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Nigeria Passport Shrinks  To 181 Position Among 196 Countries

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Nigerian Passports

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Nigeria Passport has witnessed an astronomical drop in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index.

 

Nigeria slumped to the 181st Position out of 196 countries.  Holders of the Passport are eligible to enter only 24 countries without obtaining a visa in advance.

 

Data published on IziVisa.com showed that Nigerian passport holders can also obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries, while 43 destinations offer electronic visas.

 

The ranking highlights the limited international travel access available to Nigerian passport holders, particularly compared with countries whose citizens can visit a much larger number of destinations without securing prior visa approval.

 

According to IziVisa, its index assesses passports based on the travel access available to their holders, including visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas.

 

The United Arab Emirates topped the 2026 ranking, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 destinations through a combination of visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas.

 

Switzerland ranked second, offering access to 120 destinations without a visa, 26 through visas on arrival and 37 through electronic visas.

 

Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland were also among the countries featured prominently in the ranking.

 

The IziVisa figures differ significantly from those published by Henley & Partners, whose July 2026 Henley Passport Index placed Nigeria 90th out of 199 passports, with visa-free access to 44 destinations.

 

Henley’s July ranking represented a one-place decline from Nigeria’s 89th position in April, although its visa-free score remained unchanged at 44 destinations.

 

The Henley index assesses 199 passports against 227 travel destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association.

 

Within Africa, South Africa ranked 49th globally, with access to 101 destinations without a prior visa.

 

Botswana placed 61st with 81 destinations, while Morocco ranked 67th with 71.

 

Kenya occupied 68th position with access to 70 destinations, while Ghana ranked 70th with a score of 67.

 

Nigeria shared its Henley ranking with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Turkmenistan.

 

The two rankings should not be interpreted as directly comparable because they use different methodologies and destination coverage. The figures published by IziVisa and Henley also distinguish between visa-free entry and other forms of access, including visas on arrival and electronic visas.

 

The difference between the indices highlights the importance of examining their respective methodologies when assessing the strength of a country’s passport and the travel options available to its citizens.

Former Super Eagles Coach, Clemens Westerhof Battles Aggressive Cancer

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Clemens Westerhof

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Clemens Westerhof, former Super Eagles Coach is  in a critical battle against aggressive Cancer.

 

The Dutch born former Tactician is battling colon cancer in the Netherlands.

 

His Wife, Lilian, disclosed that the 86-Year Old had been receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown but that his health has further deteriorated.

 

According to her, “The doctor just told us he has Colon Cancer and we are all devastated. He is in a critical condition and emotional, talking about our two daughters. He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers,” she said.

 

Lilian revealed that Westerhof was taken to the hospital last Wednesday, adding that the Cancer diagnosis was a fresh challenge in his ongoing health struggles.

 

Recall that the Dutchman had previously been battling Alzheimer’s disease.

 

Expressing concern on the state of health of her Husband, Lilian stated that though he is receiving treatment, but she hoped to transfer him to a better-equipped medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.

 

“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.

 

The former Zimbabwe Coach turned 86 in May, and is fondly  remembered for his contributions to Nigerian football during his time as head coach of the Super Eagles.

 

He led Nigeria to qualify to its first FIFA World Cup in 1994, hosted by the United States of America, and guided the team to win her second Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Title in Tunisia the same year.

 

Under his leadership, Nigeria finished second at the 1990 AFCON and claimed Bronze in 1992.

 

The team also rose to fifth in the FIFA world rankings during his tenure, the highest ranking Nigeria has ever achieved to date, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian and African football.

President Tinubu Approves Extension In Office Of  Immigration And NSC Bosses

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

 

With less than three months to the expiration of her tenure as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension in office of the tenure of Kemi Nandap. She will now stay in office until June 30, 2028.

 

The approval of the extension of her tenure was announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

 

In the same vein, President Tinubu also approved an 18-month extension for Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCS. His tenure will now end on May 26, 2028.

 

According to Onanuga, the approvals followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address a succession gap in the two services and give their Governing Board time to appoint successors.

 

The President also commended both men for the reforms recorded under their leadership and urged them to consolidate the gains.

 

Recall that Nandap was nominated by Tinubu as Comptroller-General of the NIS on February 21, 2024, and confirmed by the Senate on March 1, 2024.

 

Nwakuche was also nominated to head the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024 and received Senate confirmation in March 2025.

 

Tinubu’s approval of the extension of Nandap’s tenure until December 31, 2026 had followed an initial 18-Month extension.

 

Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, and was expected to retire on August 31, 2025, before the extension of her tenure till 2028.

Auckland Dog Owner, Fined $1,222.15, Jailed For Feeding Dog 10 Chickens Daily

By
Ayodele Oni
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Auckland Dog

By Ayodele Oni

 

An Auckland woman whose dog was so obese  it could barely move has been  ordered to pay reparations of $1,222.15 and disqualified from owning dogs for 12 months.

 

 The defendant was sentenced at Manukau District Court to two months imprisonment after she pleaded guilty for failing to meet the dog’s physical, health, and behavioural needs.

 

The dog, named Nuggi, came into SPCA’s care in October 2021 after a search warrant was carried out at the woman’s Manurewa property by Police.

 

A number of dogs, including Nuggi, were removed from the property and taken to an Auckland Council animal shelter.

 

Animal control officers noted that in the 10 metres that Nuggi had to walk from the property to the car, it had to stop three times to catch breath.

 

They also said its legs appeared to be collapsing under the weight of huge body.

 

Later that day, Nuggi was taken to SPCA’s Māngere Centre where it was assessed by a veterinarian.

 

It weighed 53.7kg and was so obese that it wasn’t possible to hear its heart with a stethoscope because the sound couldn’t penetrate the fat.

 

Its nails were overgrown, and has lots of skin tags, particularly on areas of contact such as his belly and elbows. Nuggi also has conjunctivitis.

 

SPCA Chief Executive Todd Westwood revealed that Nuggi’s condition was a huge shock to SPCA Inspectors and staff, who’re used to dealing with animals at the opposite end of the weight scale.

 

“Nuggi was easily one of the most obese animals we’ve ever encountered. It was so enormous that it could hardly walk and  was clearly suffering as a result of the significant amount of weight it was carrying.

 

“Sadly, we see animals on a daily basis that are underweight, starved or malnourished, but it’s equally heartbreaking to see a helpless animal that’s been severely overfed,” Mr Westwood added.

 

The veterinarian noted that Nuggi struggled to move around, has difficulty breathing, was unable to cope with warm weather and was overall fatigued.

 

She concluded that due to the extra weight Nuggi was carrying, it would have suffered severe long-term discomfort and distress.

 

The defendant told SPCA’s Inspectors that she fed Nuggi 8-10 pieces of chicken daily, plus additional dog biscuits.

 

She said she exercised Nuggi by walking  or making it spend time on the property outside.

 

“Part of being a responsible dog owner is providing your pet with an appropriate diet and daily exercise, which was clearly not the case here.

 

Nuggi was being drastically overfed, and instead of seeking help or amending the behaviour, its owner continued to overfeed him until it could barely walk.

 

 This is unacceptable,” says Mr Westwood.

Nuggi spent around two months in SPCA’s care, where he lost 8.9kg – around 16.5 percent of his body weight.

 

Sadly, despite making progress with its weight loss, Nuggi died suddenly due to an acute haemorrhage from a ruptured mass on its liver.

 

A necropsy revealed further health complications, including liver disease and Cushing’s disease.

Japa Syndrome: Ondo Has Only 400 Medical Doctors Left In Service – NMA

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Medical Doctors in Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

 

Chairman, Ondo chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Roland Arohunmolase, has revealed that Japa syndrome has taken its toll on the state medicare as about 400 doctors have migrated abroad in the last five years.

 

According to him, there are about 500 doctors left in public health institutions across the state.

 

Arohunmolase disclosed this in Akure during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria”.

 

Speaking on behalf of Afekhide Omoti, NMA national president, Arohunmolase said the shortage has increased the workload on remaining doctors and raised concerns about the quality of healthcare available to residents.

 

“As of today, we barely have 500 doctors across state and federal government health establishments in Ondo state, excluding the private sector. Based on the records available to me, we have about 500 doctor.”

 

He stated that the number of doctors in the state’s healthcare system previously stood at about between 900 to 1,000, but approximately 400 had since left.

 

Arohunmolase appealed to the state government to introduce measures to attract and retain medical professionals, including better remuneration and improved working conditions.

 

He was of the view tgat such efforts would help reduce burnout among doctors and other healthcare workers who have to cope with the demands of an understaffed health system.

 

Arohunmolase also linked medical tourism among wealthy Nigerians to inadequate infrastructure and shortages of essential equipment in the country’s hospitals.

 

“I believe they go abroad because they themselves know the inadequacies that exist within our system,” he said, arguing that the failure to provide essential equipment and modern medical technology had undermined public confidence in local healthcare services.

 

“The challenge is not necessarily the competence of our doctors, but the inadequacies within the healthcare system.

 

“These shortcomings undermine public confidence and encourage people, particularly politicians, to continue seeking medical treatment overseas.”

 

Arohunmolase also called for increased government investment in healthcare.

 

He noted that increased funding was necessary to improve hospital infrastructure, provide essential equipment, strengthen working conditions and offer competitive remuneration to medical professionals.

Benue SEMA Expends N160 Million To Treat Snake Bites Among IDPs

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State

By Ayodele Oni 

 

As part of efforts to address the healthcare needs of displaced families, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has spent more than N160 million on the treatment of snakebite victims among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable residents between March and September.

 

The Executive Secretary of SEMA, James Iorpuu, disclosed this while highlighting the agency’s interventions in healthcare, food distribution, education, protection, resettlement and livelihood support for displaced persons across the state.

 

Iorpuu disclosed thaf many of the displaced persons continue to face difficult living conditions in camps and host communities.

 

“ We have been spending money on healthcare for our displaced persons. Between March and September, we spent more than N160 million on snakebites alone.”

 

According to him, SEMA has made arrangements for displaced persons requiring medical attention to receive treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

 

He said medical personnel, including two nurses, were assigned to coordinate the assessment and stabilisation of patients before referring them to specialists where necessary.

 

However, the agency identified inadequate transportation facilities as a major obstacle to delivering timely medical assistance to victims.

 

“One of our major challenges is transportation. We do not have sufficient mobility resources to convey patients to medical facilities promptly, but we continue to make arrangements to ensure that those who need medical attention receive assistance.”

 

On food distribution, the SEMA boss noted that the agency has continued to provide assistance to displaced persons despite a reduction in available supplies

 

He explained that its humanitarian interventions extended beyond food and medical care to include education, protection, resettlement and programmes designed to help displaced families rebuild their livelihoods.

 

Iorpuu also disclosed that 248 community reporters were trained to monitor and report incidents within IDP camps and surrounding host communities.

 

He said the initiative was aimed at improving the agency’s access to timely information about security concerns and other incidents affecting displaced persons.

 

According to him, cases of sexual and gender-based violence reported through the monitoring network are referred to the police for appropriate action.

 

In the education sector, the SEMA executive secretary revealed that 163 displaced children had enrolled in a secondary school exchange programme supported by the Federal Government.

 

He said the initiative was intended to prevent displacement from permanently disrupting the children’s education and future opportunities.

“We want to ensure that displacement does not permanently deprive these children of schooling.”

 

On resettlement, Iorpuu announced that the agency has relocated displaced persons occupying school buildings in Naka to a designated location to enable the schools to be used for their intended purposes.

 

He added that SEMA was collaborating with humanitarian partners, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to implement resettlement programmes involving shelter, healthcare facilities and other essential infrastructure.

 

The agency is also supporting efforts to restore the livelihoods of displaced persons and enable them to become self-reliant.

 

Iorpuu disclosed that about 110 displaced persons were relocated to Akile, in Makurdi Local Government Area, where they could begin rebuilding their lives through farming.

 

He said the intervention was part of broader efforts to provide displaced families with opportunities to regain their economic independence and improve their living conditions.

Atiku Rips Tinubu: You Are Ruling Like Pharaoh

By
James Orji
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0
Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again ripped into President Bola Tinubu over the removal of petrol subsidy, accusing him of being insensitive to the suffering of Nigerians.

Atiku’s criticism followed Tinubu’s comparison of calls for a return to fuel subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt. The President had recalled removing the subsidy on his first day in office.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said Tinubu’s remarks showed how little he understood the hardship Nigerians were facing.

“Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape,” Atiku declared.

He accused Tinubu of celebrating the removal of subsidy while families struggled with rising food and transport costs and businesses battled high operating expenses.

Atiku likened the President’s leadership to that of biblical rulers Pharaoh, Herod and Ahab, accusing him of ignoring the cries of ordinary Nigerians.

“A mother trying to feed her children cannot pay for food with a metaphor. A worker cannot get to work on a story about the Red Sea. Nigerians are asking how you intend to make life affordable. Answer them,” he said.

 

FCT Senator, Kingibe, Reveals New Law Which Imposes 25 Percent Tax On Earnings, Passed By Nat. Assembly, Effective Date, Next Year

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Senator Ireti Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe

By Ayodele Oni

 

Senator Ireti Kingibe has alerted Nigerians about the existence of a tax law already passed by the National Assembly, which would require everyone to pay 25 per cent of earnings as tax.

 

The senator disclosed that the law, which has been postdated, will begin to operate after the 2027 general election.

 

Kingibe made the remarks while addressing people in the Federal Capital Territory, where she alleged that the law

 

The senator revealed that the National Assembly has already passed the measure, adding that fear of public backlash was preventing Tinubu’s administration from implementing it before the 2027 general election.

 

Her comments have drawn attention to the country’s tax reforms ahead of the 2027 general election, as Nigerians continue to grapple with rising living costs, economic hardship and insecurity.

 

The remarks come amid political tensions and protests under the slogan Tinubu Must Go, with critics expressing concerns about the state of the economy and the security situation across the country.

 

A video of Kingibe’s speech has circulated widely on social media, with viewers sharing the clip and discussing her warning about the potential tax burden.

 

The statement has raised questions about whether Nigerians would face a flat tax rate on their earnings and how any new tax measures would affect workers, business owners and other income earners.

 

The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 took effect on January 1, 2026. Under the framework, the first ₦800,000 of annual taxable income is taxed at zero per cent, while the highest rate of 25 per cent applies only to the portion of taxable income above ₦50 million.

 

This means lower income earners are subject to zero or lower rates, depending on their taxable income, rather than a uniform 25 per cent charge on all earnings.

 

The law’s commencement date also means the tax framework was already in effect well ahead of the 2027 general election.

 

Kingibe’s remarks have renewed attention on the need for clear public information about the tax laws, their implementation and the rates applicable to different income groups.

 

As political activities build towards the 2027 election, the controversy is likely to keep taxation and the cost of living in focus as Nigerians seek clarity on their obligations and the impact of government policies on their household finances.

Obi: It’s A Lie, I Didn’t Say Nigerians Living Abroad Should Not Send Money To Families

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

2027 Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has accused his political opponents of weaponising his recent comment, to the effect that Nigerians residing abroad should stop sending money to their relatives back home in the country.

According to the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC he only contended that the country should be able to take care of her citizens if the economy is run properly, saying his remark was misrepresented.

Obi made the clarification in a social media post on Tuesday, saying his intervention on the issue is necessary despite an earlier rebuff by his media office.

The NDC presidential candidate had during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Manchester, United Kingdom, urged Nigerians abroad to reject requests for money from people back home, saying the country required leadership that would enable citizens to meet their basic needs instead of resorting to begging those in the diaspora for money.

Reacting Obi said his remark was twisted by his traducers, saying it’s important for him to address the issue which has been ‘’distorted’’ by his opponents.

He said the genuine efforts by Nigerians residing abroad to assist their relations back home cannot be overemphasized adding that he deeply appreciate their humanity.

He, however, contended that the country must build a system that works for everybody to thrive.

Obi “I deeply appreciate Nigerians in the diaspora who work tirelessly and make enormous sacrifices to support their families back home. Their remittances pay for school fees, hospital bills, rent, and feeding expenses. Their patriotism and sacrifices deserve our profound respect.

 

“I never asked them to abandon their loved ones. My concern is that Nigeria should not remain a country where millions depend on relatives abroad for basic survival

 

“Our goal must be to build a nation that provides jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, and economic opportunities for its citizens.

“Political opponents may twist my message, but the truth remains clear: I am not asking Nigerians abroad to abandon their families. I am advocating for a Nigeria that will no longer abandon its own people.”

 

Nigeria Will Go Bankrupt If Fuel Subsidy Is Reversed – President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

President Bola Tinubu has insisted that Nigeria could no longer afford the return to oil subsidy regime policy,

 

The president, while defending his decision to remove fuel subsidy, pointed out Nigeria will go bankrupt if the policy was reversed.

 

Tinubu, who spoke at the national retreat of the City Boys Movement opening dinner at the State House, Abuja, urged members of the Movement to mobilise young Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Defending the decision, he said: “I came and I removed subsidy the first day… Nigeria will go bankrupt, yes, nothing left to pay subsidy.

 

“I could listen to my political opponents promising a return to subsidy.”

 

Drawing an analogy from the biblical and Quranic account of Moses, Tinubu said: “Sometimes, I remember my scripture studies, both in the Bible and in the Holy Quran, when Moses, Musa, left Egypt, faced the challenge and the Red Sea parted and gave way.”

 

He declared: “You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt.”

Tinubu urged supporters to mobilise voters and ensure young Nigerians participate in the next election.

 

“See a coming election as a simple matter — in your hands. You will go to your campuses, your markets, and make sure every young person you know has a PVC and uses it. Tell them what we have done and tell them what we will do.”

 

He added that his interactions with supporters has given him confidence, saying their reactions and contributions have provided “all the answers I needed and the confidence required.”

 

Tinubu concluded by urging members to support his administration’s plans to move the country forward, declaring: “If your energy, your support… never will we go back to Egypt.”

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