BREAKING: FG Tightens Security At Borders Ahead Of Planned Protests

By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Federal Government has ramped up border security throughout the country in response to the upcoming protests against poor governance. The Comptroller General of the Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, issued orders to all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) across the country to implement these heightened security protocols. According to the Service’s spokesperson, DCI Kenneth Udo, the directive aims to prevent foreign individuals from entering the country to participate in the protests. The statement emphasized the importance of vigilance and increased surveillance due to the upcoming protests organized by various groups. Nandap also announced the temporary suspension of all leave applications and instructed officers to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and patriotism during and after the protests. The Comptroller General assured Nigerians of the Service’s readiness to secure the nation’s borders and contribute to national security, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining order during the planned demonstrations. The statement read, “The Comptroller General noted that, in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers, especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to distabilize the country. “She directs temporary suspension of all leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties. during and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own. “The CGIS assures all Nigerians of the service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders towards enhancing national security.”

Hardship: Why Nigerian govt needs to reopen borders – FCCPC

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has appealed to the Federal Government to reopen the country’s borders to allow for legitimate importation of food items to combat hunger among Nigerians. The commission said that reopening borders would facilitate food importation, while stabilizing market prices. It made the call during an advocacy meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders held at the Emir’s palace in Bauchi. Acting Executive Chairman of the Commission, Adamu Abdullahi, highlighted the FCCPC’s ongoing efforts in advocacy and public awareness regarding price gouging and other unfair trade practices in Nigerian markets. Abdullahi explained that the Commission’s visit aimed to sensitize stakeholders on their rights and help them identify counterfeit products and proper channels for lodging complaints. “As mediators, we ensure that substandard products are repaired, replaced, or refunded to the consumer if they are unsatisfied with their purchase,” Abdullahi stated. He expressed concern about escalating commodity prices due to the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar, calling the situation unacceptable. “The FCCPC remains dedicated to promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and fostering a regulated marketplace. We encourage citizens to be vigilant and actively report any violations,” he added. Responding, the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, expressed concern over the rising prices in markets, particularly for food items, which he noted are causing hardship for citizens. Represented by the District Head of Lame, Alhaji Yakubu Aliyu Lame, the Emir urged the Federal Government to take urgent action to reduce food prices, stressing the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu assured that the traditional institution in the state is ready to help raise public awareness about the commission’s activities to ensure the message reaches the targeted audience.

FG Reopens Borders, Lifts Sanctions on Niger

President Bola Tinubu has directed the reopening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger, alongside the lifting of sanctions against the country, effective immediately. This decision aligns with the consensus reached by ECOWAS leaders to lift economic sanctions against several nations, including Niger, during the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja. According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu’s directive signifies a commitment to regional cooperation and the advancement of economic ties. The sanctions lifted include the closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger, suspension of commercial and financial transactions, freeze of assets, and travel bans on government officials and their families. President Tinubu has also authorized the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.