News – Page 24 – Democracy Radio

US Imposes Stricter Visa Rules on Nigerian Travellers

By: Uju Nwachukwu The United States government, has revised its visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria, reducing the validity of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens to a single entry with a three-month validity period. The new policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State and confirmed in a statement by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, takes immediate effect. However, all U.S. visas issued before July 8, 2025, will remain valid according to the original terms of issuance. According […]

July 9, 2025

Health

Cross River Endorses Health Law Reform to Boost Emergency Preparedness

By: Julian Osamoto Cross River State has endorsed a major legal reform aimed at strengthening its public health emergency response, following the validation of its 2025 Public Health Legal Assessment Report. The report, developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the international health organisation Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), was reviewed during a stakeholder meeting held in Calabar. More than 30 participants including representatives from government ministries, civil society, and development partners, gathered […]

July 9, 2025

General

FCT Teachers Call Off Strike After Landmark Payout

By Sofiat Adenekan Following a protracted industrial action that began in March, public primary school teachers across the Federal Capital Territory are set to return to classrooms today, Wednesday, July 9. The long-awaited breakthrough followed the intervention of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who forced the six Area Councils to release N16 billion from their internally generated revenue for the settlement of the arrears and minimum wage owed the teachers. The decision to suspend the strike came late on Tuesday […]

July 9, 2025

Economy

Customs Seizes ₦653.9m Undeclared Cash at Kano Airport

By Oluwakemi Kindness In a major crackdown on illicit financial flows, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted over ₦653.9 million worth of undeclared foreign currency at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The bust, made during a clearance operation on Monday, 8 July 2025, led to the arrest of three suspects, including Ahmed Salisu, a Ghanaian passport holder arriving from Saudi Arabia via Ethiopian Airlines. Customs officials say the suspect failed to declare large sums […]

July 9, 2025

Security

FCT Police Intensify Crackdown on ‘One-Chance’ Crimes

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a robust, intelligence-led security operation aimed at rooting out “one-chance” robberies and related criminal syndicates and safeguarding residents. A statement issued by the Command announced plans to step up stop-and-search operations at identified flashpoints across the city. These efforts specifically target criminal elements involved in “one-chance” attacks, vandalism, and the activities of scavengers who increasingly pose security risks. According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, […]

July 9, 2025

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General

House of Reps Marks Mid-Term Milestone with 237 Bills

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has unveiled the mid-term legislative scorecard of the 10th House, highlighting the passage of 237 bills. This he said is with a new constitutional amendment for reserved legislative seats for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), and a renewed commitment to democratic inclusivity. According to the Speaker, the House has introduced 2,263 bills since its inauguration, with 1,478 already passing Second Reading and 237 transmitted for presidential assent. […]

July 8, 2025 2 2

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General

Akpabio Urges Public Awareness on House Rules

By Oluwakemi Kindness President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called for enhanced public education on legislative procedures and urged lawmakers to deepen their understanding of chamber rules to prevent avoidable disruptions during plenary. Coming on the heels of what may not be unconnected with the senate rule book saga with suspended Senator Natasha Uduaghan, Senator Akpabio humorously recounted instances where newly elected legislators have disrupted proceedings by flouting basic rules due to unfamiliarity with the House’s procedural guide—the Green […]

July 8, 2025 2

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General

Gbajabiamila Rallies Support for NILDS at Reps Open Week

By Oluwakemi Kindness Former Speaker, House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for stronger institutional support for the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, describing both as vital to the continued growth and effectiveness of Nigeria’s legislature. He made the appeal on Tuesday while making his remarks at the 2025 open week, celebrating the 2nd legislative year of the House of Representatives where […]

July 8, 2025 1 2

Yahaya Sani-Inabo breaks new ground, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time at the VEMP National Open Tennis Championship after a thrilling three-set battle

Sport

VEMP National Open Tennis Championship: Sani-Inabo Reaches Round of 16

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso Yahaya Sani-Inabo advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time at the ongoing VEMP National Open Tennis Championship after a hard-fought victory over Matthew Abamu on Monday in Abuja. The match, held at the National Tennis Centre, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, saw Sani-Inabo win 6-2, 6-7, 3-0 (retired) in the men’s singles Round of 32. He started strong, taking the first set 6-2, but Abamu battled back to snatch the second set 7-6 after a […]

July 8, 2025