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  • BREAKING: INEC declared Adeleke winner of the Osun Governorship election, defeating APC’s Oyebamiji

    BREAKING: INEC declared Adeleke winner of the Osun Governorship election, defeating APC’s Oyebamiji

    OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — The incumbent Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, has been declared winner of the August 15 governorship election after securing the highest number of votes across the state’s 30 local government areas.

    Adeleke won 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), won 11 LGAs.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner after the final collation of results at the state collation centre in Osogbo on Sunday.

    The State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, declared Adeleke winner after the results from all 30 LGAs were collated and party agents signed the results.

    According to INEC figures, Adeleke polled 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.

    The margin between the two leading candidates was 66,252 votes.

    The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

    Other candidates recorded significantly lower figures in the election.

    INEC said a total of 1,010,684 voters were accredited, while 1,005,800 votes were cast. The commission recorded 985,079 valid votes and 20,721 rejected votes.

    Adeleke’s victory was built on strong performances across several parts of the state, including his traditional strongholds.

    He recorded his largest local government victory in Ede North, where he polled 35,427 votes against Oyebamiji’s 10,283. He also won Osogbo with 36,480 votes to the APC candidate’s 30,474.

    In Ede South, Adeleke secured 26,188 votes, while Oyebamiji polled 6,219.

    Other LGAs won by Adeleke included Ife North, Ilesa West, Ifedayo, Ife Central, Orolu, Oriade, Odo Otin, Ife East, Ifelodun, Iwo, Ila, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Egbedore, Ejigbo and Boluwaduro.

    Oyebamiji, however, maintained strong support in several areas and won Ilesa East, Boripe, Irepodun, Obokun, Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Irewole, Isokan, Olaoluwa, Ife South and Olorunda.

    His strongest performance came in Irewole, where he secured 29,972 votes against Adeleke’s 10,934. He also won Olorunda with 24,671 votes to Adeleke’s 23,514.

    The election was contested by 15 political parties, although the race ultimately became a closely fought contest between Adeleke’s Accord Party and the APC’s Oyebamiji.

    The Centre for Democracy and Development described the election as largely peaceful, although it identified some operational challenges during the exercise.

    With the declaration, Adeleke secures another term as governor of Osun State, having successfully defended his position against the APC challenge.

    The result also gives the Accord Party control of the governorship after Adeleke’s decision to contest the 2026 election on the party’s platform.

    In his declaration, Prof. Ogunwole said: “That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the August 15 Governorship Election and returned elected.”

    The outcome makes Adeleke the winner of the closely watched off-cycle election, while the APC’s Oyebamiji emerges as the runner-up and ADC’s Salaam takes third place.

  • Ebonyi Assembly passes new law on scrap dealers and house rents: Key points to know

    Ebonyi Assembly passes new law on scrap dealers and house rents: Key points to know

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a Bill to regulate the sale of metal and electrical scraps, house rents and the collection of agency fees by professional and non-professional agents in the state.

    The legislation, which also covers other related matters, was passed during a special plenary on Tuesday at the Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, presided over by the Speaker, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa.

    Leading the debate, the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, described the legislation as timely, citing the increasing activities of scrap dealers and the challenges residents face in securing accommodation due to excessive charges by house agents.

    Ikoro expressed concern over the persistent vandalisation of electricity transformers, particularly in rural communities, attributing a significant part of the problem to the activities of scrap dealers.

    He said effective oversight and enforcement would be critical to achieving the objectives of the legislation.

    On house rents and agency fees, Ikoro decried the high cost of accommodation in the state, noting that excessive charges by middlemen and house agents had compounded the difficulties faced by residents.

    He stressed that the passage of the law alone would not be sufficient, urging relevant committees and enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.

    Also contributing to the debate, the member representing Ezza South State Constituency, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, described the activities of scrap dealers as a dent on the image of Ebonyi State.

    Ogbuewu noted that several transformers in rural communities had been vandalised, undermining government efforts to provide electricity infrastructure.

    He warned that leaving the activities of scrap dealers unregulated could cause further damage to the state and expressed confidence that the new law would provide a framework for regulating scrap dealers and house agents.

    Similarly, the member representing Onicha East State Constituency, Hon. Celestine Ifeanyi Ogba, described scrap dealers involved in the destruction of public infrastructure as both material and economic vandals.

    Ogba expressed concern over the vulnerability of project sites without adequate security and warned that continued vandalism could extend to other government facilities.

    He called for the active involvement of security agencies in enforcing the law.

    On house rents and agency fees, Ogba supported the speedy passage of the Bill and suggested the establishment of an official online platform through which members of the public could access information on available accommodation.

    Other lawmakers, including Hon. Nwoke Victor of Abakaliki North, Hon. Aloysius Nwodo of Ebonyi North-West and Hon. Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali of Afikpo East, also supported the legislation and urged the House to expedite its passage.

    The House subsequently dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Bill clause by clause. The motion was moved by Ikoro and seconded by the member representing Ezza North-West State Constituency, Hon. Chikaodiri Nomeh.

    Presenting some of the key provisions, Speaker Odunwa said no person would be permitted to buy, sell, possess for sale, transport or dispose of metal or electrical scraps except as a licensed dealer with a written permit from the relevant agency or in accordance with regulations made under the law.

    He said anyone who contravened the provision would commit an offence and, upon conviction, be liable to imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to N500,000.

    On house rents and agency fees, Odunwa said excessive charges were prohibited under the law.

    He explained that every house agent operating in the state must be registered with the state government, possess clear identification and maintain a functional office within the state.

    The Speaker further stated that professional and non-professional agents involved in land transactions, whether movable or immovable, would not be permitted to charge or collect more than two per cent of the gross value of the transaction.

    He added that anyone who charged more than two per cent of the gross value of a land sale or accommodation transaction covered by the law would commit an offence and, upon conviction, face two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine equivalent to twice the amount collected.

    Following the Committee of the Whole, the House reconvened in plenary for the Speaker to report progress on the consideration of the Bill.

    Odunwa announced that the legislation would be cited as Law No. 003 of 2026 and would come into effect on August 11, 2026.

    He directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Edene Uche Blessing, to formally notify the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, of the passage of the law.

    Meanwhile, the House screened and confirmed the Coordinator and members of the Management Committee of the Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo Local Government Area.

    Those confirmed include Mr Anya Baron Ogbonna as Coordinator, with Mr Nwachi Vincent, Mrs Ihunannya Habiba Dauda, Mr Eze Chinwoudo Onyechukwu, Mr Mna Uro, Mr Okochi Chukwu Enya, Mr Eberechukwu Otu, Mr Enya Chukwu Enya and Mr Eze Ogbonna as members.

    The House also considered and adopted the report of the Auditor-General on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Government of Ebonyi State for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

    The plenary was subsequently adjourned to another legislative day following a motion moved by Ikoro and seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, Chief Joseph Ununu.

  • Tunji-Ojo promotes sports, skills for inmates’ rehabilitation

    Tunji-Ojo promotes sports, skills for inmates’ rehabilitation

    ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to using sports and skills acquisition to support the rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of inmates into society.

    Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Special Adviser on Correctional Reforms, DCC Babatunde Ogundare, stated this during a sports competition organised for inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    The Minister said recreational activities remained an important component of efforts to reform inmates and prepare them for productive lives after incarceration.

    According to a statement by Babalola Foluso (CSC), Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, the competition featured football, volleyball, table tennis, ludo and other sporting activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and positive social interaction among inmates.

    Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government was committed to transforming custodial centres from places of mere confinement into facilities where inmates could acquire skills, develop their talents and prepare for productive lives after serving their sentences.

    He noted that sports could help discover and nurture talents among inmates while promoting discipline, confidence and a sense of responsibility.

    The Minister stressed that keeping inmates engaged in constructive and productive activities was an important part of the rehabilitation process and would help them make better choices and contribute meaningfully to society upon their release.

    He said the Nigerian Correctional Service was not only concerned with keeping inmates in custody but was also committed to rehabilitating and equipping them with skills that would enable them to make better choices when they return to society.

    “We are not just rehabilitating. We are also equipping the inmates with skills that would give them the second chance to correct the mistakes they made when they go back to society,” he said.

    Tunji-Ojo also donated prizes for the competition, which were presented to winners in the men’s and women’s sporting categories, including volleyball, table tennis and other events, as well as outstanding football players.

    The competition culminated in a keenly contested football final between Chiefs FC and General FC, which ended 2-2 at regulation time before General FC emerged champions after winning 5-3 on penalties.

    Chiefs FC finished second, while Senior Boys FC placed third.

    As part of the prizes donated by the Minister, General FC received N100,000, Chiefs FC received N50,000, while Senior Boys FC received N25,000.

    Awards and prizes were also presented to outstanding participants in other sporting categories.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Officer in Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ado-Ekiti, ACC Olutope Amele, said the programmes were designed to discover talents among inmates and provide opportunities for them to develop those talents.

    He stressed that keeping inmates engaged in productive activities was essential to their rehabilitation and assured that the Ekiti State Command remained committed to ensuring that inmates left the facility as better individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

    Amele thanked Tunji-Ojo for supporting the competition and donating prizes to the winners, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the Minister’s commitment to motivating inmates and promoting their rehabilitation.

    He said the cash prizes and other awards would encourage inmates to participate actively in sporting and other rehabilitation programmes, adding that recognition of their efforts could boost their confidence and give them a sense of belonging.

    Speaking on behalf of the State Controller, Amele also appreciated the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CG Sylvester Nwakuche, MFR, mni, for his commitment to the welfare, reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.

    He noted that the Service, under Nwakuche’s leadership, had continued to encourage initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of persons in custodial facilities.

    Amele also commended the Ekiti State Command, led by the State Controller, CC Ade Bukola Ajeleti, for creating an enabling environment for sporting and other rehabilitation programmes at the facility.

    He praised the inmates for their sportsmanship and commitment to the competition, saying they gave their best throughout the games.

    Officials of the Correctional Service described the event as part of broader efforts to keep inmates engaged in constructive activities while they undergo rehabilitation and prepare for eventual reintegration into society.

    Also present at the event were Dr Abe Segun David of the Faculty of Law, Ekiti State University, his wife, Mrs Abe Abayomi Wumi, and a representative of the Nigerian Tribune.

  • JUST IN: Senator Oluremi Tinubu to commission 108-unit Buhari Estate in Abeokuta

    JUST IN: Senator Oluremi Tinubu to commission 108-unit Buhari Estate in Abeokuta

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is scheduled to commission the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate in Abeokuta, following the completion of the 108-unit residential project by the Ogun State Government.

    The estate, located along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, had remained largely undeveloped for years and was subsequently threatened by a legal dispute between the state government and the contractor over unpaid obligations.

    The Ogun State Government, under Governor Dapo Abiodun, intervened to resolve the dispute out of court and secure the state’s interest in the property, preventing its possible forfeiture.

    According to the state government, the administration subsequently adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the completion of the estate, with the government providing the land and infrastructure while private developers undertook the construction and sale of the houses.

    The completed residential community comprises 108 four-bedroom fully detached and semi-detached duplexes, alongside modern infrastructure and amenities.

    These include internal roads, street lighting, water supply, 24-hour power, recreational facilities, landscaping and security.

    The estate is scheduled to be formally commissioned on Tuesday by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Governor Abiodun described the completion of the project as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects, protecting public assets and leveraging private-sector investment to deliver quality housing and infrastructure across the state.

    The governor said the development also reflected the administration’s determination to ensure that abandoned or stalled public projects are revived and put to productive use for the benefit of residents.

    The state government said the project would contribute to expanding access to quality housing while demonstrating the potential of public-private partnerships in delivering infrastructure and residential developments.

  • BREAKING: INEC restores four state assembly constituencies in Delta, Kogi

    BREAKING: INEC restores four state assembly constituencies in Delta, Kogi

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restored four previously suppressed State House of Assembly constituencies in Delta and Kogi statesfollowing court judgments ordering their reinstatement.

    The Commission, in a statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said three of the restored constituencies are in Delta State, while one is in Kogi State.

    The restored constituencies are:

    • Delta State: Abraka, Isoko North II and Ughelli South II State Constituencies.
    • Kogi State: Yagba West II State Constituency.

    INEC said it has scheduled August 21 to 25, 2026 for political parties to conduct their primaries for the restored constituencies.

    The Commission said the period coincides with the scheduled primaries for bye-elections to fill recent vacancies in the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State; Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies of Bauchi State; Udu State Constituency of Delta State; and Dawakin Kudu State Constituency of Kano State.

    According to INEC, elections into the affected constituencies have been fixed for September 19, 2026.

    The Commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the previously published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election will apply to the four restored constituencies.

    INEC urged political parties to submit notices of their respective primaries to the Commission before the scheduled dates.

    The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes.

  • JUST IN: FFS inducts nationwide corps of public relations officers

    JUST IN: FFS inducts nationwide corps of public relations officers

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has recorded a major milestone in its institutional development with the first coordinated training and induction of Public Relations Officers representing all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The milestone was achieved on Friday at a One-Day National Stakeholders’ Summit on Fire Safety and Induction of Federal Fire Service Public Relations Officers, organised by the FFS in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Rightangle Public Relations (RPR) in Abuja.

    According to a statement signed by DCF P.O. Abraham, National PRO and Head, Corporate Services, FFS, the summit was held under the theme, “Building a Resilient Fire Service for the 21st Century.”

    The event brought together stakeholders from government, security and emergency management agencies, professional bodies, the media and the private sector to deliberate on emerging fire safety challenges and the need for stronger collaboration.

    A major highlight of the summit was the formal unveiling of the Federal Fire Service Public Relations Corps badge, symbolising the establishment of a coordinated professional communication structure for the Service nationwide.

    The Public Relations Officers, drawn from the 36 states and the FCT, were formally inducted into the NIPR after undergoing specialised training designed to strengthen their capacity in strategic communication, media relations, crisis communication, public information, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

    The induction also included the administration of the professional oath, committing the officers to the ethics and responsibilities of the public relations profession.

    Speaking at the event, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, described the initiative as a new chapter in the Service’s communication architecture.

    He stressed that effective communication was critical to building public confidence, particularly during emergencies, and challenged the newly inducted officers to uphold professionalism, accuracy, transparency and timely communication.

    Adeyemi urged them to strengthen public understanding of the Fire Service and help address longstanding misconceptions about the institution through effective engagement with the public and the media.

    The Guest Lecturer, Dr Omoniyi P. Ibietan, Secretary-General of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), provided a professional and strategic perspective, highlighting the growing importance of communication in strengthening institutional resilience and public trust.

    Also speaking, the President and Chairman of Council of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, who formally inducted the officers, urged them to uphold the ethical standards of the profession and recognise their responsibility as the public voice of the Federal Fire Service.

    The summit also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence for outstanding contribution to fire resilience.

    The Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), in a separate charge to the newly inducted officers, urged them to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and a strong commitment to public service.

    Stakeholders at the summit also emphasised the shared responsibility for fire safety and called on Nigerians to support emergency responders.

    They particularly urged motorists and other road users to give firefighting appliances the right of way, keep access routes clear and avoid actions capable of obstructing emergency operations.

    The occasion also coincided with the first anniversary of Adeyemi’s assumption of office as Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service on August 14, 2025.

    The Service said the event therefore marked both a milestone in the professionalisation of its public relations structure and an important step in its efforts to build a more responsive, resilient and publicly trusted institution.

    With the induction of the PROs and unveiling of the Public Relations Corps badge, the FFS now has a coordinated corps of trained Public Relations Officers positioned across the country to strengthen public education, media engagement, strategic communication and stakeholder relations in support of its mandate to protect lives and property.

  • SERAP urges 2027 presidential candidates to declare assets, reject vote-buying

    SERAP urges 2027 presidential candidates to declare assets, reject vote-buying

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 19 presidential candidates announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publicly disclose their assets and liabilities, as well as those of their spouses and, where applicable, unmarried children under 18, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    SERAP also called on the candidates to disclose the legitimate sources of their significant assets and publicly reject vote-buying and electoral bribery before and during the election.

    In its call, the organisation urged the candidates to direct their political parties, campaign organisations, agents and supporters not to offer or distribute money, gifts or other material inducements in exchange for votes.

    The presidential candidates listed by SERAP are President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), Peter Obi (NDC), Senator Sandy Onor (PDP), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Donald Duke (PRP), Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick (NDP), Chukwu Anita Zugwai (YPP), Rufai Adekunle Omoaje (AA) and Adenuga Sunday (Boot Party).

    Others are Memeh Samuel (DLA), Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu (ZLP), Okereke Sunday Chibuzor (LP), Okereke Iken Esther (NRM), Abbas-Bin Aliyu (ADP), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed (NNPP), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer (SDP), Seyi Makinde (APM) and Yusuf Kabiru (APP).

    SERAP urged the candidates to go beyond the bare legal minimum by voluntarily embracing higher standards of transparency, accountability and integrity in their bid for Nigeria’s highest elected office.

    The organisation argued that candidates seeking the enormous constitutional powers attached to the presidency, including authority over public finances, natural resources, appointments and security institutions, should be prepared to demonstrate that their personal financial affairs can withstand reasonable public scrutiny.

    According to SERAP, voluntary disclosure before the election would enable voters to identify potential conflicts of interest and significant sources of wealth, strengthen confidence in the electoral process and establish a baseline for assessing changes in candidates’ assets if they are elected.

    The organisation also stressed the need for candidates to publicly reject vote-buying and electoral bribery as part of efforts to strengthen the credibility of the 2027 election.

    “Votes must not be bought. Public office must not be treated as private property. Those seeking the highest public office must be willing to meet the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity,” SERAP said.

    It added that Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders based on policies, competence, integrity, character and vision, rather than on which candidate has the greatest financial resources to spend during the election.

    SERAP said the demand for voluntary asset disclosure was aimed at giving voters more information with which to assess candidates before casting their ballots.

    The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its citizens and that public office should be regarded as a public trust rather than an avenue for private enrichment.

    It further urged the presidential candidates to use the 2027 election as an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability they would be expected to uphold if elected.

    According to SERAP, candidates who voluntarily disclose their assets and reject vote-buying would send a strong signal that they are prepared to uphold the standards of good governance they promise Nigerians.

  • JUST IN: Oyo government reports progress on 1.5km road reconstruction project

    JUST IN: Oyo government reports progress on 1.5km road reconstruction project

    IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Oyo State Government has announced significant progress on the reconstruction of the Ladindin, Iseke, Ojongbodu, Oloko Meje and Ladigbolu roads in Oyo West Local Government Area, saying the project remains on schedule for completion.

    Providing an update on Wednesday, the government said the 1.5-kilometre road project, being executed by the Oyo West Local Government Council, forms part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure, enhance connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development across the state.

    According to the government, construction work commenced on May 17, 2026, and is expected to be completed within a four-month timeframe.

    The project comprises the reconstruction of the road corridor, the construction of a double-cell 3-metre by 3-metre box culvert, drainage systems and asphaltic pavement.

    The government disclosed that approximately 1.2 kilometres of drainage and asphalt pavement have already been completed.

    It added that work is currently ongoing on the remaining 300 metres, including the construction of the box culvert, which is expected to improve drainage and prevent flooding along the route.

    According to the update, the project is designed to improve access for residents, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and support economic activities within Oyo West Local Government Area.

    The government noted that the road project complements other infrastructure initiatives currently being implemented across the Oyo Zone.

    It cited the recently completed 1.9-kilometre Oba Adeyemi–Mobolaje Road, linking St. Francis–Baba Iluoyinbo Road, executed by the Oyo East Local Government Council, as another example of ongoing investment in road infrastructure.

    The state government said the reconstruction of the Ladindin, Iseke, Ojongbodu, Oloko Meje and Ladigbolu roads adds to the growing number of infrastructure projects being delivered across Oyo State.

    It reaffirmed its commitment to improving transportation networks, supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents through sustained investment in critical infrastructure.

  • JUST IN: Immigration explains passport centre migration, says services uninterrupted

    JUST IN: Immigration explains passport centre migration, says services uninterrupted

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has clarified that the migration of additional passport offices to the Central Personalisation Centre (CPC) is an administrative measure aimed at improving passport production and security, and does not amount to a suspension of passport services.

    The clarification followed concerns raised by former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who urged the Service to reconsider the decision, particularly as it affects Kano State.

    In a post on X, Ahmad argued that Kano, being Nigeria’s most populous state and the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria, deserves immigration services that reflect its strategic importance.

    “I want to add my voice to the call on the Nigeria Immigration Service to review this decision. Kano is Nigeria’s most populous state and serves as the commercial and economic hub of Northern Nigeria. Given our strategic importance, the state deserves adequate immigration services that reflect its population size and significance,” he said.

    Responding in a statement on Tuesday, the Nigeria Immigration Service dismissed suggestions that passport services had been suspended, explaining that the migration to the Central Personalisation Centre is a strategic administrative enhancement designed to improve service delivery.

    The Service said applicants can continue to visit their designated passport offices nationwide to complete biometric data capture without disruption.

    “Applicants can still visit their local centres to complete biometric data capture seamlessly. This centralised production framework is designed to align with global security standards, streamline processing timelines, and significantly safeguard the integrity of the Nigerian passport,” the statement said.

    According to the NIS, the new arrangement centralises the production of passport booklets while maintaining normal operations at passport enrolment centres across the country.

    The Service assured Nigerians that all passport capturing centres remain fully operational and that completed passport booklets will continue to be processed centrally before being returned to the respective state commands within the standard delivery period.

    The Immigration Service reiterated its commitment to improving passport administration through enhanced security, efficiency and globally accepted best practices while ensuring that citizens continue to receive uninterrupted passport services.