Voice of Nigeria-VON

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) of the Federal Government’s support in fast-tracking the passage of its amendment bill before the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation seeks to rename the institute to reflect modern governance practices and expand its mandate beyond traditional secretarial duties.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by ICSAN’s leadership at the Presidential Villa, the Vice President congratulated the institute on its 60th anniversary, describing it as a celebration of professionalism, integrity and national service.

Nigeria has stepped up efforts to tighten control over weapons stockpiles as part of measures to curb the spread of illicit arms and strengthen national security.

Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said improved storage, tracking and accountability systems were critical to preventing weapons misuse.

Speaking at the graduation of security personnel trained in arms stockpile management in Abuja, Kokumo said the programme focused on modern armoury practices, inventory control and secure transportation. He also commended The HALO Trust and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for supporting Nigeria’s arms control efforts.

Afrobeats star Davido has been named among the 2026 inductees into the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta.

The “Timeless” hitmaker joins global entertainment icons recognised for shaping Black music and culture worldwide, marking another milestone in his 15-year career.

India has pledged support for Nigeria’s cotton, textile and garment industry through technology transfer, investment partnerships, skills development and value chain integration.

Speaking at a Textile Meet and B2B engagement in Abuja, Indian High Commissioner Abhishek Singh said India was ready to support textile revival efforts by encouraging firms to establish ginning, spinning and processing facilities in Nigeria’s cotton-producing states.

He added that India would provide modern textile machinery, technical training and explore partnerships with Nigerian fashion institutions to boost innovation and competitiveness. Stakeholders at the event described the textile sector as vital for industrialisation, job creation and economic growth.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and strategic cooperation with India ahead of the 2026 India-Africa Forum Summit and BRICS engagements in New Delhi.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Ahmed, said both countries share democratic values and common aspirations for sustainable development and South-South cooperation. He called for increased Indian investments in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, renewable energy and defence collaboration.

India’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, described Nigeria as a key BRICS partner and strategic player in Africa, expressing optimism about deeper cooperation in trade, technology and industrialisation.

Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah have begun moving to Makkah for the 2026 Hajj after spending four days in the holy city, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

NAHCON said four airlines — Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace and Flynas — have so far transported 9,756 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The commission advised pilgrims seeking to visit the Rawdah in Madinah to coordinate through their state pilgrims’ boards, stressing that access is subject to approved bookings and space availability.

The Presidency says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure drive reflects a long-term vision to position Nigeria among modern 21st-century economies.

Speaking during an inspection of projects in Kebbi State, Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said landmark projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway are central to the administration’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy through strategic investments.

Dare described the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry corridor as a transformative project that will boost trade, food security and regional connectivity, while opening up economic opportunities for farmers, traders and communities across the Northwest.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, says the Nigerian Government is preparing to evacuate Nigerians willing to return from South Africa amid rising xenophobic attacks and anti-foreigner protests.

Following talks with South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, she urged stronger action against attacks on Nigerians and warned against growing “Afriphobia”.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has fixed Sunday, 10 May 2026, as the deadline for shortlisted candidates in its 2025 recruitment exercise to complete their final screening update on the official portal.

The Service urged successful applicants to update their profiles ahead of the final interview and physical screening stage, warning that failure to comply may affect eligibility. NCS also reiterated that the exercise is free and cautioned candidates against fraudsters.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has submitted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination and expression of interest forms to the APC National Working Committee at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, formally confirming the President’s bid for a second term ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Shettima said the Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered stability, bold economic reforms and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s future, urging governors, lawmakers and party faithful to unite behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid. APC leaders, including Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and PGF Chairman Hope Uzodinma, described the President’s reforms as courageous and necessary for national recovery and progress.

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to regional security cooperation as Defence Ministers of troop-contributing countries met in Chad to review strategies against terrorism and cross-border threats in the Lake Chad Basin. Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), said sustained collaboration remains vital to degrading terrorist networks and stabilising the region.

The meeting brought together Defence Ministers and senior security officials from Chad, Cameroon, Nigeria and Benin under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Discussions focused on operations, deployment, funding and evolving threats, with Gen. Musa commending Chad’s leadership and calling for stronger integrated regional security action.