British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has introduced a significant policy change, proposing that immigrants must wait at least 15 years before becoming eligible for British citizenship.

In her first major announcement as Conservative leader, Badenoch outlined plans to tighten the immigration system, including extending the waiting period for migrants to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to ten years.

She also revealed that individuals who claim benefits, rely on social housing, or have criminal records would be permanently barred from settling in the UK.

She said in part, “I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works. So I am announcing that the conservative party is going to do the following things differently: 1. If you want to stay in our country permanently and apply for indefinite leave to remain, the time you have to live here before you apply would increase from 5 years to 10 years. 2. You will have to be a net contributor with a high enough salary, especially if you want to bring family members with you. And if you have a criminal record, you are banned.

“We would increase the time you can apply for a British passport from 12 months to 5 years, meaning it will take a minimum of 15 years to start an application. If you enter this country illegally or overstay your visa, you will be banned from ever getting leave to remain or a passport,” she said in a video shared on her X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.”

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday proposed the creation of 31 new states in the country.

If the proposal scales through, the Nigerian state will be made up of 67 sub-national governments.

The proposal for new states was contained in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary session by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of the Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas.

The committee chaired by Kalu proposed six new states for North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in South East, four in South-South and seven in South West. 

The letter read in part, “The committee proposes the creation of 31 new states. As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:

1. New state and boundaries

“An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.

2. The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area are received by the National Assembly.

“Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8 (3) of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.

“Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja.

“Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj. For further information or contact, please contact the Committee Clerk at 08069-232381.

“The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the Constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines. This is coming from the Clerk of the Committee on Constitutional Review.”

The proposed new states are Okun, Okura and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; FCT state; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi states and Savannah states from Borno and Muri State from Taraba.

Others are New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East Adada from Enugu, Orlu and Aba from the South East.

Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.

The Federal Government is engaging the World Bank for two fresh loans totalling $580m, which are expected to be approved in March 2025, according to findings by The PUNCH.

Information obtained from the website of the World Bank on Wednesday showed that the funding is aimed at improving nutrition and education initiatives, with two projects currently listed in the bank’s pipeline.

The projects, Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0 and HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All, are expected to receive final approvals on March 27 and March 20, 2025, respectively.

The HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All programme has a commitment of $552.18m, with $500m coming from the World Bank and an additional $54m from other sources. 

The initiative is designed to tackle Nigeria’s education crisis, where over 17 million children remain out of school.

It is expected to enhance early childhood education, primary and junior secondary schooling, as well as expand access to learning resources.

The programme will be implemented by the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The project remains in the ‘Concept Review’ phase, requiring further consultations before being finalised.

The second loan project, the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0 project, is expected to secure $80m from the World Bank to address malnutrition and food insecurity.

The PUNCH further observed that $232m was approved on June 27, 2018, for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria.

This initial loan project was faced with a number of challenges, leading to some changes, including the cancellation of some amount from the total approved loan.

However, the Federal Government is currently engaging the World Bank to get an extra loan for a second part of this project.

The PUNCH further observed that the approval day for the second part was moved from February 20, 2025, to March 20.

As Nigeria continues to struggle with a high rate of stunting among children, the project seeks to improve access to quality nutrition services, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children under five.

It will be implemented through primary healthcare facilities and community-based programmes.

Also, it will include interventions such as nutrition-smart agriculture to bolster household food security and dietary diversity.

Part of the funding will support project management, government coordination, and data-driven decision-making to enhance long-term sustainability.

This project is currently at the ‘Decision Meeting’ stage, indicating it is closer to final approval compared to the education initiative.

The approval of these loans is expected to enhance Nigeria’s human capital development by improving education and nutrition outcomes.

The World Bank has been a key development partner, funding various projects to address socioeconomic challenges in the country.

However, concerns persist over Nigeria’s growing debt burden, with economists questioning the government’s borrowing strategy.

The PUNCH further observed that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has secured loans worth $6.95bn from the World Bank in about 18 months.

Not less than 10 loan projects have been approved by the World Bank under the current administration.

According to data from the external debt report released by the Debt Management Office, the World Bank’s share of Nigeria’s debt totals $17.32bn, with the majority owed to the International Development Association, which accounts for $16.84bn, which represents 39.14 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, another arm of the World Bank, is owed $485.08m, or 1.13 per cent.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the Federal Government spent $3.58bn servicing its foreign debt in the first nine months of 2024, representing a 39.77 per cent increase from the $2.56bn spent during the same period in 2023.

This was according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria on international payment statistics.

The significant rise in external debt service payments shows the mounting pressure on Nigeria’s fiscal balance amid ongoing economic challenges.

The World Bank, in its recent International Debt Report, revealed that developing nations spent an unprecedented $1.4tn on foreign debt servicing in 2023, driven by a surge in interest rates to their highest levels in 20 years,

Interest payments alone reached $406bn, a nearly 30 per cent increase from the previous year, severely impacting spending in critical sectors such as health, education, and environmental programs.

According to the report, the most vulnerable economies, those eligible for loans from the World Bank’s International Development Association, bore the brunt of the financial strain.

In a statement on Monday, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to reducing reliance on external debt financing and driving economic independence through strategic partnerships with the World Bank.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, made this known during a meeting with the World Bank Executive Director, Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, where he outlined Nigeria’s shift towards private sector-led growth.

The statement read, “Edun emphasised that President Tinubu remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation, reducing dependency on external borrowing, and ensuring long-term, private-sector-led development.”

Edun acknowledged the critical role played by the World Bank in Nigeria’s development but stressed that the government is prioritising a business-friendly environment to attract sustainable investments.

This is part of a broader strategy to explore alternative financing models beyond traditional multilateral loans.

The administration’s economic plan focuses on fostering fiscal responsibility while ensuring that private capital is mobilised to drive economic expansion and job creation.

Ahmed, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, commended the government’s macroeconomic reforms, which she noted have improved fiscal stability and bolstered investor confidence.

She also highlighted recent financial reforms within the World Bank that have strengthened its lending capacity, unlocking an additional $150bn in funding over the next decade.

This, she said, presents an opportunity for Nigeria to tap into strategic support while maintaining fiscal discipline.

The Kebbi State Police Command said on Wednesday it uncovered over 200 suspected illegal immigrants living in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.

The command’s spokesman,  Nafiu Abubakar, said 165 of the suspects were arrested while the others escaped.

Abubakar, said, “The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on January 31, 2025, at about 5 p.m., after security operatives uncovered the presence of over 200 individuals living in a three-bedroom flat in the Kuwait area of Birnin Kebbi.

“A team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department raided the location and successfully apprehended 165 occupants.”

According to Abubakar, preliminary investigations revealed that all the illegal immigrants are from Francophone West African countries, with the breakdown as follows: Burkina Faso, 35; Benin Republic, 11; Niger Republic, five; Mali, four, and Ivory Coast, 110.

“Further findings showed that none of the individuals possessed valid travel documents, and they were allegedly involved in the Qnet Ponzi scheme, a suspected fraudulent investment platform known for defrauding unsuspecting individuals,” the police spokesman said.

He said following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, the police had handed over the suspect to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kebbi State Command, for further investigations and legal action.

Last week, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said Nigeria deported no fewer than 828 illegal immigrants in 2024 as part of its intensified efforts to combat irregular migration and enhance national security.

The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has fixed March 18 for ruling on objection raised by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against a suit filed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over oil import licence dispute.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel to the NNPCL,, Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and John Ibrahim (SAN) for Dangote Refinery, John Ibrahim, SAN, had canvassed their arguments and adopted their processes for and against the suit.

The NNPCL counsel, Abimbola moved his objections in urging the court for an order striking out the suit for lack of jurisdiction or in the alternative, an order striking out the name of the company from the suit.

Responding, the Dangote Refinery through its counsel, Ibrahim adopted his counter affidavit in urging the court to dismiss the NNPCL’s preliminary objection for being unnecessary.

After listening to the parties, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until March 18 for ruling.

Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Also joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

The company (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

But in it’s preliminary objection, the NNPCL prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

It argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

“This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,” the NNPCL said.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

Besides, they argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary.

Senator  elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday, engaged in a heated exchange over the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North).

In his letter of resignation from the PDP to the APC which was read on the floor of the Senate by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko cited division and crisis in the PDP as the reason for his decamping to the ruling party.

But reacting to his announcement, the Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), raised a constitutional point of order, arguing that though Nwoko was well within his rights to leave and join any party, his defection was unconstitutional since the PDP was not in crisis.

Challenging the validity of Nwoko’s move, he insisted that the PDP remained intact and that the law only permitted defection if there was a division within a party. He added that Nwoko’s seat should be declared vacant.

In response, Deputy Senate President,  Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), stressed that the Constitution allows any person to defect provided there was a division in the party, adding that everybody in the country knows that there is a division in the PDP. “You have the (Nyesom) Wike faction and the Governor Bala Mohammed faction,” he said.

But Moro insisted that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was intact.

At that point, Akpabio asked him who the substantive national secretary of the PDP is, to which he replied: “The PDP is a law-abiding organisation. The Court of Appeal made a pronouncement on the secretaryship of the party, and the party is adhering to that ruling until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.”

Akpabio interjected, pressing Moro on the Supreme Court’s position.

“What does the Supreme Court say?” Akpabio asked.

Moro maintained his stance:

“The Court of Appeal has ruled that Senator Anyanwu is the secretary of the party until the Supreme Court decides otherwise. And as a law-abiding organisation, we abide by the rulings of the court.”

Akpabio retorted: “Do your PDP governors recognise Anyanwu as the Secretary?”

Mocking him, he said, “Minority leader, we have a motion to set up an ad-hoc committee to look into your party’s affairs but I don’t want to do that.”

However, Moro pushed back, saying there was a difference between the status of the party and individual opinions of the PDP.

“The party is an organisation, and the governors, as a forum, are entitled to their opinions,” he explained. “But as a party, we recognise the pronouncements of the court and abide by them.”

Adding his voice to the debate, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) reinforced the argument, citing constitutional provisions, “I am rising on a constitutional point of order. My point of order is rooted in Section 232 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. In fact, relevant to my submission is the entire Chapter 7 of the Constitution, which deals with the judicial arm of government.

“While I want to thank the Minority Leader for the grandstanding he has done today, which is expected of him, I want him to know that the PDP faction that he is part of has already taken note of his action here, and I congratulate him on that.”

He emphasised that the issue of party division was a constitutional matter not one to be debated on the Senate floor.

“The Minority Leader himself defeated his argument by reading the proviso to Section 68(1)(g).

“Whether or not there is division in the PDP is a matter of fact that cannot be decided here. It is visible, even to the blind, that there are sharp divisions in the PDP today. Wike is leading one faction, and Bala Mohammed is leading another.”

Bamidele urged Akpabio to end the debate, framing the PDP’s objections as a distraction.

“Mr. President, I appeal to you to save the precious time of the Senate by bringing this discussion to a close. This is an attempt to distract us and take away from the credit of the APC, which has gained a major member today. It is also an attempt to fetter the discretion of other PDP members who may be considering joining the APC.

“It is the constitutional right of every senator to defect as long as the constitutional provisions are met. If anyone is in doubt, the courts are there to adjudicate. We cannot take over the job of the courts.”

As the exchange grew more intense, Akpabio intervened to restore order. Moro, however, continued his argument, questioning why no APC senators were defecting despite the ruling party’s internal disputes.

“If we say PDP is divided, then is APC not in court over its internal crisis?” Moro asked. “Does that mean APC is divided too?”

Ultimately, Akpabio dismissed the PDP’s objections, ruling that the Senate could not assume the role of a court in determining party divisions. He upheld Nwoko’s defection and overruled Moro’s point of order.

Meanwhile, Senator Nwoko has raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country is at risk of becoming a one-party state due to the internal crisis plaguing the opposition PDP.

In a letter addressed to the Senate President to formally announce his defection from the PDP to the APC, Nwoko expressed worry that the PDP’s inability to function effectively as an opposition party threatens the fabric of Nigeria’s democracy, emphasising that a strong opposition is crucial for accountability and governance.

“Democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard,” he said. “If urgent steps are not taken, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.”

To address this, Nwoko urged the Senate to take immediate action by setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend solutions to safeguard the country’s multi-party democracy.

His defection is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the PDP, further weakening the opposition as the APC consolidates its dominance in the political landscape.

Nwoko assured his constituents that he remains committed to their welfare and to the progress of Nigeria, while requesting that his new party be formally recognised in the Senate records.

President Bola Tinubu returned to the National Assembly and requested that lawmakers increase the proposed 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.

The Nigerian Constitution grants the National Assembly the authority to amend financial estimates for the fiscal year through legislative procedures.

Yesterday, President Tinubu formally proposed increasing the 2025 proposed budget size from the N49.7 trillion initially presented to the joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, to N54.2 trillion.

The President communicated this request through separate letters sent to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The letters were read on the floors of both chambers of the National Assembly during Wednesday’s plenary session.

 Breakdown of the Additional N4.53trn Revenue

In his letter, President Tinubu informed the National Assembly of the availability of additional revenue totalling N4,530,479,970,637 and proposed its allocation within the 2025 Appropriation Bill to address key national priorities.

The additional revenue is sourced from the following agencies: Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs): N1.82 trillion; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS): N1.49 trillion (52% share of the increase in revenue from N22.1 trillion to N25.1 trillion); Nigeria Customs Service (NCS): N1.2 trillion (52% share of the increase in revenue from N6.5 trillion to N9.0 trillion).

The president stated that with this additional revenue, the total budget proposal for the 2025 financial year would rise to N54.2 trillion, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and national security.

Tinubu outlined the following allocations for the additional funds: Solid Minerals Sector, N1 trillion; Bank of Agriculture (BoA), N1.5 trillion; Bank of Industry (BoI) – N500 billion; Critical Infrastructure Projects (RHID Fund), N1.5 trillion; and Irrigation Development (River Basin Authorities), N380 billion.

Also to get the additional funding are transportation infrastructure (Roads & Rail), N700 billion; Border Communities Infrastructure, N50 billion; Military Barracks Accommodation, N250 billion and Military Aviatio N120 billion.

Tinubu justified the budget increase. According to him,  the additional N1trillon funding  for Solid Minerals Sector will boost mineral processing and export,  enhance economic diversification and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues.

Also, the N1.5 trillion Bank of Agriculture Recapitalisation will enhance food security, expand credit access for farmers and agribusinesses, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen value chains.

The N500 billion Bank of Industry Recapitalisation will provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, enhance industrial capacity and manufacturing, and ensure job creation.

Of the N1.5 trillion allocated to critical infrastructure,  N380 billion will go to irrigation development to support all-year-round farming; N700 billion will go to roads and rail to enhance economic activity; border infrastructure will get N50 billion toward improving security and promoting cross-border trade.

The sum of N250 billion will be used to upgrade military housing to boost morale, while N120 billion will be spent to strengthen Nigeria’s air defence capabilities.

President Tinubu emphasised that national security is the foundation of economic stability.

He described military spending as a moral and constitutional obligation to protect citizens, combat terrorism, and ensure a secure environment for development.

The president urged the National Assembly to adopt and integrate these proposals into the 2025 Appropriation Bill to accelerate Nigeria’s development.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has promised to pass the budget within the specified time.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has subsequently directed that Tinubu’s request to amend the 2025 budget bill be sent to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for prompt consideration.

Akpabio declared that the budget review would be concluded and passed before the end of this month.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, welcomed the senator representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko, following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Nwoko, who officially switched allegiance to the APC, hinged his exit on the current crisis rocking the PDP leadership.

The lawmaker added that Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and a former governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, did not accord him a conducive atmosphere to function at an optimal level.

Welcoming Nwoko on Wednesday, Ganduje assured his delegation that with all the three Delta senators on their side, the ruling party is more than certain to win over Delta at the next governorship election. 

He said, “We are happy to receive you, distinguished Senator Nwoko. There’s no doubt that our leader, President Bola Tinubu, is also focused and visionary. Immediately he came in, he knew what to do and introduced some reforms. Even though they are painful, they are unavoidable reforms.

“If you want Nigeria to progress, there is no doubt you have to undertake such reforms. But we have started seeing the outcome of such reforms. Oil production increased, and refineries are working. Security is improving and the country is working.

“We know our chapter in Delta will also implement internal democracy. We therefore, request you, the stakeholders, to come together to cooperate. We had two out of three senators before and now have the entire three in Delta. As we promised, we will take over Delta State.”

Earlier on Wednessay,  the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read Nwoko’s letter of defection to the APC during the plenary session.

The letter was titled, “Notice of departure from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.”

It read, “I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the PDP and consequently join the APC.

“This decision was not made lightly, but rather after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.”

He lamented that the PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, had unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.

“These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

“Mr President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard.

“The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.

“If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability,” he said.

Nwoko urged the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard democracy.

He asked the committee to examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that would ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.

“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation.

“Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate,” the letter added.

In an earlier resignation letter addressed to the PDP leadership in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, dated January 30, 2025, the lawmaker lamented the current state of the party, citing deep divisions and irreconcilable factions as the primary reasons for his defection.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, and the chairman of the State’s Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Damian Lawani, over alleged “grave official and financial infractions.”

The suspension of the duo was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa lkhilor, and made available to journalists late Wednesday night.

According to the statement, “The suspension is with immediate effect.”

It further said: “the suspension of Hon. Damian Lawani and the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice became necessary to enable Government carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation of financial infractions levelled against them.”

“They are to remain suspended
pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added.

The SSG, in the statement, added that the Governor Okpebholo has consequently ordered the setting up of an Investigative Committee to probe the allegations levelled against the two top officials and make appropriate recommendations accordingly.

Meanwhile, the suspended Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, has denied involvement in any financial fraud or dealing just as he vowed to defend himself against the allegation.

In a statement he personally signed in response to his suspension, Osagie said, “My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated 5th February, 2925 in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and therefore suspended.

“Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone before my suspension was announced.

“I shall be ready, willing and prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard earned reputation which I have laboured to build over the years.”

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to investigate what it called unsolicited and illegal linking of National Identification Numbers (NINs) of subscribers to unknown telephone lines by service providers.

Consequently, the House urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate the reports about the trend and take immediate actions against any telecom service provider found to be culpable in the practice.

It also asked the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to confirm whether the linking of NINs by telecom service providers was authorised and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance jointly moved by Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) and the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), at plenary.

Moving the motion, Umoh expressed concern over the recent reports of telecom service providers linking subscribers’ NINs to unknown phone lines without their consent, thereby exposing them to criminal activities and subjecting legitimate NIN holders to grave risk.

He said the action was a clear violation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019, which guarantee the right to privacy and protection of personal data of every Nigerian.

“Aware that the National Identification Number (NIN) was established to streamline the verification and identification of persons and enhance security in Nigeria.

“Also aware that the potential risks and consequences of this unauthorized data linking includes identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime that have become rife in Nigeria lately.

“Further aware that innocent citizens have been wrongly implicated in crimes, suffer reputational damage, harassment and legal challenges for crimes they know nothing about,” the lawmaker noted.

Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Interior to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.