The United Kingdom opened its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to streamline and enhance the visa application process for Nigerians travelling to the UK, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos.

The opening of the new centre, alongside additional facilities in Abuja and Victoria Island operational since November 19, is part of a broader effort to meet the growing demand for UK visas among Nigerian nationals.

Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter stated, “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa.”

Baxter noted that “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Meanwhile, Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, described the development as a milestone in providing world-class visa services across Africa.

According to Owen, over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in June 2024, indicating a growing demand for travel to the UK.

Owen said; “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

The new Ikeja facility offers applicants various new features, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

meanWhile Abuja residents can now utilise a Mobile Visa Service for submissions from preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge offers personalised services with dedicated staff.

These optional features are designed to enhance convenience without affecting processing times or application outcomes.

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day state visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.

The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.

In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.

The Nigerian Senate plunged into disorder during Wednesday’s plenary as a heated debate erupted over the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which was tabled for discussion despite not being listed on the Order Paper.

The session, marked by intense disagreements and shouting matches, underscored the contentious nature of the bill and procedural violations that several senators deemed unacceptable.

The uproar began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Rules, seeking to suspend the chamber’s procedures to allow the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

Opeyemi’s motion received the support of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.

Following this, the chamber approved the entry of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts, with instructions for the Sergeant-At-Arms to escort them in.

However, this move sparked fierce objections from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who vehemently criticized the decision, citing Senate Rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on issues not included in the Order Paper.

Ndume expressed his frustration, warning that bypassing established legislative procedures on such a critical matter could undermine the Senate’s credibility.

“This is a very important matter,” Ndume declared.

“We should not, in any way, use the position of the Senate to flout our own rules. The Order Paper is clear.

If today’s agenda must include this bill, then there should have been a supplementary Order Paper.

We cannot address this issue without following due process.”Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill, being a subject of significant public interest, deserved thorough scrutiny and adherence to proper procedures.

He urged his colleagues to prioritize transparency and accountability, emphasizing, “Nigerians have spoken. The Governors have spoken.

The National Economic Council has spoken. We represent the people, and we swore an oath to defend their interests.

”Despite Ndume’s appeals, Deputy Senate President Barau insisted that the chamber’s actions were within its constitutional mandate. Barau dismissed Ndume’s concerns as unnecessary rhetoric, stating, “You have made your point. Now, let us move forward.

This chamber has no time for needless distractions.

”The plenary quickly descended into chaos, with senators raising their voices in opposition and support.

Amid the commotion, Barau ruled Ndume out of order and allowed the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to present their clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

The episode reflects deep divisions within the Senate on handling critical legislative matters. As the debate over the Tax Reform Bill continues, questions remain about procedural integrity and the extent to which lawmakers prioritize public interest over political maneuvering.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reviewed the strategies for a speedy reconstruction of dilapidated police barracks.

Egbetokun to this end convened a crucial meeting with experts and development consultants on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by the spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said the crucial meeting took place at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, FHQ, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the living conditions of police officers through the reconstruction of dilapidated police barracks across the country. 

He explained that this initiative follows the recent Police Housing Summit on April 23-24, 2024, and the establishment of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at addressing the housing needs of our officers. 

“During the meeting, which had in attendance, members of the Force Management Team and other very senior police officers, the Nigeria Police Property Development and Construction Company, along with other critical stakeholders provided detailed briefs to the IGP and the Force Management Team regarding the progress and strategies for the speedy delivery of barracks redevelopment  projects,” Adejobi said. 

“The IGP expressed optimism about the improved conditions of service for officers, emphasizing that a conducive living environment is essential for effective policing.”

He further said that Egbetokun is particularly focused on designing effective building blocks for the execution of the commitments made by his predecessor on the redevelopment of the barracks in the overall interest of the Force. 

Undoubtedly, according to Adejobi, these projects are critical to ensuring that police personnel have access to quality housing, which in turn will enhance their morale and operational efficiency.

In line with this initiative, the affected legal occupants of the barracks have been taken through the property relocation process, provided with relocation assistance, and paid the agreed relocation allowances to secure alternative accommodation in the interim. 

In addition, these occupants will also receive their usual rent allowances during the construction period. Upon completion of the new facilities, these officers will be allotted housing units, thereby ensuring seamless transition back to improved living conditions. 

Adejobi said the IGP reiterated that the reconstruction of police barracks is a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force. 

He also said that Egbetokun is dedicated to ensuring that these projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. 

“This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve the welfare of police officers and enhance the overall effectiveness of the force,” the spokesman concluded.

The police authorities have dismissed an inspector, Edith Uduma, over the alleged rape of a 17-year old female suspect.

The inspector’s dismissal came after a viral video that she captured in October showed one Sergeant Abraham Uzuobo, another officer, in a compromising position with a 17-year-old girl at the police station in the South Ibie area of Edo State.

In the video, the officer is seen hurriedly wearing his trousers and questioning why Uduma was making the video recording of what was going on. 

Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson confirmed the dismissal in a statement on Wednesday.

“A thorough investigation into the matter conducted by the Edo State Police Command uncovered that the Police Sergeant, identified as Sgt Abraham Uzuobo, had removed the victim from the cell and taken her to an unoccupied office, where he attempted to engage in sexual acts with her,” he said

He said that everyone guilty in the case has been sanctioned appropriately as there is no intention to impede justice.

Adejobi noted that the erring Sergeant has been dismissed and prosecuted and is currently in prison custody as the trial progresses.

“However, it has come to the attention of the Force that following her dismissal, Mrs Edith has made numerous unfounded claims regarding her innocence and has sought to taint the reputation and integrity of the adjudicating authority, the Inspector-General of Police in person, and the entire Police Force,” he added.

The federal government has been accused of mismanaging over 60 taxes and levies collected across the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, made these allegations during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday.

Oyedele claimed that despite collecting over 60 taxes and levies, the government has little to show for it.

Oyedele made these allegations during a Senate plenary session on Wednesday.

The allegations came amidst a tense Senate session, where lawmakers protested the entry of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chair, Zacch Adedeji, and his consultants.

The lawmakers suspended its rules to admit Adedeji and the consultants to explain what the Tax Reform Bill entailed.

Oyedele, however, noted that “the fiscal system we have today inhibits growth as more than 60 taxes and levies are collected from across the country but nothing to show for it.”

He added that the FG intends to put an end to the situation in which Nigerian businesses are forced to pay tax even when they are losing money.

“We do not want to tax capital or poverty but investment. We are beginning to lose our tax base to other countries. This is why it is urgent to reform the tax system,” Oyedele added.

Meanwhile, the Senate declined to ask questions and decided to postpone further discussion on the tax reform bill until the next legislative session before a final resolution is taken.

Recalled that Oyedele had previously noted the complexity of the tax system in Nigeria, noting, “There are approximately 60 official taxes and over 200 unofficial taxes, including taxes on deceased individuals.”

“The solution isn’t simply to distribute food or cash, We must harmonise our tax collection processes. We are committed to improving how we collect taxes.”