COVER
FG Charges Foreign Firms to Employ Nigerian Graduates
By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja
The Federal Government has directed foreign companies operating in the to employ qualified Nigerian graduates else would be sanctioned.
A statement issued by the Chairman, Special Ministerial Task Force on Monitoring and Enforcement of Nigerian Expatriate Business Permit and Expatriate Quota Administration, Mr Bola Ilori, after its meeting with representatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Labour Congress; Nigerian Bar Association; Nigerian Society of Engineers; other professional bodies and officials of Ministry of Interior.
He added the task force, In order to ensure compliance with the rules, has directed companies in the country to submit the Tax Identification Number, National Identification Numbers, Phone Number and Email Address of Nigerians understudying expatriates in their firms.
Ilori added that at the end of the meeting that companies must submit the details of Nigerians understudying expatriates to verify their sincerity or otherwise to the policy or face heavy sanctions from the Federal Government.
“Every company must submit the details of Nigerians understudying expatriates in their organisations. They must submit the Tax Identification Number, National Identity Number of each Nigerian understudying expatriates in their companies.
“We have discovered that some of the companies are not sincere, they just want to keep renewing the permits of their expatriates at the detriment of Nigerians. We want to know whether they are circumventing the policy or they adhere to it.
“The problem is that some of these companies are either not employing Nigerians at all or using school certificate holders to be understudying expatriates who are managers. How can a school certificate holders understudy a manager?
“What they are aiming at is that when the times comes for the expatriates to exit, the companies will say those understudying the expatriates do not have the capacity to become managers and you will agree with them. What that means is that Nigerians will not get to such positions and the expatriates will be there forever.
“When the exit time comes, they will say Nigerians understudying the expatriates do not have the capacity to step into such positions. “How can a school cert holders succeed a manager when we have millions of Bsc holders and Master’s degree holders. But they do that deliberately to defeat the purpose of the policy of the Federal Government”he said.
Ilori maintained that the task force would do everything to ensure that Nigerians were no longer denied the opportunities to work in companies in the country by foreigners and their collaborators.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed Martin Zarybnicky as the new General Manager. His appointment took effect on August 1st 2025.This was disclosed in a statement by the eCommerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji.
Martin brings over 30 years of global hospitality experience to the role, having held leadership positions at international hotel brands across EMEA and APAC, including tenures in Thailand, Egypt and Russia. The new role marks Martin’s return to Hilton, where he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort.Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Uzo Oshogwe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Zarybincky to the Transcorp Hotels family. His wealth of international experience brings fresh perspectives that will enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience we are known for.”We look forward to supporting him as he settles into his new role and to the impact his leadership will bring in driving excellence for our guests.”A seasoned hotelier, Martin has a strong track record in driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, leading major refurbishments, and repositioning hotels for long-term commercial success. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards and recognition across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.Vice President, Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, Andreas Lackner said: “Martin brings a wealth of global hospitality experience and a strong history of impactful leadership to his new role. His background across diverse markets and brands makes him an excellent fit for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and we are pleased to welcome him back to Hilton.”In his new role, Martin will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and an elevated guest experience in line with Hilton’s standards of excellence.“Nigeria remains a leading hub for inclusive growth across Africa. At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, we are committed to supporting the development of hospitality in this vibrant market. I am proud to be part of the amazing team here, and together, we are eager to continuously showcase the warmth and excellence of genuine Nigerian hospitality,” said Zarybnicky.
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists, working in concert with armed herders, yesterday launched a deadly raid on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and abducting three others.The attackers, said to have crossed from neighbouring Nasarawa State, struck around 7:00AM, opening fire on villagers, who were heading to their farms.
The incident happened barely 300 yards from a security base. Enraged residents, including women and youths, blocked the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja expressway in protest, displaying the bodies of the victims and demanding stronger security measures. The protesters later marched towards the Government House in Makurdi.A youth leader, Achii Matthias, accused Fulani herders of masterminding the attack, lamenting that it occurred despite the presence of about 200 security personnel in Yelewata and surrounding areas.Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident, saying the road blockade had been cleared.The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the attack, stating that at about 5:00AM on the same day, gunmen suspected to be bandit herdsmen attempted to invade Udei town but were repelled by police tactical units.“At 7:00AM, security agents in Yelewata responded to gunfire from armed men approaching the town, engaging them in a shootout and forcing them to flee with injuries. Unfortunately, some villagers at the outskirts were attacked before security forces could reach them.“Three people sustained serious injuries and were taken to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, while three others were confirmed dead.Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, commiserated with the victims’ families and assured that efforts to combat criminality in the area would continue, urging residents to support security agencies with timely information.This attack comes less than two months after over 200 people were reportedly killed in a midnight assault on Yelewata.
By Elijah Oguche, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission for a second five-year term.This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga yesterday.
In addition to Dankaka’s reappointment, the president also appointed Mohammed Musa as the commission’s secretary and retained Kayode Oladele, a former House of Representatives member from Ogun State, as a commissioner. Oladele had served as the FCC’s acting chairman following the expiration of Dankaka’s first term in 2024.The President also renewed the appointments of Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), and Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun) for a second term as commissioners.To further strengthen the commission, Tinubu appointed 31 new commissioners, representing various states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The new appointees include Hon. Obina Oriaku (Abia), Bema Madayi (Adamawa), Obongawan Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Hon. Nnoli Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Gwana (Bauchi), Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Tarkende (Benue), Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Ekpo (Cross River), Ederin Idisi (Delta), Nwokpor Nduka (Ebonyi), Hon. Chief Victor Edoror (Edo), Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Peter Eze (Enugu), and Ibrahim Mairiga (Gombe).Others appointees include: Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Nayya (Kano), Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger), Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo), Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Bobboi Kaigama (Taraba), Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Dagami (FCT).Similarly, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ms. Rinsola Abiola as Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC).Abiola, an expert in strategic communication and government relations, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President.In addition, President Tinubu appointed Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji as Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship and Leadership.Mr. Ja’oji, who had served as Special Adviser on Mobilisation to the Governor of Kano State and a member of the Governing Council of Coordinated Arewa Youth Groups, is an advocate of women and youth empowerment and development.
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