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The federal government has dismissed reports suggesting the cancellation of Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy, clarifying that the system has instead been upgraded to enhance efficiency.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made this known after a closed-door meeting with a delegation from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council in Abuja.

According to him, “The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped. Rather, it has been upgraded to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Travellers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours.”

He further explained, “Once approved, the visa will be sent to the applicant’s email, eliminating the need for a physical sticker upon arrival. This enhanced system aims to cut out inefficiencies, allowing Nigeria to better automate and control the inflow of travellers.”

Tunji-Ojo added that the reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.

“With this upgrade, the country takes another step towards improving its business environment and attracting foreign investment. This upgrade builds upon the existing online approval system, streamlining the process and enabling travellers to receive their approvals ahead of time,” he said.

On her part, Director-General of PEBEC, Zahrah Audu, noted that the meeting was convened to address concerns and clarify the government’s position on the VOA policy.

Visa-on-Arrival not scrapped — Nigerian govt clarifies

The Presidency has warned the former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, against unfairly targeting President Bola Tinubu over the ongoing crisis in the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser of the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga described the attacks as “baseless” and emphasized that the ADC turmoil is entirely self-inflicted.

“After using the Labour Party to contest the highest office in the country, Obi abandoned it in a classic case of use-and-dump, failing to demonstrate leadership in resolving the party’s crisis.

“Instead, he turned to the Obidient movement, more active online than on the ground, without transforming it into a political structure of his own.” Bayo Onanuga said.

“Knowing he needs a party structure to pursue his presidential ambitions, Obi moved to the hijacked ADC, an SPV bought by Atiku Abubakar from Ralph Nwosu.

“No due diligence appears to have been conducted by the new owners, resulting in the current turmoil.”

“What connection does President Tinubu have with all this? Absolutely none.

“Obi and his team must resolve their internal party issues before contesting for the 2027 presidential ticket.

“Blackmailing the President over a situation he has no hand in is sheer baloney and an unfair attempt to besmirch his democratic credentials.

“The fact that Obi came third in 2023 does not guarantee him similar results in 2027.

“President Tinubu, as the incumbent, has achievements to showcase, yet Obi has been blind to acknowledge them. Let him first become a legitimate candidate before casting aspersions,” the presidency said.

2027: Presidency warns Peter Obi against casting aspersions on Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has addressed the backlash over his controversial statement directed at Channels TV’s news anchor Seun Okinbaloye.

Speaking on News Central on Monday, Wike explained that his earlier remark was merely a figure of speech reflecting his frustration.

“It’s really unfortunate, you know, in Nigeria people blow everything out of context particularly playing politics with everything,

“Anybody who knows my relationship with Seun will not begin to rant,” Wike said.

“It’s a figure of speech that explains how angry I was. I’ve spoken to him; we have no problem. He said he understands everything.”

DAILY POST reported that the comment in question came after Okinbaloye, during an interview with Wike, remarked that a one-party system could destroy democracy in Nigeria.

Wike had said he would have “broken his TV screen and shot” the journalist, a statement that drew widespread condemnation, including criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Just figure of speech – Wike clarifies comment on shooting Seun Okinbaloye

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace, under the special mandate of Operation Wutan Daji, have neutralized 2 suspected terrorists and dismantled several criminal hideouts during a series of intensive clearance operations in Wase Local Government Area.

​The coordinated mission, which was carried out on 4 April 2026, in partnership with local vigilantes, targeted known insurgent corridors across the Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the expansive Dutsen Zaki forest.

While traversing the Babangida–Adua road, the joint force engaged in a fierce firefight with a group of armed terrorists.

A statement signed by Captain Chinonso Polycarp Oteh, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, said the superior firepower of the troops resulted in the immediate neutralization of 2 suspects, while several others retreated into the dense forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Following the encounter, a thorough search of the area yielded a significant recovery of arms and ammunition. These included one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass,” the statement said.

It said that in a separate tactical engagements aimed at curbing the flow of illegal arms and neutralizing kidnapping syndicates within the State, at the early hours of Sunday, 5 April 2026, at approximately 7:45am, troops stationed in the Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area acted on credible intelligence regarding the suspicious movement of armed individuals.

“The rapid mobilization of the unit led to the successful interception of 4 suspected terrorists. Upon a thorough search, the suspects were found to be in possession of 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

​”Following the initial arrests, troops moved to locate and dismantle the suspects’ hideout and during this manoeuvres, the unit came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. Amidst the ensuing chaos, 3 of the 4 apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were subsequently neutralized by the adversary’s own gunfire.

​”In a simultaneous development at about 9:35am, troops in Shendam Local Government Area collaborated with local residents to apprehend a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The individual is alleged to be linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on 3 April 2026. Suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and legal action.

Plateau: Nigerian army neutralises terrorists, arrests kidnapper

The Jigawa State Government has cautioned residents against paying any fees for registration into the President’s Renewed Hope Support Programme.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed, made this known in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.

He noted that the registration process is completely free of charge.

He explained that the government had received complaints that some enumerators were allegedly collecting five hundred naira from applicants, describing the act as illegal.

Ahmed therefore warned enumerators to desist from such practices, while urging residents not to make any payments and to report anyone demanding money.

He added that the initiative was introduced to enhance the welfare of citizens in Jigawa State and across the country.

Jigawa govt warns against illegal fees in Renewed Hope Programme registration