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Nigeria Bans US, UK, Switzerland, 10 Others from Entry
By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja
The Federal government Wednesday, announced entry ban into the country for travellers from 13 countries namely: China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr.
Aregbesola said that the decision was reached during the FEC meeting with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari as a precautionary measure to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the entry ban and visa cancellation will last for four weeks subject to the assessment of the level of the pandemic.
Mustapha had told newsmen earlier that the affected countries were those with over 1,000 cases of COVID-19.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travellers from the following 13 countries; China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland. These are all countries with over 1,000 case domestically.
“All persons arriving in Nigeria who might have visited these countries, 0fteen days prior to such arrival, will be subjected to supervised self-isolation and testing for 14 days. The Federal Government is temporarily suspending the issuance of all visas on arrival,” Mustapha said.
He also counseling all Nigerians to cancel or postpone all non-essential travels to these countries.
He also urged Public Health Authorities of countries with high burden to conduct diligent departure screening of passengers and also endorses this travel advisories to their nationals to postpone travels to Nigeria.
The SGF said the restrictions will come into effect from Saturday, 21st March, 2020 for four weeks subject to review.
Aregbesola said: In addition to the measures announced by the secretary to the government of federation, the federal government of Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travelers from the 13 countries.
These are all countries with over 1,000 case of the virus domestically.
”What this really means is that we are suspending issuance of visas and we are canceling all visas already issued to citizens or travelers from these nations.It will take effect from Saturday, March 21st and will last for four weeks for the time being, while development will dictate what will happen thereafter.”
He said that the government was considering other measures and would be made public at the appropriate time.
Asked if the government was outrightly banning flights from the affected countries, Aregbesola said: “precisely yes. Beyond that we are suspending insurance of visa from citizens and travels from those nations as well as canceling already issued visas. So there is no ambiguity at all, it is clear. We are no longer allowing flights from those citizens for now.”
On Nigerians abroad returning home, he said: “Well, I am not a lawyer but flights from those nations can no longer enter Nigeria with effect from Saturday.”
On possible job loss of ground staff or salary slash, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said: “This is a national emergency. We are talking about national interest now and I believe that what is most important for us is to save millions of Nigerians not just from their own jobs but save their lives. I think if put on the balance it’s clear which option should be adopted. Of course it will bring some hardship as it is bringing in other parts of the world but when you put it on the balance the option is very clear and the interest of Nigeria is paramount and superior to any other personal interest.”
On why implementation of flight ban will wait till Saturday despite the danger posed by the various, Mohammed said: “Because normally there is what is called NOTAM – Notice To All Airmen. If you want to issue a kind of restrictions like this you give notice more than 24 hours to all airmen so that they will know when to position their flights and for safety and security reasons.
“For instance if an aircraft as taken off now you cannot ask it to go back mid air.”
On if there will be restrictions in religious gathering, the information minister said there is a presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 and a multi-sectoral emergency operation committee by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), who have been daily briefing Nigerians as to the development of the virus.
He said: “As it is necessary announcement will be made regarding social distancing, personal hygiene as at when due.
“But the message is that Nigerians should take ownership of this pandemic and we should self-regulate. A lot of decisions have been taken by other countries which shows that when there is national interest and the safety of people, all other matters pal to insignificance. But we will let you know when such decision will be taken.”
On when the President will address the nation, Mohammed, when it is appropriate Mr. President will address the nation. But I think what you want to hear from Mr. President are the kind of things we are telling you. This is not to preempt or second guess Mr. President, I think he will do the needful.”
By David Torough, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), has charged 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline and professionalism as they formally joined the service.
The recruits, drawn from the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, passed out on Saturday after completing six months of intensive military training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Their formal induction was marked by a colourful Passing Out Parade, which showcased the skills, discipline and esprit de corps instilled during the training period.Addressing the recruits as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu described the parade as a testament to their dedication, perseverance and commitment to duty.
He said their successful completion of training reflected hard work, discipline and readiness to serve the nation.The COAS said the injection of additional manpower would further strengthen the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity at a time it continues to confront evolving domestic and transnational security threats. He noted that the new soldiers would play a critical role in sustaining the Army’s combat readiness across the country.
He reminded the recruits that they had been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, urging them to serve with honour, courage and professionalism. According to him, their induction underscored the Army’s resolve to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
Lieutenant General Shaibu commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, describing the institution as the backbone of the Army’s training system. He assured that the depot would continue to receive strong support in logistics, training infrastructure and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.
The COAS further urged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for human rights in all their operations, stressing that these values form the foundation of professional soldiering. He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, warning against any conduct that could tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, and other security agencies for their support to the Nigerian Army. He also praised the Commandant, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in training the recruits.
Lieutenant General Shaibu congratulated the newly inducted soldiers, their parents and guardians, and wished them safe, exemplary and fulfilling careers as they are deployed to various Army formations across the country.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday, announced the deployment of Corps Commander (CC) Kehinde Dahunsi as new commander for the Benue Sector Command.
The announcement is contained in a statement by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer (PRO) SRC Ngozi Ahula, in Makurdi.
According to the statement, Dahunsi takes over from CC Steve Ayodele, who recently retired in line with the Corps’ administrative posting procedures.
She said that the formal handover ceremony took place on Dec. 10, at the sector’s command headquarters in Makurdi.
According to her, shortly after assuming duty, Dahunsi expressed gratitude to the Corps Marshal, for what he described as a significant vote of confidence.
She said that the new commander has pledged to prioritise enhanced operational efficiency, strengthen stakeholder collaboration, and intensify public enlightenment.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to continuous sensitisation on safe road use, strict enforcement of traffic regulations, and sustained efforts to curb road traffic crashes within the state.
According to the PRO, the outgoing sector commander also thanked officers, Special Marshals, stakeholders, and the public for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
She said that Ayodele urged them to extend the same level of support given to him, to his successor to ensure continuity and improved service delivery.
She called on transport unions, sister security agencies, the media, and the general public to work closely with the new commander to promote safer road practices in the state.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has set its targeted crude oil production for 2026 at over two million barrels per day.
Head Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office (PMO NNPCL), Akponime Omojevwhe, made the disclosure at the monthly stakeholders meeting with host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
He also said the budget for 2026 is targeted at 2.80mbpd.
Omojevwe, who noted that currently the TNP is producing optimally, credited it to communities and stakeholders’ collaboration with PINL.
He said: “I want to sincerely appreciate all our stakeholders on this corridor because right now we can see that the TNP is green and what that means is that the products are flowing uninterrupted.
“Secondly, I want to say that our budget for 2026 is targeted at 2.80mbpd and the budget begins from 1.84mbpd while our targeted projection is 2.06mbpd. So we want to say that even as we draw closer to next year 2026, as we have come together to ensure that the projection is going up, we want to crave your indulgence, please don’t relent”.
Highlighting the importance of stakeholders and communities in securing the pipelines, the NNPCL official noted that no private security company can achieve success without their collaboration.
“The communities are a vital part of this job. So anytime we find ourselves, we must always appreciate them because the community leaders such as the chiefs, CDCs, youth presidents, women leaders, if they don’t carry out our messages to the community people, there will be nothing like green as far as the pipeline is concerned. So our message is clear, we appreciate you and always assist PINL efforts just as you have been doing,” he pleaded.
In his remark, Edi Julius, who represented the Minister of State (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri at the meeting appreciated the collaboration between the communities and PINL, stressing its impact on oil production output in the country.
“Sincerely the minister of petroleum resources appreciates what the communities are doing because without the peace from your domain, I believe production will not be up.
“Today, all of us can testify to the production level and it’s so ambitious for 2026 that we are going to hit the target of 2 million plus barrels per day production. Those things which will bring more money to the government and also, more money to PINL to be able to reach out to you,” he stated.
In his address, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, PINL, said the meeting gives the company the opportunity to review its progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, and also celebrate, fellowship, and appreciate critical stakeholders, especially leaders of host communities for their support and commitment, which he said have sustained the economic stability of the country.
He gave a highlight of its achievements in the outgoing year to include deepening of security operations to include all oil and gas infrastructures in proximity to the TNP, expanded community and stakeholders’ inclusion, human empowerment with focus on women and students and strengthened grassroots communication with introduction the Town Crier Initiative (TCI).
He also listed sustained consistent stakeholder engagements, zero illegal bunkering and building of greater trust between PINL and host communities as other successes.
Dr. Mezeh called for increased collaboration with the host communities even as they look ahead to 2026.
“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable,” he appealed.
The PINL official also used the medium to announce Christmas palliatives for the 215 TNP host communities.
Meanwhile, one of the host community leaders, His Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obele, called on the Federal Government to carry out more developments in the communities now that they are benefitting by way of increased revenue output from oil production.
He also commended PINL for regularly meeting with them to update the communities on its operations.
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