Economy
Why FG Offers Visa Waivers To Eastern Caribbean states
Why FG Offers Visa Waivers To Eastern Caribbean states
Why FG offers visa waivers to Eastern Caribbean states. Holders of diplomatic and official passports from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) may no longer need visas to travel to Nigeria.
There are seven member of the OECS. These are: Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This is courtesy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s waiver proposal.
The president also proposed the establishment of a formal Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement between Nigeria and the OECS, aimed at strengthening structured collaboration across key sectors and enhancing the historic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
According to the Nation, Tinubu broke the news while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande Resort.
He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to forging deeper partnerships with the OECS and its member states, spanning trade, investment, education, culture, health, and climate resilience.
“In consideration of the strategic importance that my country attaches to OECS, we have formally established diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia.
“This diplomatic move is a symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway to fostering ties between us”, Tinubu said.
“To further deepen our partnership, I recommend that our two parties initiate negotiations towards a formal agreement on a joint commission or political consultation—such a framework will provide a structural platform to explore and advance cooperation across a broader range of mutually beneficial areas.”
The president, who is on a state visit to Saint Lucia, was received by the Saint Lucian legislature and leaders from across the OECS, including heads of government and representatives from Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, the Premier of Montserrat, Saint Martin, and Saint Vincent.
Citing Nigeria’s economic reforms and outward-looking strategy since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu said his administration is keen on building strong international partnerships.
“When I assumed the office of the President of Nigeria in May 2023, my administration embarked on series of economic and social reforms… to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development,” he noted.
He explained that the visit to Saint Lucia was in line with Nigeria’s renewed global engagement agenda and an effort “to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration between the Eastern Caribbean States.”
President Tinubu identified trade and investment as core pillars of potential collaboration, pointing to Nigeria’s economic size and diversity.
“Nigeria’s vast natural resources and its position as the largest market in Africa present significant opportunity for the OECS, both as a source of essential input and as a growing export destination,” he stated.
“Together, we can leverage our respective strengths to attract investments, create jobs and foster joint ventures that benefit both our peoples,” the President added.
He also highlighted the potential for deeper educational and scientific cooperation, advocating exchange programs between Nigerian and OECS maritime universities, saying “such partnerships will build technical capacity, but also foster mutual understanding and long-term academic collaboration”.
Beyond education, the President called for joint scientific research initiatives to address shared health challenges, as well as climate adaptation strategies.
“We can deepen our understanding and enhance collective resilience,” he said, referencing joint efforts on climate change, hurricane response, and sustainable agriculture to ensure food security.
In addition to institutional cooperation, Tinubu called for greater people-to-people engagement through cultural exchanges, tourism, and visa facilitation.
“It is essential that we invest in cultural and human exchanges that build mutual understanding from the ground up among our peoples,” he said, stressing the importance of heritage awareness among younger generations.
“In a concrete step towards this goal, Nigeria is open to exploring a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states traveling to Nigeria. I respectfully urge a reciprocal gesture to enable smoother movement of officials and foster closer institutional cooperation”, he announced.
President Tinubu also pledged to extend Nigeria’s Technical Aide Corps to the OECS countries to support capacity development efforts across key sectors.
“We will provide skilled professionals to support capacity building efforts across all sectors in your region,” he said.
In a goodwill gesture, the President offered full tuition scholarships to students from OECS countries, stating: “I will establish full scholarship tuition for students of OECS.”
Quoting both Marcus Garvey and an African proverb, Tinubu concluded with a call for unity, mutual support, and long-term partnership between Nigeria and the Eastern Caribbean region.
“Let us journey together, united in purpose and fortified by our common heritage. Africa belongs to all of us. We need to continue to promote that”, he urged.
President Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia have pledged to establish formal diplomatic relations between their two nations, marking a new chapter in Africa-Caribbean engagement.
The commitment was made during President Tinubu’s courtesy visit to the Prime Minister’s residence in Castries on Sunday. It was the second day of his visit to the Caribbean Island nation.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, Prime Minister Pierre hailed the ongoing bilateral discussions as promising and said both sides were enthusiastic about the prospects of closer cooperation.
“There is an air of enthusiasm and optimism about the future of relations between our countries,” he said.
President Tinubu thanked the government and people of Saint Lucia for their warm reception and hospitality. He described Saint Lucians as “valued friends and brothers,” and emphasized the cultural and historical bonds between Nigeria and the Caribbean.
“Our two nations are bound by history, culture, and common aspirations. We are determined to nurture and expand this relationship,” the Nigerian leader said.
He affirmed that efforts currently underway would serve as a foundation for broader cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
These efforts, he added, would also help to improve consular services for citizens of both countries.
“This is a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual understanding. It reflects our desire to advance prosperity, solidarity, and sustainable development,” Tinubu said.
The Prime Minister also spotlighted Saint Lucia’s emerging global cultural identity, citing the internationally acclaimed Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival as a model of cultural diplomacy with potential for partnership.
FG Offers Visa Waivers To Eastern Caribbean states
“There is much that we can share with Nigeria as it seeks to establish itself as a centre for global entertainment, particularly in the film and music industries.
Moreover, there is incredible potential for people-to-people exchange”, Pierre noted.
Pierre lauded Nigeria’s historic achievements in higher education and praised Tinubu’s visit to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College as a significant gesture.
He said the visit aligned with his government’s ambitious education policy, which aims to ensure that every household in Saint Lucia has at least one university graduate.
“Nigeria’s accomplishments in higher education are historical and well known. Our distinguished Nobel Laureate, after whom the College was named, postulated that the key to development lay in education,” the Prime Minister said.
The Saint Lucian leader also took a broader view of international affairs, pointing to the shifting nature of global power dynamics and the need for stronger South-South cooperation.
“Your visit comes at a time of heightened global insecurity and fundamental shifts in the exercise of power by the major powers in the Global North.
There is growing uncertainty about the basis and motivation underlying international relationships”, he said.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
Eereporter.com
Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
Eereporter.com
He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Eereporter.com
The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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