The Nigerian government has announced its intention to decrease the frequency of security checks at the country’s airports. This initiative comes as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) collaborates with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to streamline security procedures at Nigerian airports.

Olubunmi Kuku, the Managing Director of FAAN, revealed this development over the weekend, citing the proliferation of multiple security checks as a significant concern in Nigeria.

Kuku explained that FAAN and the NSA have reached an agreement to address this issue. She expressed frustration over the excessive checks, stating that it was among her first priorities upon assuming office. She highlighted past efforts dating back to 2011 and 2012, during her tenure in the industry, where similar discussions were held with former ministers.

Kuku outlined the collaborative efforts involving various agencies such as Customs, NDLEA, Quarantine, Agriculture, and EFCC, noting the previous Executive Order 001 issued during the Buhari administration to streamline operations. She mentioned ongoing dialogues with the NSA over the past five weeks to develop strategies for enhancing facilitation.

The short-term intervention aims to reduce the number of agencies present at airports, particularly those conducting routine checks that disrupt passengers. This approach seeks to streamline security procedures while maintaining effectiveness.

The United Kingdom (UK) has clarified that only international students enrolling in Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are permitted to bring their dependents into the country.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He explained that the recent policy alteration in the educational system, preventing international students in higher education from bringing dependents to the UK, aimed to address the rising number of foreign students doing so.

Montgomery emphasized that the significant increase in dependents was creating unsustainable pressure on many universities, leading to the introduction of these changes. Prior to his tenure as High Commissioner to Nigeria, he had engaged with universities regarding this policy adjustment, which had been under consideration for some time.

The envoy highlighted concerns expressed by university Chancellors about the challenges posed by large student populations, including accommodation shortages, access to healthcare services through the National Health Service, and schooling for dependents.

He clarified that the restrictions did not apply universally, noting that individuals pursuing long-term research degrees such as a PhD or doctorate remained unaffected.

Montgomery underscored the rationale behind the policy change, emphasizing its practicality given the UK’s extensive higher education sector, with many universities situated across various towns in the country.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, issued a caution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding his approach towards the Northern region, emphasizing that they are unlikely to support his bid for a second term. Ayodele suggested that Tinubu may encounter various forms of opposition and betrayal from within his circles, particularly from individuals close to him. He predicted a concerted effort from Northern leaders to undermine Tinubu’s efforts and create obstacles for his political aspirations.

Ayodele also foresaw strained relations between President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima due to emerging issues from the Northern region. He warned of political setbacks and heightened tension surrounding the current administration’s reelection prospects.

Furthermore, Ayodele expressed skepticism about significant development occurring in the North, citing ongoing insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and education challenges persisting until around 2030. He urged Tinubu to be vigilant, as he predicted the possibility of Northern opposition turning against him. Ayodele also cautioned against potential ethnic conflicts, emphasizing the need for careful navigation to avoid crises between the Yoruba and Fulani-Kanuri communities. Additionally, he criticized the lack of a clear development plan for the North under the current government, attributing it to internal resistance and division among Northern leaders.