Aeesha's Blog

Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Nigerians to Benefit from New NIS Passport Tracking System Amid Long-Standing Delays

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has rolled out an upgraded passport tracking system designed to give applicants real-time updates and ease the stress of prolonged processing delays, a move hailed as a step toward improving travel planning for Nigerians.

    The Service, in a statement on its official X account, disclosed the new “PRODUCED” status feature, which informs applicants when their passports are fully issued and ready for either physical collection or courier delivery. This is expected to help reduce uncertainty and unnecessary visits to passport offices nationwide.

    Long Delays Fuel Public Frustration

    The update comes against the backdrop of persistent delays that have left many Nigerians frustrated. Applicants often reported waiting months after completing biometric registration and payments, complicating travel plans for business, study, and family purposes.

    For instance, Chinedu Okafor, a Lagos-based businessman, shared that he had to reschedule international trips twice because his passport status remained “in production” despite completing all requirements three months prior. “The old tracking system gave no clear timeline,” he said. “I would have appreciated a proper alert that my passport was ready.”

    The NIS said that the new tracking system directly addresses such concerns, providing clarity between genuine production delays and passports that have been issued but remain uncollected.

    Impact on Travel and Planning

    Travel agents and visa consultants welcomed the development, noting that clearer tracking will improve coordination for clients needing passports for visa applications. Fatima Bello, a travel consultant in Abuja, explained: “Clients often panic because they don’t know if their passport is ready. With this update, we can better plan appointments and visa submissions, avoiding unnecessary stress.”

    Experts also anticipate that the move will indirectly reduce congestion at passport offices and improve overall customer service, as fewer Nigerians are expected to make repeated inquiries in person or by phone.

    Digital Solutions in Passport Services

    The upgrade is part of broader efforts by the NIS to digitalise passport services, including online applications, appointment scheduling, and tracking. While past initiatives have reduced some backlogs, applicants have continued to face occasional technical glitches and delays.

    The new “PRODUCED” status, coupled with existing features such as “printed” and “dispatched”, aims to give applicants a clearer understanding of each step in the passport issuance process.

    Stakeholder Reactions and Expectations

    Public reaction to the update has been largely positive, with Nigerians expressing hope that the system will enhance transparency and reduce anxiety over travel document readiness. However, stakeholders stress that consistent performance, prompt notifications, and responsive customer support remain essential for full public confidence.

    The NIS has pledged continuous monitoring of the tracking system and indicated that further enhancements could follow to ensure applicants have timely access to their travel documents.

  • Economic Outlook: Naira Stability, Food Supply Key to Lower Inflation – Expert

    Nigeria’s inflation rate could ease in 2026 if the naira remains stable and domestic food supply improves, an economic expert has said.

    Oyinkansola Aregbeseola, Investment Associate at AAG Capital, told ARISE TV on Thursday that the “bull case” scenario could see inflation drop to about 13 per cent, provided macroeconomic conditions remain favourable.

    Aregbeseola highlighted the exchange rate as a crucial factor in price stability, noting that a stronger naira, projected around ₦1,300 to the US dollar, would reduce imported inflationary pressures.

    She also pointed to the recent rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) as a factor complicating headline inflation data, adding that the NBS would now provide both raw and normalised figures for better clarity.

    The expert outlined three potential inflation pathways for 2026:

    • Base Case: Inflation at 14.6 per cent if the naira trades around ₦1,450/$.

    • Bull Case: Inflation falls to 13 per cent with stronger currency, improved security, and increased agricultural output.

    • Bear Case: Inflation rises to 16 per cent if insecurity and food supply disruptions persist.

    Aregbeseola stressed the link between national security and agricultural productivity, noting that instability in farming belts could disrupt harvests and fuel price increases.

    She added that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is likely to maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy until more consistent inflation data becomes available.

    Recent trends indicate moderating food prices and relative stability in the foreign exchange market, which could support disinflation. However, analysts warn that energy price volatility, logistics challenges, and insecurity remain potential risks to maintaining lower inflation.

  • FG Boosts Professors’ Welfare with N1.7m Annual Allowance Under Renegotiated ASUU Deal

    The Federal Government has approved an annual allowance of N1.7 million for professors in Nigeria’s public universities under a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in a move observers say is aimed at stabilising the university system and reducing industrial disputes.

    The approval forms part of broader adjustments to academic staff welfare following prolonged negotiations between the government and ASUU over the review of the 2009 agreement.
    Education Financing and System Stability Angle

    Education sector analysts say the new allowance signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to address staff welfare, brain drain and declining morale among senior academics, which have contributed to frequent disruptions of the academic calendar.

    They note that improving remuneration for professors is expected to strengthen research output, mentorship and institutional leadership, while helping Nigerian universities retain experienced scholars who are increasingly attracted by better opportunities abroad.

    Implications for Students and Academic Calendar

    Stakeholders believe the development could have positive implications for students, as improved labour relations may lead to greater academic stability and fewer strike-related interruptions.

    A university administrator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said consistent implementation of the agreement would “restore confidence in the system and allow universities to plan teaching, examinations and research activities more effectively.”

    Government’s Position

    Officials familiar with the negotiations said the allowance is part of a wider restructuring of academic incentives to ensure that payments are standardised, transparent and tied to productivity, while remaining within government’s fiscal capacity.

    They added that the agreement aligns with ongoing efforts to reposition the education sector as a driver of national development, innovation and human capital growth.

    ASUU’s Response

    ASUU leaders have described the approval as a step in the right direction, stressing that sustained implementation, rather than announcements, will determine its impact on industrial harmony.

    The union has repeatedly maintained that improved welfare for academics is critical to halting the erosion of standards in public universities.

    Broader Context

    The approval comes amid rising public concern over the quality of tertiary education, prolonged strikes and the migration of skilled academics to foreign institutions.

    Observers say while the new allowance may increase government expenditure, its long-term benefits could outweigh the costs if it leads to a more stable and productive university system.

    As of the time of filing this report, details on the exact commencement date and implementation guidelines were still being finalised.

  • Russia Expulses British Diplomat Over Espionage Allegations

    The Russian government has ordered the expulsion of a British diplomat, accusing the official of engaging in espionage activities under diplomatic cover, in a move that further strains already tense relations between Moscow and London.

    Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the diplomat’s accreditation had been withdrawn following what it described as “clear evidence” of intelligence-gathering activities incompatible with diplomatic status. The official has been given a limited period to leave the country.

    The decision was conveyed to the United Kingdom’s chargé d’affaires in Moscow, who was summoned to the ministry and formally notified of the action. Russian authorities said the move was taken to safeguard national security and prevent what they termed “hostile intelligence operations” on Russian territory.

    Although the identity of the expelled diplomat was not disclosed, Russian security officials alleged that the individual maintained links with British intelligence services. The Federal Security Service (FSB) was said to have provided the foreign ministry with intelligence justifying the expulsion.

    Diplomatic Angle

    The latest expulsion underscores the fragile state of Russia–UK relations, which have been marked by repeated diplomatic disputes, reciprocal expulsions and sharp rhetoric in recent years. Analysts say the action fits a pattern of tit-for-tat measures that have become common between Russia and Western countries amid wider geopolitical tensions.

    Diplomatic observers note that expulsions on espionage grounds are often symbolic, serving as political signals rather than isolated security responses. Such moves typically provoke reciprocal actions and further reduce diplomatic engagement between the affected states.

    Security and Geopolitical Context

    Security experts view the development against the backdrop of heightened intelligence rivalry between Russia and NATO member states. The United Kingdom has been one of the most outspoken Western supporters of Ukraine, providing military assistance and backing sanctions against Moscow.

    In this context, analysts say Moscow’s decision reflects a broader effort to counter perceived Western intelligence activities while reinforcing domestic narratives about external threats. The expulsion also highlights the growing role of counter-intelligence operations in shaping diplomatic relations across Europe.

    International Reaction and Possible Retaliation

    The British government has yet to issue a detailed public response but is expected to review the development and consider appropriate steps. Historically, similar actions have prompted reciprocal expulsions of Russian diplomats from Western capitals.

    Observers warn that further retaliatory measures could deepen diplomatic isolation and complicate any remaining channels for dialogue between Moscow and London, particularly on security-related issues.

    Implications for Bilateral Engagement

    The expulsion is likely to affect routine diplomatic engagement, including cooperation on consular matters and limited dialogue on international security concerns.
    Experts say shrinking diplomatic missions and rising mistrust reduce opportunities for de-escalation and increase the risk of miscalculation.

    Despite the tension, analysts stress that maintaining some level of diplomatic contact remains crucial, especially at a time of heightened international instability.

    Background

    Russia and the United Kingdom have a long history of diplomatic confrontations involving espionage allegations, often resulting in mutual expulsions. Such incidents have intensified in recent years amid broader geopolitical rivalries and disagreements over international security issues.

  • Iran Threatens To Strike U.S. Bases If Washington Intervenes In Protests — Warning Tenses Global Diplomacy

    Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States and its regional allies, saying it would target American military bases across the Middle East should Washington take military action under the guise of supporting anti-government protests, diplomatic sources said on Wednesday.

    A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that Tehran had communicated the threat to countries hosting U.S. forces — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye — urging them to dissuade the United States from intervening in Iran’s domestic unrest.

    The warning intensifies already high tensions between the two nations, following repeated statements from U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington might take “very strong action” if Iranian security forces continue to violently suppress nationwide protests.

    Crackdown And Unrest — Context of the Warning

    The protests erupted several weeks ago amid deep economic despair, with demonstrations over inflation and unemployment rapidly evolving into widespread anti-government rallies. Rights groups and officials report thousands of deaths in the crackdown — marking the most severe unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

    Iranian authorities have responded with heavy tactics, including internet blackouts that severely restrict outside information flow and tough judicial measures in detention facilities. The government has labelled dissenters as “terrorists” and blamed external forces for stoking unrest.

    U.S. Concerns and Precautionary Moves

    In recent days, U.S. military officials have taken precautionary measures. Several diplomats reported that some personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were advised to temporarily depart amid escalating tensions — although this was described as a posture adjustment rather than a full evacuation.

    U.S. and UK forces are also reported to have withdrawn some personnel from regional postings in response to the heightened threat environment, underscoring concern over possible military confrontation.

    Diplomacy and Communications Breakdown

    Officials revealed that direct diplomatic communication between Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been suspended, reflecting the deepening strain between Washington and Tehran. Iran’s leadership insists that any foreign interference would constitute a violation of sovereignty.

    Qatari and Emirati authorities have acknowledged engagement with Iranian officials as efforts persist to calm regional partners and avert a broader security crisis.

    Regional Implications and Global Response

    Middle Eastern governments hosting U.S. forces find themselves at the center of a potential flashpoint. Analysts say Iran’s message aims to deter U.S. military involvement by raising the costs of direct confrontation. Tehran’s threat notably places American bases on sovereign soil of allied nations at risk, complicating diplomatic relations with Gulf states.

    Meanwhile, Western capitals remain cautious. An unnamed Israeli official noted that discussions about potential scenarios, including regime collapse or foreign intervention in Iran, have been briefed to security cabinets — though no consensus on action has been reached.

    Local Narrative and Official Iranian Position

    Iran’s leadership asserts that it is defending national sovereignty against external meddling. State media quoted security officials describing Tehran’s stance as resolute, with repeated calls for internal unity and resistance to perceived foreign interference.

    The Iranian chief justice has emphasised swift judicial proceedings for those accused of violence during protests, framing the crackdown as necessary to restore order.

    Analyst View

    Security analysts say the developments underscore the risk of the Middle East sliding into a wider military confrontation. They warn that messaging from both Tehran and Washington could quickly shift from deterrence to engagement if miscalculations occur. Regional diplomatic channels are reportedly under intense strain as allies attempt to prevent an escalation from rhetoric to conflict.

  • FCTA Launches Tough Enforcement on Ground Rent Defaulters to Boost Revenue and Urban Order

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a renewed and tougher enforcement drive against defaulting property owners in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen revenue generation, restore urban order and sustain infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.

    The decision was approved at the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of 2026, presided over by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who directed relevant agencies to take decisive action against owners owing ground rent, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees and land-use conversion charges.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said enforcement would begin next week and would include sealing of properties, revocation of land titles and other statutory sanctions against defaulters who have failed to respond to repeated public notices.

    From Warnings to Enforcement

    Nwankwoeze explained that the FCTA had, since mid-2025, issued several warnings through national newspapers, broadcast media and digital platforms, urging property owners to regularise outstanding land obligations.

    Despite these notices, he said compliance remained poor, necessitating a shift from persuasion to enforcement.

    According to him, the enforcement exercise will cover both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Abuja, cutting across residential and commercial districts without exception.

    “This is no longer a matter of appeal. Those who have refused to meet their obligations will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

    Illegal Conversions Under Scrutiny

    The FCTA said particular attention would be paid to properties originally allocated for residential use but later converted to commercial purposes without full compliance with statutory requirements.

    Areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8 were identified as locations with high incidences of default and unauthorised conversions.
    Officials noted that while some conversions were regularised, many property owners failed to pay the required fees, resulting in accumulated arrears.

    No Sacred Cows, Says FCTA

    Nwankwoeze stressed that the enforcement system is automated and impartial, applying equally to individuals, corporate organisations and government institutions.

    “There are no sacred cows. Once the system indicates that a property owner is owing, enforcement will follow,” he said.

    Affected property owners were advised to visit the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Land Administration Department to clear outstanding liabilities before enforcement commences.

    Revenue, Development and City Order

    The FCTA said revenue from ground rent and land charges is critical for funding infrastructure, maintaining roads, providing municipal services and supporting the rapid growth of Abuja.

    Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Michael Ango, noted that sustainable development of the capital depends largely on internally generated revenue, urging residents to see compliance as a civic responsibility.

    Urban development experts say the crackdown could help curb speculative land holding, discourage illegal land use and promote more orderly development across the city.

    Background

    Ground rent is a statutory charge tied to land allocation under the Land Use Act, payable annually by all land title holders in the FCT.

    In recent years, the FCTA has struggled with revenue leakages arising from non-payment of land charges, prompting successive administrations to adopt stricter enforcement measures.

    Officials say the latest action underscores the Wike-led administration’s resolve to enforce discipline, enhance transparency and ensure that Abuja remains a well-planned and financially sustainable capital city.

  • FCTA’s 2026 First EXCO Meeting: Policy Direction, Service Delivery and Accountability in Focus

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has signposted its 2026 governance priorities with approvals and ratifications aimed at strengthening service delivery, ensuring continuity of critical infrastructure and tightening accountability frameworks across the nation’s capital.

    The direction emerged on Monday at the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of the year, chaired by the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, where the council approved a management services contract for an education facility and ratified major emergency infrastructure works executed to address safety and access concerns.

    Briefing newsmen after the meeting, officials said the decisions reflected a policy posture that balances urgent interventions with post-project oversight, as the administration seeks to optimise public assets and improve residents’ welfare.

    Education: Emphasis on Asset Management and Sustainability

    To council approved a ₦62 million management services contract for the Korea Model School, Abuja, a specialised secondary institution established through bilateral cooperation and handed over to the FCTA in 2019.

    Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, explained that the contract covers professional facility management and operational services for the school for a defined period, noting that the approach underscores the administration’s shift from mere construction of facilities to sustained management and performance.

    According to him, the school has served as a reference point for quality teaching and learning in the FCT, adding that structured management is critical to protecting the investment and maintaining standards.

    Observers say the approval aligns with broader education reforms that prioritise functionality, maintenance and outcomes, rather than ad-hoc interventions that often leave public assets underutilised.

    Infrastructure: Ratification of Emergency Works

    On infrastructure, the council ratified the ₦9.8 billion Kabusa–Ketti Road project, which had been executed on an emergency basis due to the deteriorated state of the route and attendant security and safety risks to commuters.

    The road, already completed and commissioned, is now serving residents in the affected communities, easing movement and improving access to adjoining districts.

    Also ratified were emergency erosion control and pipeline restoration works around critical water infrastructure supplying the Federal Capital Territory, undertaken to avert service disruption and environmental damage.

    Officials said the ratifications were in line with due process requirements, allowing the administration to respond swiftly to emergencies while subjecting completed projects to formal review and documentation.

    Revenue Compliance and Urban Order

    Beyond project approvals, the council reviewed measures to strengthen revenue compliance and land administration, particularly in areas affected by unauthorised land-use conversion and non-payment of statutory charges.
    Director of Lands Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, warned that persistent defaulters risk sanctions, including revocation of titles and sealing of properties, stressing that compliance is essential for funding infrastructure and public services.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Michael Ango, urged residents and businesses to meet their obligations, noting that internally generated revenue remains a key pillar of sustainable development in the capital.

    Governance Outlook

    Policy analysts say the outcomes of the first EXCO meeting of 2026 suggest an administration intent on consolidating earlier interventions, enforcing rules and improving accountability, particularly in emergency procurement and asset management.

    They note that while rapid responses to infrastructure challenges are often necessary in a growing capital, transparent ratification and oversight processes will be critical to sustaining public confidence.

    The FCTA, according to officials, will continue to prioritise projects and policies that deliver tangible benefits to residents while strengthening institutional systems for long-term urban governance.

  • ASUU President Appeals to FEC Over Economic Hardship and University Sector Challenges

    The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has called on the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to urgently address the worsening economic hardship in the country, warning that the situation is exerting severe pressure on Nigeria’s public universities and the wider education system.

    Piwuna made the appeal in Abuja while speaking at the presentation of the newly renegotiated Federal Government–ASUU agreement, stressing that the prevailing economic conditions have continued to erode the welfare of university workers, students and their families.

    He said rising costs of living, particularly in transportation, food and housing, have made it increasingly difficult for academics to discharge their duties effectively, noting that the impact of the hardship goes beyond university campuses and reflects a broader national challenge.

    According to him, decisions taken at FEC meetings must be informed by the realities on the ground, adding that policies which fail to consider the socio-economic condition of citizens risk further weakening critical sectors such as education.

    The ASUU president also drew attention to persistent structural and governance challenges confronting federal universities, arguing that poor administration and excessive external interference have continued to undermine institutional autonomy and academic standards.

    He expressed concern over what he described as arbitrary actions by authorities, including frequent changes in university leadership and prolonged use of acting principal officers, which he said breed instability and discourage long-term planning.

    Piwuna further warned that compromised appointment and promotion processes in some institutions could erode merit and damage the credibility of Nigeria’s university system if not urgently addressed.

    On security, the ASUU leader acknowledged signs of improvement in some parts of the country and commended the efforts of security agencies, but maintained that economic hardship remains a major source of anxiety for Nigerians, including university workers.

    He said ASUU was willing to engage constructively with government officials, including fiscal and tax policy managers, to explore sustainable funding models for education and policies that would ease the burden on workers.

    The ASUU president urged the federal government to see education funding as a long-term investment rather than a recurrent expense, noting that adequately funded universities are critical to national development, innovation and economic recovery.

    Observers say the renewed call by ASUU underscores the link between macro-economic management and the performance of the education sector, as stakeholders await concrete policy actions from the Federal Executive Council to address the concerns raised.

  • US–Nigeria Air Strikes Have Not Achieved Intended Results – Expert

    A security expert has said that joint and coordinated air strikes involving the United States and Nigeria have yet to achieve their intended objectives in degrading insurgent and terrorist networks operating in parts of the country.

    The expert, Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma, a defence and security analyst, made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a policy dialogue on counter-insurgency and regional security.

    Danjuma said that while air power remained a critical component of modern warfare, available evidence suggested that air strikes alone had not significantly weakened the operational capacity of armed groups in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.

    According to him, insurgent groups have continued to adapt by dispersing their fighters, blending with civilian populations and relocating to difficult terrains, thereby reducing the overall impact of aerial bombardments.

    “Air strikes can disrupt logistics and eliminate high-value targets, but they have not delivered decisive results in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts,” Danjuma said. “The expectation that air power, even with foreign technical support, would quickly neutralise these groups has not materialised.”

    He noted that despite reported successes, including the destruction of camps and the killing of some commanders, attacks on civilians and security formations had persisted, indicating gaps in the overall strategy.

    The analyst also raised concerns about intelligence limitations, arguing that inaccurate or outdated intelligence could lead to missed targets or unintended consequences, including civilian casualties, which he said often undermined public trust and cooperation.

    Danjuma called for a more comprehensive approach that integrates air operations with improved ground intelligence, community engagement and socio-economic interventions.

    “Without addressing the root causes such as poverty, unemployment and weak local governance, military action alone will not end insurgency,” he said.

    He further urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence sharing among security agencies and enhance the capacity of ground troops to hold and stabilise areas after air operations.

    Nigeria has, in recent years, intensified air operations against insurgent groups with support from international partners, including the United States, as part of efforts to restore peace in the North-East and other affected regions.

    However, Danjuma stressed that sustained peace would require long-term investments in development and governance alongside military measures.

  • Counter-insurgency: US Delivers Military Supplies to Nigeria

    The United States Government has delivered a consignment of military supplies to Nigeria to support the country’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations and efforts to strengthen national security.

    The supplies, which were handed over to Nigerian security authorities in Abuja on Tuesday, form part of continued defence cooperation between both countries aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces in combating terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent extremism.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr., said the support underscored Washington’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in addressing its security challenges through capacity building, training and the provision of critical equipment.

    According to him, the military items include logistics equipment, protective gear and specialised tools designed to improve troop mobility, intelligence gathering and force protection during operations in conflict-prone areas.

    Mills noted that the United States remained a strong partner of Nigeria in the fight against insurgency, particularly in the North-East, where terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.

    He emphasised that the support was provided in line with international laws and human rights standards, adding that the U.S. would continue to engage Nigerian security agencies on best practices to ensure the protection of civilians during military operations.

    Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, expressed appreciation to the U.S. Government for its sustained support to Nigeria’s security sector.

    Badaru said the delivery would significantly boost the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces and enhance ongoing counter-insurgency efforts across the country.

    He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening bilateral defence relations with the United States and other international partners to address emerging security threats.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, also commended the gesture, noting that modern equipment and logistics support were critical to winning the fight against insurgency and restoring peace to affected communities.

    Nigeria has continued to collaborate with foreign partners, including the United States, in intelligence sharing, training and equipment support as part of a broader strategy to end terrorism and ensure national stability.

Verified by MonsterInsights