The Government of Japan has donated construction equipment worth ₦3.6 billion to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to support Nigeria’s drive for sustainable infrastructure development.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, during the commissioning in Abuja, described the donation as a strategic milestone that would boost the capacity of engineers and technicians to deliver critical road projects across the country.

“This generous contribution from Japan brings us closer to our vision of a smoother, safer, and more reliable travel across the country. Roads are the lifeblood of our economy and daily life, and this equipment is a game changer in our ability to utilise and preserve them,” he states.

Goronyo commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure and affirms that efficient road networks are essential for economic growth and national cohesion.

“We envision a future where travel across Nigeria is seamless, secure, and dependable. This generous donation moves us closer to making that vision a reality. This equipment is a valuable asset, and its effective deployment will reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians,” he adds.

He also expresses gratitude to the Japanese government on behalf of the Nigerian government and people, while urging FERMA’s leadership and technical team to ensure optimal use of the donated equipment.

PIAK

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued an advisory to citizens holding United States visas, warning against misuse and violation of visa terms following concerns raised by the U.S. government over visa abuse.

In an official statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinlabi Akinsola, the Service advised all visa holders to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their U.S. visa applications.

“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation,” the Service stated.

Akinsola warned that breaches of visa conditions—including overstaying—could attract severe penalties such as removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel, adding that the U.S. remains committed to secure and transparent visa processes.

The NIS further stressed that Nigerian students in the U.S. must remain in active study, warning that “withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility.”

The advisory also cautioned against using tourist visas for childbirth purposes, noting that “U.S. consular officers may deny tourist visas if there is reason to believe the applicant’s primary intent is to give birth in the U.S. to obtain citizenship for the child.”

The NIS reaffirmed its continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to prevent Nigeria from being included in any expanded visa restrictions. It concluded that compliance with visa regulations is essential to safeguard legitimate travel for Nigerian citizens.

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The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, restates the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to restoring peace and strengthening security across Northern Nigeria.

He made this known during a presentation at the two-day interactive session on Government–Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.

Addressing leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives, General Musa describes the session as timely, saying it provides a platform to evaluate the government’s performance, especially in the security sector.

He outlines key military milestones achieved since assuming office in 2023, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic security directives.

These include the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja and a new Department of Training at Defence Headquarters, aimed at enhancing joint operations and personnel efficiency.

General Musa also highlights the graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with hundreds more currently in training at Jaji and Nasarawa, to counter asymmetric threats in the North.

He explains that the restructuring of operations in the North-West into Operation FANSAN YAMMA—a unified joint task force—has been accompanied by the creation of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States, and additional sectors under Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA.

The expansion of Forward Operating Bases and deployment of high-readiness units, he says, are critical in reclaiming volatile territories.

“Over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised, more than 120,000 insurgents have surrendered, and over 2,000 kidnapped victims have been rescued within the last two years,” he states.

He adds that more than 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered across various operational theatres in the North.

Beyond combat, the CDS also outlines community-based peacebuilding strategies, including youth sports competitions, civic reorientation campaigns, and sustained engagement with traditional rulers, governors, and civil society.

“These efforts are rebuilding trust and enabling the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral communities,”he explains.

He discloses that the Armed Forces are also contributing to economic recovery through the establishment of ranches, schools, and ICT training centres—especially in the North-East and North-West—in alignment with the Federal Government’s local content policy.

General Musa acknowledges the role of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), and other local defence manufacturers in advancing military logistics and innovation.

On regional diplomacy, he recounts his official visit to Niger Republic in August 2024, where he engaged his counterpart on efforts to curb cross-border threats and promote peace in the sub-region.

He further announces Nigeria’s hosting of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Abuja from 25–27 August 2025, aimed at fostering continental collaboration on security challenges.

PIAK