General
NECA Throws Full Weight Behind FG’s Migration Reforms
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its support for the ongoing migration reforms of the federal government.
The Director General of NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, speaking at a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on Expatriate Quota Reform, New Visa Regime and Post-Amnesty Programme held in Kano recently, commended the government for taking the bold step to embark on these reforms aimed to engender dignity and economic growth.
He informed the gathering that the post-amnesty programme intersects meaningfully with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for free-flow of goods, services, and persons across the continent.
Mr Oyerinde noted that NECA remains committed to fostering an economy where law, enterprise, and opportunity coexist, declaring that the group is open to collaborating with stakeholders to transform the post-amnesty process into a model of structured inclusion, turning compliance into confidence and sustainable development for Nigeria and the wider African continent.
“Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy, must lead by example, demonstrating that lawful mobility and economic opportunity can coexist within a secure and predictable policy environment.
“For the private sector, the post-amnesty programme is both timely and necessary. It ensures employers operate within clear legal parameters, protects enterprises from liability, and enhances workforce integrity.
“It also contributes to enterprise sustainability by aligning workforce planning with national immigration frameworks. NECA stands ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in providing continuous engagement, capacity-building, and advocacy to ensure that this policy achieves its intended goals,” the DG stated.
Applauding the foresight of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the diligence of the NIS Comptroller-General, Ms Kemi Nanna Nandap, in driving the reform agenda with balance and purpose, he stated that the post-amnesty programme convened by the Ministry demonstrates that migration can be managed in a way that protects national interest, promotes human dignity, and strengthens economic growth.
“I must commend the Minister of Interior, whose visionary leadership continues to redefine the administration of internal security and migration in Nigeria. His results-driven approach has positioned the ministry as a model of reform and accountability.
“I also want to acknowledge the steady and pragmatic leadership of the Comptroller-General of Immigration, whose commitment to operational excellence and humane enforcement is giving new credibility to the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he said.
He described the ministry’s ambitious reforms, including the post-amnesty enforcement sensitisation, as a reflection of the federal government’s determination to move towards global realities and practices with fairness, clarity, and firmness.
“We align with the ministry’s and NIS’s various initiatives because we are convinced that they are not punitive but restorative. It offers foreign nationals who may have fallen out of compliance with immigration regulations a lawful path to regularisation, reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty and adherence to the rule of law. This is what effective migration governance looks like, firm on standards yet humane in execution,” he said.
Mr Oyerinde stressed that when governed by clear rules and strong institutions, migration remains a source of national strength. He also emphasised the need for regularisation of the process to help create visibility within the system, enabling the government to plan better, employers to comply confidently, and migrants to contribute productively.
Advancing the economic benefits of migration, he noted that properly documented people are more likely to work lawfully, pay taxes, and participate in the formal economy, thus enhancing social cohesion and reducing vulnerabilities linked to irregular status.
He explained that some of the bold steps taken by the Ministry on migration align totally with international labour and migration standards and conventions of. By anchoring the sensitisation process on such principles, the NIS is positioning Nigeria as a regional example of humane and structured migration management.
“Globally, countries that have implemented similar regularisation exercises, such as Spain, Portugal, and Argentina, have recorded tangible socio-economic benefits, from improved labour compliance to expanded tax bases and better national security outcomes. Nigeria’s post-amnesty programme has that same potential,” he noted.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position, in line with the directive that government appointees seeking political offices must resign before March 31.
Business Post reports that the diplomat is eyeing a governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Tuggar’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday.
Mr Tuggar submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by President Bola Tinubu, which directs all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign before March 31.
The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
With this development, more resignations are expected before the March 31 deadline as appointees seeking elective offices move to meet the stipulated deadline.
Earlier today, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, formally resigned from his position to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his sights on the Kano governorship ticket.
Mr Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The 59-year-old is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Lagos State government has promised to sustain its collaboration with private sector players to drive sustainable urban development, create jobs, and position Lagos as a leading hub for commerce and industry in Africa.
This assurance was given by the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the commissioning of Irele Tower last Thursday.
The nine-storey facility is the first commercial building within the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ). It is EDGE-certified, which sets a new standard for sustainable workspace in Lekki, Nigeria’s fastest-growing economic corridor.
Irele Tower is designed to host office and retail activities in the Lekki economic corridor. It was built for efficiency with 26 per cent less energy and 46 per cent less water consumption. It is an eco-friendly building, with the design inspired by maritime architecture, reflecting its proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the delivery of the Irele Tower as a significant milestone in the development of the economic zone in line with the agenda of making Lagos a 21st-century economy by boosting economic growth to support the state’s developmental plans.
According to him, the facility is critical to unlocking the full potential of the Ibeju-Lekki axis of the economic zone, particularly given the presence of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and other major industrial investments within the Lagos Free Zone.
“The commissioning of Irele Tower is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This development not only enhances the infrastructure profile of the Lagos Free Zone but also strengthens our vision of making Lagos a premier destination for investment and economic activities.
“We will continue to support initiatives that promote industrial growth, create employment opportunities, and improve the overall business environment in our state,” he said.
In her remarks, the chief executive of LFZ, Ms Adesuwa Ladoja, stated that the development reflects the zone’s commitment to creating an integrated ecosystem where businesses can thrive, supported by modern infrastructure, a strategic location, and efficient logistics.
“The commissioning of Irele Tower represents a defining milestone in our journey to build a world-class industrial and commercial hub. This development reflects our commitment to providing high-quality infrastructure that supports ease of doing business and enhances operational efficiency for our tenants.
“As the first commercial tower within the Lagos Free Zone, Irele Tower, sets a new benchmark for quality workspace in this corridor and reinforces our position as a preferred destination for investment and enterprise,” she added.
Irele Tower sits on a gross floor area of approximately 12,000 square metres. It offers modern workspaces tailored to evolving business needs. The facility also offers premium amenities, including office spaces, retail outlets, parking facilities, shared workspaces, and a rooftop cafeteria, creating a dynamic, integrated business environment.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, has formally resigned from his position, obeying a directive that requires office holders with political ambitions to step down before March 31, 2026.
Mr Gawuna, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, submitted his resignation in a letter dated March 27, 2026. In the letter, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect and is in compliance with directives issued by President Bola Tinubu.
He is expected to formally announce his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday alongside Mr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and former Governor of Kano, who resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The former governor of Kano and senator rose to prominence through his grassroots-oriented Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has played a decisive role in shaping electoral outcomes in Kano. His political journey has seen him move across major parties before leading the NNPP into the 2023 general elections, where he maintained significant influence in the North-West state.
“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act,” Mr Gawuna wrote.
In his resignation letter, Mr Gawuna expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve under the current administration, describing his tenure as both an honour and a privilege.
“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me to serve. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and our great country,” he stated.
He also struck a reflective tone regarding his future, adding, “I place my future in the hands of Allah (SWT) and seek His divine guidance in all my endeavours.”
Mr Gawuna assured stakeholders of a seamless transition process, noting that he would hand over responsibilities in line with established procedures.
“I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly handover in accordance with all laid-down directives,” he said.
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