Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment: Rift With Perm Sec Forces Minister To Shun Office

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment finds itself embroiled in a concerning situation as a growing chasm in the working relationship between the recently appointed Federal Minister, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Evelyn Ngige, threatens to cast a shadow over its operations. This rift, according to exclusive information gathered by Nigerian Anchor, has created an atmosphere of palpable tension within the corridors of power, raising questions about the ministry’s functionality and its capacity to work as a unified team. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was officially sworn in as Minister by President Bola Tinubu, has conspicuously stayed away from her designated ministry office, preferring to conduct her official duties from the premises of the Bank of Industry. The reason behind her absence is linked to a disagreement with the Permanent Secretary, notably concerning office renovations, with a particular focus on the restroom. Sources within the ministry have shed light on the matter, indicating that Minister Doris had requested the renovation of her office space, especially the restroom facilities, to align with her needs as a female minister. However, her request has seemingly fallen on deaf ears, leaving her with no option but to establish her office at the Bank of Industry Headquarters in Abuja. In addition to the dispute over office renovations, there is another layer of discord in the form of personal grievances held by Minister Doris against the Permanent Secretary. This animosity was ignited by the Permanent Secretary’s failure to extend congratulations following Doris’s appointment as Minister. The first sign of strain between the two parties was apparent when Doris arrived in Abuja to assume her office. She appeared to snub the Permanent Secretary and other senior officials who were present at the airport to welcome her. This initial friction has since snowballed into a complete breakdown of communication, not only between the Minister and the Permanent Secretary but also with other key members of the management team. The deteriorating relationship between the Federal Minister and the Permanent Secretary now raises substantial concerns about the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment’s operational efficiency. A seamless and collaborative working environment is essential for the realization of the ministry’s goals and objectives, and this internal strife threatens to impede the department’s capacity to function effectively. If not addressed promptly and effectively, this internal discord has the potential to hinder the ministry’s ability to achieve its intended objectives, ultimately affecting the progress and development of the industry, trade, and investment sectors in Nigeria.

112,351 Uncollected Passports Across Nigeria, Says Immigration Boss

The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Wura-Ola Adepoju, has revealed that a significant backlog of uncollected passports exists across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to her, as of October 5, a staggering total of 112,351 passport booklets had not been retrieved by applicants. During a press briefing at the service headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Adepoju addressed the concerning issue and shared updates on the passport distribution. She noted that the NIS had successfully cleared all 204,332 passport applications that had accumulated over time and this accomplishment is following a two-week deadline set by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the service to address the backlog. Despite this achievement, Mrs. Adepoju emphasized that only 91,981 passport booklets had been collected by applicants thus far. She stressed the importance of prompt collection, as these travel documents are essential for various purposes, including international travel. In light of the remaining uncollected passports, the NIS chief urged applicants to visit their respective application centres to retrieve their passports. The backlog not only poses administrative challenges but also underscores the significance of ensuring that applicants receive their passports promptly to facilitate their travel plans and related activities.