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FG committed to reposition Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs – Information Minister

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris says the Federal Government is carrying out some reforms to reposition Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Idris said this on Thursday while speaking with newsmen on the sideline of the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue in Abuja.

He said the Federal Government has been looking into recent matter at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure it is better positioned.

“You heard what the President had said; he has taken a decision. He has also constituted a Ministerial Panel to look into what happened; and also to look at the overall structure of the ministry itself.

“However, the probe is ongoing and the law enforcement agencies that have the independent power to do their job are on it.

“The Ministerial Administrative Panel will do its job of looking at those reforms that are required for the ministry to be repositioned for the good of Nigerians.

“The President gave the panel six weeks to complete the job; and this is just the second week, so, let’s be patient, it is going to be good,” Idris said.

On removal of fuel subsidy, the minister, who said nothing good comes easy, added that the government was making effort to address challenges caused by fuel subsidy removal
According to him, the state governments and labour unions are aware of what the Federal Government is doing to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

“There were interventions in the areas of palliative and wage awards. So, many things are happening. The shock will be there, but we will build upon it and have a sustainable economy”. (NAN)

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Nigeria to launch e-visa, digital cards

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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said the Federal Government will launch an e-visa system and digital landing/exit cards to enhance national security.

He disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to Keyamo, the e-visa system will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically.

He added that the manual landing and exit cards would be digitalised, requiring visitors to pre-fill their information before travelling to Nigeria.

“What we are doing here today reflects this government’s commitment to cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates.

“Today is another example of inter-ministerial collaboration. This specifically concerns the introduction of the e-visa system,” he said.

He said further details would be given by Tunji-Ojo, and that relevant agencies such as Immigration, NCAA, and FAAN would fully support the initiative.

Keyamo emphasised that there was no objection to the programme, which primarily falls under the Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior stated the automation system will commence on May 1.

He noted that the e-visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.

Tunji-Ojo explained the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.

“Coordinating and issuing regulations to airlines is naturally the NCAA’s responsibility,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He revealed a central visa approval centre already exists at Immigration headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks.

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“Better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering Nigeria. We aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.

“Our goal is to open Nigeria’s borders without compromising security. Both Interior and Aviation ministries have critical roles in this,” he said. (NAN)

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Niger Dumps French, Adopts Hausa As National Language

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Niger’s military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.

The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.

According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”

Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.

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Most of the country’s about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.

The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”

This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.

During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was approved to stay in power for five more years.

Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.

These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.

They’ve also withdrawn from the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.

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Alake, Ayankele to Lead Workshop on Illegal Mining

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.

Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.

It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”

The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.

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