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Step-by-step guide, conditions for Nigerians to obtain UAE visa

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Step-by-step guide, conditions for Nigerians to obtain UAE visa

The Federal Government recently announced lifting visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians by the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

In a chat with State House correspondents on Monday, July 15, 2024, after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that an agreement had been reached.

“I can tell you that the agreement has been reached and effective from today, Nigerian passport holders intending to travel to the UAE are able to do so,” Idris said.

About two years ago, the UAE imposed a visa ban on Nigeria due to various diplomatic disputes.

Additionally, Dubai’s Emirates Airline halted flights to Nigeria because the Central Bank of Nigeria couldn’t remit an estimated $85 million in revenue to the UAE.

Owing to the recent development, the minister asked Nigerians seeking information on the updated UAE visa conditions to visit documentverificationhub.ae for further details.

In this piece, According Online highlights the step-by-step guide for Nigerians to obtain the UAE visa:

  1. Obtain a Document Verification Number using your Nigerian passport. To do this,
  • Click the “Start DVN application” button to commence.
  • Choose whether you are applying for yourself or a group.
  • Proceed to fill your personal information, travel details and passport information.
  • Upload an image of your passport information page. Proceed to accept all disclaimers regarding data processing.
  • Before making payments, confirm the accuracy of all information provided and choose your preferred payment method or gateway.
  • Once your preferred payment method is selected, click “Confirm and Pay” to proceed.
  • Fill out your card details for payment and confirm.

Once successful, you’ll receive your DVN via email within five business days.
To follow up on your application at anytime, you’re advised to use your National Identification Number as your unique application reference number.

Also, check your email for confirmation of payment and application confirmation .

2. Proof of bank account (six months’ bank statement with a minimum balance of $10,000 USD).

3. Round-trip flight tickets.

4. Proof of hotel booking confirmed and paid.

5. The visa fee must be paid by credit card at the UAE Visa Centre in Abuja, Nigeria. For Nigerians residing abroad, the visa fee can be paid at the nearest UAE Visa Centre.

ASUP says no ongoing negotiation with FG

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ASUP says no ongoing negotiation with FG

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics says it has not started negotiations with the Federal Government to address contentious issues in the new scheme of service.

ASUP Zone D Coordinator, Dr Iloma Richard, who stated this at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said that the proposed document could severely harm polytechnic education in the country.

“Negotiation has not yet begun with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to address the issue of new scheme of service,” he said.

According Online reported that different chapters of ASUP also rejected the new scheme of service for polytechincs.

The National Board for Technical Education clarified on Monday that the new schemes of service approved by FG are meant for federal polytechnics and not state-owned polytechnics.

Earlier, ASUP gave NBTE a 15-day ultimatum, ending on June 22, to suspend the implementation of the disputed scheme of service or risk industrial action.

However, Richard said that the union would mobilise members to strike if public polytechnics authorities did not meet ASUP’s demands.

“Ever since the 15-day ultimatum was issued, NBTE has failed to convene a single meeting of stakeholders to address the issues in contention,” he said.

Richard stated that suspension of the scheme of service was necessary because some of its provisions were below the standard.

The ASUP official said that the union was averse to a provision in the new scheme making the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation an approving authority.

He said that it was discriminatory to peg the minimum employment requirement for Bachelors degree holders at second class lower division while their polytechnic counterparts required upper credits.

“Extension of the cadre progression ranks of lecturers from ‘7-steps to 9-steps,’ is alien to any educational sector in the world,” he said.

He further said that the service scheme differed greatly from the one developed by stakeholders after more than six years of coordinated consultations by NBTE.

The union leader listed other contentious issues to include, an extra year for promoting lectures, non-academic designation for academic staff, and reclassification of technologists as non-academic staff among others.

“It is clear that if allowed, the document will undermine career progression, escalate the existing discriminations, reduce staff morale and lead to an eventual collapse of polytechnic education.

“In view of this, ASUP’s Zone D, comprising of South-South and South-East states endorse the National Executive Council’s call for the suspension and review of all identified areas in the document.

“We shall swiftly mobilise our members in the zone if at the expiration of the ultimatum, the union directs us to embark on industrial action,” he added.

Richard said that despite being on the ninth day of the ultimatum, NBTE had continued to engage in activities that could hinder peaceful resolution of the matter.

In May, ASUP like its counterparts Academic Staff Union of Universities, rejected the newly constituted governing councils of Federal Government-owned polytechnics in the country.

(NAN)

FG, states, LGAs share N1.35tr as revenue allocation for June

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FG, states, LGAs share N1.35tr as revenue allocation for June

The three tiers of government on Tuesday shared the sum of N1.35 trillion as revenue allocation for June.
The figure was N150 million higher than the N1.2 trillion shared by the federal, state, and local governments in May.
The Director of Information and Public Relations in the Finance Ministry, Mohammed Manga, who disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of the Federation Account Allocation Committee  (FAAC) meeting in Abuja, said the Federal Government received N459.7 billion, the states got N461.9 billion, the local government councils collected N337.019 billion.
He was however silent on whether local councils administrated by the caretaker committee received statutory allocations.
The Supreme Court had last week granted autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country.
The apex court, however, ordered the federal government to withhold revenue allocation to local government areas without elected officials.
The communiqué read: “The Federation Account Allocation Committee, at its July 2024 meeting chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, shared a total sum of N1.35 trillion to the three tiers of government as Federation Allocation for a gross total of N2.48 trillion.
“From the stated amount inclusive of Gross Statutory Revenue, Value Added Tax, Electronic Money Transfer Levy, Exchange Difference, and an Augmentation of N200 Billion, the Federal Government received N459.776 billion, the states received N461.979 billion, the Local Government Councils got N337.019 billion, while the Oil Producing States received N95.598 Billion as Derivation, (13 percent of Mineral Revenue).
“The Gross Revenue available from the Value Added Tax for June 2024 was N562.685 billion as against N497.66 billion distributed in the preceding month, increasing to N65.020 billion.
 “From that amount, the sum of N22.507 billion was allocated for the cost of collection and the sum of N16.205 billion was given for transfers, intervention, and refunds.
“The remaining sum of N523.973 billion was distributed to the three tiers of government, of which the Federal Government got N78.596 billion, the States received N261.987 billion and Local Government Councils got N183.39 billion.”
The post FG, states, LGAs share N1.35tr as revenue allocation for June appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

US Secret Service increases Trump’s security over fear of Iranian assassination plot

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US Secret Service increases Trump’s security over fear of Iranian assassination plot

The United States Secret Service has increased protection of former President Donald Trump in recent weeks due to intelligence suggesting a possible plot by Iran to attempt an assassination on the former president.
Fox News reported it was informed by two federal law enforcement sources that the level of the plot by Iran is unclear.
According to the report, sources said there has been an increase in Secret Service protection for Trump in recent weeks because of the intelligence.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service have been increasingly worried about Trump holding outdoor events, and have even expressed concern to Trump’s campaign.
The former president has been increasingly targeted since Soleimani’s killing in January 2020, but the new threat only developed over the past few days.
US Secret Service increases Trump’s security over fear of Iranian assassination plot

Access Bank secures N442bn capital through Dutch DFI

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Access Bank secures N442bn capital through Dutch DFI

Access Bank Plc has signed a syndicate Tier II Facility agreement of N442.50bn($295m) through the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, FMO.

In a statement on Tuesday, Access Bank said this latest agreement is the third of its kind arranged by FMO for Access Bank and goes beyond a mere financial transaction to serve as proof of the deep-rooted trust and synergy between the two institutions.

It was also revealed that the agreement is the largest syndication in FMO’s history and that the investment was made possible through the collective efforts of a syndicate of Global Development Finance Institution partners including the British International Investment, Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries, BlueOrchard, FinDev Canada, Finnfund of Finland, Norfund of Norway, Oikocredit, and Swedfund of Sweden.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Hague, Netherlands was attended by dignitaries including Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oluremi Oliyide and representatives from the Dutch government.

The Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, expressed gratitude to FMO for the support and emphasised the bank’s commitment to becoming the world’s most respected African bank by adhering to global best practices and maintaining high standards of accountability.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with FMO. This monumental syndicate Tier II Facility agreement underscores the deep-rooted trust and synergy among our institutions. This facility not only enhances our capital reserves but also strengthens Africa’s trade capabilities and export potential,” Ogbonna stated.

He highlighted that the funds would be used to catalyse growth across various sectors, stimulate business development, create jobs, and deepen financial inclusion.

“Putting these funds to use, we aim to catalyse growth across various sectors, stimulate business development, create jobs, and deepen financial inclusion, aligning with Access Bank’s mission to drive progress and development throughout the continent and beyond,” Ogbonna added.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of FMO, Michael Jongeneel, expressed gratitude to Access Bank and the syndication partners for their outstanding cooperation and collective effort in making the loan facility a reality.

“The syndicated loan provides significant support to SMEs in Nigeria, particularly underserved segments such as women and young entrepreneurs, aligning perfectly with our shared strategy to enhance financial inclusion and empower local entrepreneurs in the agribusiness and SME sectors,” Jongeneel remarked.

NGX: Zenith Bank leads trading as investors gain N62bn

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NGX: Zenith Bank leads trading as investors gain N62bn

Investors in the Nigerian capital market gained N62 billion at the close of trading on Tuesday.
This followed an increase in the share prices of stocks like UCAP, CUTIX and SUNU ASSURANCE amongst others on the trading floor today.
After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalization increased to N56.67 trillion from N56.60 trillion posted by the bourse on Monday.
The All-Share Index (ASI) increased to 100,075.59 from 99,966.28 recorded the previous day.
The market breadth was positive as 219 stocks advanced and 14 declined, while 83 others remained unchanged in 8,151 deals.
UCAP, CUTIX, and SUNU ASSURANCE led other gainers with 10%, 9.84%, and 7.75% growth in share price each to close at N33.00, N5.58, and N1.39 from the previous N30.00, N5.08, and N1.29 per share.
READ ALSO: NGX: Equities market recovers as investors gain N172bn
On the flip side, REDSTAREX, DEAPCAP and ETERNA led other price decliners as they shed 9.82%, 5.77%, and 4.44% each to close at N3.95, N0.49, and N17.20 from the initial N4.38, N0.52, and N18.00 per share.
On the volume index, ZENITH BANK led trading with 57 million shares valued at N2.24 billion in 656 deals followed by ACCESS CORP which traded 36 million shares valued at N707 million in 824 deals.
GTCO traded 26 million shares valued at N1.32 billion in 439 deals.
On the value index, ZENITH BANK recorded the highest value for the day trading stocks worth N2.24 billion in 656 deals followed by GTCO which traded equities worth N1.32 billion in 439 deals.
ACCESS CORP traded stocks worth N707 million in 824 deals.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post NGX: Zenith Bank leads trading as investors gain N62bn appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Group decries ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad, demands govt intervention

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Group decries ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad, demands govt intervention

Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Transformation and Orientation Initiative, an advocacy group, has decried the continued maltreatment of Nigerians in diaspora, stressing that the sad situation was becoming alarming.
The group took its cry to the headquarters of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, in Abuja concerning the general maltreatment of Nigerians citizens abroad but more specifically concerning the continued detention of a Nigerian cleric, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, in Benin Republic on a charge not substantiated.
TVN reports that Nigerians had staged a protest to the Benin Republic Embassy in Abuja recently to register their displeasure over the circumstances surrounding the detention of Pastor Egbaji, urging the Nigerian government to intervene in the matter and also look into several cases of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in several countries.
Samson Eze, media coordinator of the group, who led the group at a media chat with the spokesman of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, stated that over 5,000 other Nigerians apart from Mr Egbaji, are languishing in detention in Benin Republic.
Eze noted that this is an affront to the people and government of Nigeria that a neighbouring West African country could inflict such harm on Nigerians with the Nigerian government doing little or nothing to address the situation.
He therefore called on the government to apply the principle of reciprocity and show its power in reaction to the unacceptable behaviour from the authorities in Benin Republic.
They also claimed that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji may have been set up due to his popularity in the country.
“There seems to be this hatred for Nigerians in the diaspora, the moment you say you’re a Nigerian like the case of South Africa or any other part of the world, there seems to be this hatred, people begin to hate you for nothing.
“We’ve heard a series of stories of our people being victimised or attacked simply because they are Nigerians,” the group lamented.
Responding, NiDCOm spokesman Balogun assured them that the government has intervened in the case of the cleric by providing additional legal representation, which he believed will go a long way to help in his case.
He stated that the country will apply diplomatic efforts to ensure justice for the Nigerian detainee.
Balogun however, noted that everyone should wait for the outcome since the matter was before a court of law, and advised Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the country by being law-abiding in their host countries. He stressed that the intervention of the government will be easier if cases against Nigerians abroad are not based on criminality and infringement of the laws of their host countries.
Group decries ill-treatment of Nigerians abroad, demands govt intervention

Fubara charges exco members on procurement law

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Fubara charges exco members on procurement law

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged members of the State Executive Council to abide by the public procurement law.

Fubara gave the charge during the Public Procurement Enlightenment Workshop organised by the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.

At the event, the governor was conferred with the Champion for Exemplary Compliance to Public Procurement Law by the RSBoPP and it was presented by the Special Guest of Honour,Justice Mary Odili (rtd.).

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor stressed the importance of public procurement to the commonwealth of the people.

He said, “As the Bible says, let your light so shine before men that they may glorify your father in heaven. Let our good works shine before the people of Rivers State so that they can have cause to glorify God that indeed the government they have voted into office is doing well.

“That is the time we will begin to celebrate. What we are doing today is very crucial. Every government literally rises or falls on how they practice their procurement. Virtually, everything we do as a government, money is spent and what we are talking about today is how to spend the people’ s money.

“The money does not belong to any of us, and the people need to know how we are spending their money. What we are learning today is the procedure and practices the people have laid down on how to spend their money. We should re-emphasize the fact that what we are doing today is crucial.”

He warned all officials to take the training seriously as anyone found wanting in relation to procurement law will be held responsible.

He said any commissioner or permanent secretary in violation of the law will be seriously frowned at.

Fubara thanked Hon Justice Odili for her presence, consistent advice and guidance on transparency and good governance in the affairs of the state.

He commended the RSBoPP for organising the workshop as he believes in accountability, transparency and the works of the Bureau, while maintaining that the workshop was crucial because the success of government also depends on abiding by procurement laws

Justice Odili said the workshop was appropriate to improve accountability in governance.

She admonished the government on the need for the training to be a regular exercise so that all government and public offices will know what to do when matters concerning procurement are involved.

“It is a wonderful programme and I commend the Governor for making sure that the session takes place. It will enhance accountability in governance as it will bring understanding and opening of minds to what is expected and what the public deserves to know about government funds and money,” she said.

On her part, the Acting Director General, Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, Engr. Dr. Ine Briggs, said, “That despite all the powers the Governor wields, he goes through the process of awards of contracts and passes documentation through the bureau. It is an exemplary effort.

“If the governor can comply, what stops other agencies from complying? We gave him the award to thank him and encourage him to use it as an example to all entities in the state,” she said.

She said the workshop was necessitated by the need to enlighten officials on procurement laws, adding that necessary actions will be taken against defaulters because the law emboldens the Bureau to take requisite actions against violators.

Sanwo-Olu hails NOVA Bank expansion plans

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Sanwo-Olu hails NOVA Bank expansion plans

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended NOVA Bank Limited on the opening of its new business office in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the commissioning of the office, which is NOVA Bank’s first commercial banking branch, on Tuesday.

He said, “We need to commend them. We need to encourage them. The NOVA team have a choice to go elsewhere or to remain in the merchant banking space. But they decided to take it further, and taking it further means they have to commit additional resources that will enable them to remain competitive and to make more impact.

“So on behalf of the Lagos State government, I am here to thank you, encourage you and to say to you that we are excited with this milestone, “ the governor stated, adding that NOVA Bank Limited has a lot of multi-talented men and women.

While especially thanking the Board Chairman, Mr Philip Oduoza, for playing a significant role on the board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund years back, he said there has been no record of bank robbery for a long time due to improvement in the security situation in the state.

Nova Bank recently transitioned to a national commercial bank after receiving its licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In his address, the Chairman and founder of NOVA Bank, Oduoza, expressed delight about the future of the bank.

He said, “I feel very excited about it because this is something that we have been looking up to, for some time. We have been very successful in the Merchant banking space, which is the space where you attend to wholesale banking clients and corporate commercial banking. Now we have turned around, to take this success story to the retail market, and the retail market has far more population than the wholesale space. So we want to take this excellent service to many more people in Nigeria because we know it is going to make an impact on the economy.

“The impact comes in various forms. One is financial services provision, the second one is empowering the consumers through consumer credit and the third one is providing them with our suite of products that have been very, very successful, “ Obuoza stated.

According to him, of critical importance is the ‘PHYGITAL’ model of the bank which is a convergence of the physical offices and digital platforms, thus empowering customers to do so many things.

Both “from your office, your house, on the go, anywhere at all, and that’s what the digital experience gives to you, “ he assured.

He said by opening up more branches, the Bank would be supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the area of job creation and stabilising the economy.

He emphasised the bank’s unwavering commitment to customer focus and delivering exceptional service.

“As we expand our services, we remain dedicated to delivering an unparalleled banking experience that seamlessly integrates the physical and digital realms.

“Our trademarked PHYGITAL experience combines a select number of strategically located physical branches with high-tech, seamless digital banking capabilities, ensuring that our customers receive the best of both worlds. This approach allows us to provide personalised, in-person service where it is most needed, while also offering the convenience and efficiency of cutting-edge digital solutions,” he explained.

Answering questions regarding the latest N500bn banking sector recapitalisation requirements, Oduoza said that shareholders who believed so much in the lender, raised capital through a rights issue last year to meet the capital requirements of the commercial banks, have committed to do it again to meet the CBN deadline.

NOVA Bank, which was established in 2018, is set to open additional branches in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

Allegation against UNIMED VC spurious

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Allegation against UNIMED VC spurious

The Director of Media and Protocols of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, has said that the allegations of corruption, by a group, against the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, were spurious.

A group under the auspices of the Coalition of Ondo State Indigenes Against Corruption alleged that Fatusi was involved in some corrupt practices in the administration of the institution.

They also asked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to sack the VC.

Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, Oluyi said the allegations by the group were the handiwork of detractors who did not understand how universities work all over the world or have little or no knowledge about UNIMED.

He said, “This is the first specialised university of medical sciences in Nigeria that has grown in leaps and bounds under Professor Adesegun Fatusi, with visible evidence in terms of accomplishments. We invite the whole world to come and see for themselves.

“Results do not lie. The footprints of Professor Fatusi in terms of remarkable achievements are there even for a blind man to see. How can anybody say that a university ranked as the fourth best university among the state-owned universities in Nigeria under Fatusi is in ruins?

“This is completely laughable! For whosoever cares to know the truth, we invite you to our fast-growing university under the able leadership of Professor Fatusi, a man who prioritises merit over any other primordial sentiment.”

The leader of the group, Feyi Emmanuel, in a statement, said they were calling for the sack of the VC, saying the institution was not in good condition.

“The UNIMED is our institution of pride in Ondo State. It is the foremost leading institution in the country in the field of medicine and other relevant medical courses. We are sorry to report that an institution Prof. Fatusi inherited has become a sorry state. The institution needs to be rescued from the grip of Fatusi. Prof Fatusi’s only mission is to leave the school in ruins,” he stressed.

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