hidden in Stomach and Underwear.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine into Nigeria.

Ejiofor, who reportedly owns boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra State, was intercepted on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended following credible intelligence. A body scan revealed that he had ingested several pellets of cocaine and concealed more inside his underwear.

“Ejiofor was immediately taken into custody after the scan confirmed he had ingested the drugs. A total of 58 wraps were recovered from his underwear, while another 69 pellets were later excreted in seven rounds, bringing the total to 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms,” the statement said.

In related operations, NDLEA operatives in Lagos intercepted three shipments of illicit drugs bound for the United Kingdom between October 9 and 10. The seizures included 1.74 kg of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, 114 grams of pentazocine, 168 grams of tramadol injections, and 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in Vitamin C containers.

The agency also foiled attempts by other drug syndicates to smuggle 2.6 kg of skunk and 422 grams of tapentadol disguised as black soap heading to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in women’s handbags destined for Australia, and 568 grams of “Loyd” cannabis concealed in herbal containers en route to the United Arab Emirates.

NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking networks across Nigeria and beyond.

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Back Tinubu for 2027, Say South East Ready to Deliver Massive Votes

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors have declared their confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, citing his economic reforms and governance agenda as key drivers of nationwide support.

According to a Vanguard report on Monday, September 29, 2025, the group made its position known in a joint statement issued by its coordinators across the five South East states.

They argued that Tinubu’s policies are gaining popularity across Nigeria, stressing that his achievements would make his re-election “certain.”

The statement was released ahead of the President’s planned visit to the South East as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in power. During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold a meeting with leaders in Owerri, the Imo State capital, and commission projects completed by Governor Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.

The South East coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors include Chief Henry Ikoh (Abia), Chief Okey Ezenwa (Anambra), Barrister Kelechi Igwe (Ebonyi), Barrister George Ogara (Enugu), and Rt. Hon. Opiah Goodluck (Imo).

They described the visit as an opportunity for the President to strengthen ties with the region and witness firsthand the growing support for his administration.

Praising Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the group said his reforms are boosting confidence among Nigerians both at home and abroad. They also lauded Governor Uzodinma’s developmental strides, saying they reflect the President’s vision for progress.

The group pledged total support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, assuring that the South East is prepared to vote “massively” for him in 2027. They argued that doing so would help the region secure a fairer share of national resources and infrastructure.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a landslide victory in the 2027 presidential election. The South East wants to vote massively for him to ensure equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure. This is a cause to which we are totally committed, and we will continue to work hard under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma to guarantee victory not only in the South East but across the country,” the statement concluded.

U.S. Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ghana After Deportee Agreement; restores eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas.

The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas and enhanced consular services. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development in a post on X after meetings with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The decision follows months of diplomatic engagement and comes after Ghana agreed to accept West African deportees transferred by the U.S. from Nigeria and other countries.

President John Mahama had earlier explained that Ghana’s move was consistent with ECOWAS free-movement rules, which allow citizens of West African states to enter Ghana without visas.

The visa restrictions were first imposed in July as part of a broader U.S. review affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The measures had cut down visa validity periods and limited entries, creating difficulties for travelers, students and businesspeople.

By agreeing to take in deportees and engaging Washington diplomatically, Ghana has secured a reversal of the restrictions. Ablakwa described the development as “a big win for Ghana” and a reflection of improving relations between both countries.

NDLEA Nabs Two Businessmen Returning From Brazil With 116 Wraps of Illicit Drugs in Lagos.

Two Brazil returnees, Ofoma Sunday and Ukachukwu Frank Ikechukwu, have excreted a total of 116 wraps of heroin and cocaine after days in observatory custody following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

This was disclosed in a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Ofoma, 46, was arrested on Tuesday 16th September on arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Ethiopian Airlines. A body scan confirmed he ingested illicit drugs. 

He had travelled on 3rd September to courier the consignment for a promised $2,500. A follow-up raid at Eliata Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, led to the arrest of 55-year-old Nweke Jude Chuckwudi, designated to recover the drugs. Ofoma eventually excreted 111 wraps of heroin weighing 1.452kg in eight batches.

Similarly, Ukachukwu was arrested during inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines passengers from Brazil via Addis Ababa on Friday 19th September. 

A scan showed dr¥g insertion, and under observation, he excreted five large wraps of cocaine weighing 145 grams.

In his statement, Ukachukwu confessed: “I bought nine wraps of cocaine in Brazil and inserted them into my anus. The process took me nearly two hours. During transit in Addis Ababa, I felt severe anal pain and removed all the wraps. In a rush to catch my connecting flight, I could only reinsert seven and flushed two. On the flight to Lagos, I felt pressed and expelled two more in the lavatory, leaving five inside me.”

He further revealed he had been in the clothing business before moving to Brazil in 2017, later relocating to the U.S., where he was arrested for immigration offences and deported in 2022. In March 2025, he returned to Brazil after securing a residence permit.

Abuja dispatch rider arrested with cocaine, loud.

NDLEA Seizes N3.99bn Drugs, Arrests 34 Suspects Across Eight States

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has confirmed the arrest of 34 suspects across Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Abuja, Oyo, Edo, Yobe, and Anambra States during operations between September 7 and 11, 2025.

The agency retrieved a total of N3.99bn worth of drugs and intercepted large quantities including over 2.6 million tramadol pills, 6,029 bottles of skuchies, 4,232kg of cannabis, 196 litres of Akuskura, 17kg of skunk, 13.9kg of methamphetamine, and several other psychoactive substances.

The report, released on Sunday and signed by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed that no fewer than 2.6 million pills were recovered during the operations.

According to the NDLEA, traffickers employed multiple smuggling models, including concealment in multi-vitamin cartons, vehicle spare parts, food items, picture frames, and courier packages, as well as trafficking via passengers at airports and motorcycles across borders.

On Thursday, September 11, NDLEA officers swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to move 2.5 million tramadol pills disguised as multi-vitamins from the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The consignment, worth ₦3.99 billion, had arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Delhi, India, on Monday, September 8.

A follow-up operation on Friday, September 12, led to the arrest of the Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, believed to be the consignee, alongside three Nigerian accomplices: Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode, and Bakare Korede Muheeb.

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Drug Kingpin, Five Others Over Kano Pilgrims’ Detention In Saudi Arabia

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug kingpin and five members of his syndicate accused of planting narcotics in the luggage of innocent pilgrims who flew out of Kano to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The syndicate, led by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, allegedly smuggled illicit substances onto Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6 for Jeddah via Addis Ababa.

Their actions reportedly led to the detention of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia — including a 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini, Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq — all still being held on drug trafficking charges.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, investigations showed the pilgrims checked in only one personal bag each, but members of the syndicate, working with Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) staff, illegally tagged six additional bags in their names, three of which contained drugs.

Karama allegedly travelled separately on Egypt Air while accomplices checked in the narcotics. Other suspects named include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, all of whom reportedly confessed, with payment trails traced to them.

NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) is expected to meet with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) during an upcoming international drug conference to push for the release of the innocent detainees.

“The evidence clearly shows these Nigerians are victims of a criminal conspiracy, not traffickers. We will pursue this matter until justice is done,” Babafemi said.

The case has reignited concerns over airport baggage security, with fresh measures promised at Kano airport. Families of the detained pilgrims have also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts.

“She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God. Instead, she is in prison for a crime others committed. Now that the truth is out, Nigeria must bring her back,” said Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa.

#NDLEA #DrugTrafficking #Kano #SaudiArabia

NDLEA arrests drug kingpin, 5 others over three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate over the arrest of three Nigerians currently detained in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking.

The agency said the suspects, who operated at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, MAKIA, Kano, checked in bags containing illicit substances in the names of three unsuspecting pilgrims travelling to Jeddah for lesser hajj on August 6, 2025.

The NDLEA disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Abuja addressed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, alongside the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, and the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.

The three victims, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq, were arrested in Jeddah after arriving on Ethiopian Airline flight ET940.

NDLEA investigations revealed that extra bags containing drugs were tagged to their names without their knowledge by members of the syndicate in collusion with aviation handling staff.

According to Babafemi, Abubakar, who masterminded the operation, travelled to Jeddah the same day on Egypt Air, while his associates checked in seven bags under the names of the victims.

One suspect, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, admitted checking in two of the bags for a fee of N100,000, while another, Jazuli Kabir, confessed to handling two others for the same amount.

Six suspects are currently in NDLEA custody, with four already charged to court, including Abubakar, Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Yayock.

Former Super Eagles Forward Ideye Retires From Football

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than a decade across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The ex-Enyimba forward confirmed his decision in a message on Tuesday, describing it as one taken with “mixed emotions” and expressing gratitude to coaches, teammates, fans, and others who supported his journey.

Ideye featured for clubs including Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, and Olympiakos, winning titles and building a reputation as a consistent goalscorer.

Most memorably, he was part of the Nigerian squad that lifted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa under late coach Stephen Keshi.

Reflecting on his career, Ideye said football gave him “incredible joy, sad days, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.”

Though stepping away from the pitch, he pledged to remain connected to the sport as he begins a new chapter.

#SuperEagles #BrownIdeye #AFCON

Nigeria NewsDetails Of How Veteran Nollywood Actor, Chief Kanran Died, And Burial Arrangement Emerge.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, reportedly slumped in his bathroom on Friday, which led to his death.
Chief Kanran
Naija News reports that movie executive and producer, Seun Oloketuyi, confirmed Chief Kanran’s death in an Instagram post on Friday, stating that the actor passed away earlier in the day.

In an update on Saturday, Oloketuyi said the film star slumped and died instantly in his bathroom at home, stressing that he has been managing high Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Contrary to reports that Chief Kanran is age 72, family sources disclosed that the thespian died at 62 and would have been 63 in September.

Oloketuyi added that Chief Kanran, who was active before the sudden death, will be laid to rest in September.

He wrote, “How Chief Kanra died. Segun Remi this afternoon slumped in the bathroom and died instantly. Close family sources confirm to us that Chief Kanra was 62 and would have been 63 next month will be buried next month.

“He was said to be managing HBP. His death in his residence, Meran, was shocked many people because he was active. In fact, he still granted interview last week”

Chief Kanran, before his demise, was a household name in the Yoruba film industry, celebrated for his unique style, humour, and commanding performances in numerous stage plays and movies over several decades.

News Brief: ₦712bn Lagos Terminal Rebuild Funded by Subsidy Savings – Keyamo.

The Nigerian Federal Government will spend ₦712 billion to completely rebuild Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo has confirmed. He defended the project amid public backlash, explaining it will be funded through savings from petrol subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo described the terminal—originally built over 40 years ago—as “decrepit,” citing leaking roofs, broken carousels, and poor sanitation. He said the current state could push international airlines to abandon Nigerian routes due to safety and insurance concerns.

“This is not a budgetary expenditure,” Keyamo said. “It’s part of the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Funding.”

The 22-month project will fully demolish and redesign the terminal, aiming to turn Lagos into a continental aviation hub on par with Ethiopia and South Africa. Keyamo also noted that the outdated airport layout has hindered local-to-international flight connections for decades.

Critics argue the ₦712bn plan is ill-timed given soaring inflation and widespread hardship caused by recent economic reforms.

#LagosAirport #AviationUpgrade #FestusKeyamo #NigeriaInfrastructure #TerminalRebuild

This Is Exactly What Was Done To Mohbad, I Will Not Allow You To Kill Me’ – Jigan Babaoja Cries Out Over Threats.

Yoruba Nollywood actor, Jigan Babaoja, has raised alarm over a series of threats to his life after his personal phone number was leaked online.
Jigan BabaOja
Naija News reports that the thespian voiced his concern following the controversy involving a WhatsApp group chat linked to the late singer Mohbad’s death and Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo.

In a post via Instagram on Thursday, Jigan said he has been receiving threatening messages and accused some social media users of harassment and cyberbullying, noting it is a similar situation to that of the late Mohbad.

The movie star called on the Nigerian Police Force to intervene in the situation, warning that he would not be intimidated and was prepared to take legal action against those responsible for the threats.

He said, “This is how they start! This is pure bullying all bcos you want to prove a point! You let my personal number out to your people to keep calling and sending threats to me! Exactly what was done to the late Mohbad! @nigeriapoliceforce I’m calling your attention to the number of threats that come to me! Instead of letting you kpai me like you kpai Mohbad, I will start by using all the things in my surroundings to kick against oppression and bullying! All these numbers will regret ever coming to this world! Just a few scapegoats and the rest will fondagbe!

“Amount of threats! Clearly shows they will attack me even on the streets! But for the street, I’m fully prepared and I’m aware! But @benjaminhundeyin @nigeriapoliceforce, and all well-meaning Nigerians! Something needs to be done!”

Nigerian Passport Jumps to 88th on Global Rankings — Highest in 5 Years.

Nigeria’s passport has reached its highest position in five years, climbing to 88th out of 199 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index released on July 18.

The ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and expert analysis, places Nigeria alongside Ethiopia and Myanmar, countries it was previously grouped with when ranked 91st earlier this year.

Despite the slight improvement, the Nigerian passport still only allows visa-free access to 45 countries, similar to last year when it ranked 92nd. In July 2023, Nigeria was ranked 90th but later dropped to 97th, trailing behind African nations like Burundi, Cameroon, and Liberia. The passport ranked 98th in 2022 and had dropped as low as 103rd in 2021.

In the latest index, Nigeria ranked above just six African countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia—similar to last year’s standings.

Seychelles maintained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, despite slipping from 22nd to 24th globally, offering visa-free access to 156 destinations.

Globally, Singapore remains the strongest passport, granting access to 193 countries, while Afghanistan continues to rank last, with visa-free access to only 25. The United States, which once topped the index in 2014, now sits at 10th place.