News
Immigration Issues Fresh Covid-19 Protocol To Int’l Travellers
The Nigeria Immigration Service Friday issued fresh travel protocols for passengers travelling from Nigeria to China, Europe and North America, asserting that passengers should strictly abide by them to avoid denial from departure or repatriation.
Its Comptroller General Muhammad Babandede, said the development was in line with the request of the affected countries, particularly from Chinese and French Embassies.
A statement signed by the Service spokesman, Mr. Sunday James noted that “effective 1st September 2020, all intending passengers to China are required to obtain COVID-19 negative test certificate before departing Nigeria for China.”
They are required to take a “Nucleic Acid Test” three (3) days before departure.
Chinese citizens are to apply for “Green Health Codes” with “HS” mark, James added.
James further said: “Other foreign nationals including Nigerians are to complete “Health Declaration Forms.
“All the two (2) categories of travelers; foreigners to China and Chinese citizens are to submit COVID-19 negative test certificate to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Nigeria for issuance of required clearance for their journey to China.
“Non-Resident Nigerians in Europe and North America are to avoid transiting France pending the lifting of travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Transit passengers to Europe and North America transiting through Paris, must endeavor to present a valid Permanent Resident Permit for their final destination and COVID-19 negative test certificate to enable them entry into France.
“As from the 1st of July 2020, only French nationals and residents are allowed into the country (France) with respect to the note verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveying the Travel Advice from the French Embassy in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service hereby, advice all China, Europe and North American bound passengers to strongly abide by these rules to avoid denial of departure from Nigeria and repatriation from the countries concerned due to non-compliance.”
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Business
UBA Unveils Diaspora Platform to Connect Global Africans with Investment, Wealth Opportunities
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has unveiled a diaspora banking and investment platform designed to serve Africans living and working across the world and within the continent.
The platform, launched in collaboration with leading ecosystem partners including United Capital, Africa Prudential, UBA Pensions, Afriland Properties, Heirs Insurance Group, and Avon Healthcare Limited — represents a major step in redefining diaspora banking beyond remittances toward structured wealth creation and long-term investment.
At the unveiling, which took place at UBA’s global headquarters in Lagos under the theme: “Beyond Banking: Powering the Global African Lifestyle, all the company representatives were on hand to showcase a seamless platform that goes beyond remittances, wealth creation, protection, and long-term prosperity.
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Head of Diaspora Banking, Anant Rao, described the initiative as a strategic shift in how Africa engages its global citizens.
“For decades, Africa’s engagement with its diaspora has focused largely on remittances. Today, we are moving beyond that. This platform represents a transition from simple money transfers to a financial ecosystem where Africans globally can bank, make payments, invest, protect their families, and build long-term wealth seamlessly,” he said.
Rao noted that African diaspora remittance flows exceed $100 billion annually, making them one of the most resilient and consistent sources of capital into the continent.
“Diaspora capital is not just a flow of funds — it is a strategic growth partner for Africa.
Our role is to provide a trusted platform that converts capital into structured investment and shared prosperity across the continent.”
The objective is to provide a platform that brings together offerings across the numerous needs of the Global African, including Banking and payments, Investments, securities services, asset management, Insurance, Pensions, real estate and Pensions.
Through this coordinated ecosystem, diaspora customers can access financial solutions across multiple sectors through a single trusted platform, enabling them to manage their financial lives and family commitments across borders with ease and transparency.
UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering a seamless diaspora experience.
“The modern African is a global citizen — mobile, ambitious, and deeply connected to home. Whether living in Africa, Europe, the Americas, or the Middle East, there must be a structured and secure financial connection back home. This platform ensures that Africans everywhere can remain economically connected to the continent with confidence and transparency.”
Partners within the ecosystem highlighted growing demand among diaspora Africans for structured investment opportunities, secure property ownership, insurance protection, and long-term financial planning.
United Capital showcased globally accessible investment products designed to deliver professionally managed and transparent wealth creation opportunities.
Afriland Properties emphasised structured and well-governed real estate investment pathways for diaspora clients.
Heirs Insurance highlighted protection solutions for life, and assets, while Avon Healthcare Limited demonstrated healthcare access and insurance solutions for families across borders.
Africa Prudential and UBA Pension reinforced digital investment management and long-term pension savings solutions designed to support diaspora participation in African capital markets.
Together, the partners underscored a shared commitment to providing diaspora Africans with credible, transparent, and professionally managed financial pathways. Rao also reiterated the guiding philosophy of Africapitalism, championed by UBA’s Founder and Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR.
He explained that Africapitalism is the belief that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the continent’s development by making long-term investments that generate both economic returns and social impact.
As Africa continues to position itself as one of the world’s most dynamic growth frontiers, UBA believes mobilising diaspora capital through trusted financial institutions will be central to shaping the continent’s next phase of development.
“Africa will increasingly be financed by Africans themselves, including Africans abroad,” Rao added. Our responsibility is to build the trusted financial infrastructure that makes this possible.”
“When Africa’s global citizens invest back into Africa, growth becomes inevitable,” he concluded.
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Headline
Tinubu hails breakthrough, as BUA signs strategic MOU with Abu Dhabi Ports, MAIR Group
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, applauded the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria’s BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group and MAIR Group in Abu Dhabi.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential Spokesman, said in a statement, that the President also described the MoU as a significant industrial and trade breakthrough arising from renewed Nigeria–UAE engagement under his administration.
The MoU will see BUA, one of Nigeria’s foremost industrial giants advancing interest in sugar refining, value addition and development in the agricultural sector.
Tinubu said the agreement represents a tangible dividend of strengthened diplomatic ties and expanding economic cooperation following his recent state visits and high-level engagements with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, which prioritised trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security.
The MoU will explore collaboration in sugar refining, agro-industrial development, and integrated global logistics solutions, with sugar refining and advanced logistics infrastructure to be developed in the UAE.
The initiative is expected to enhance value addition, strengthen supply chain resilience, and deepen structured trade flows between West Africa and the Gulf region.
President Tinubu noted that the partnership demonstrates growing international confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda and reinforces the country’s commitment to export-led industrialisation.
The President said the agreement reflects the strength and maturity of Nigerian enterprises capable of competing globally and forming strategic alliances with leading international partners.
“Strategic diplomacy must translate into measurable economic gains,” President Tinubu said. “This partnership reflects the renewed momentum in Nigeria–UAE relations and our determination to position Nigeria as a competitive industrial and trading nation, while empowering Nigerian businesses to operate confidently on the global stage.”
The President also observed that BUA Group’s established industrial base in Nigeria, including its integrated food processing operations and substantial investments in port infrastructure upgrades, provides a strong foundation for expanded international trade integration.
“I must also commend the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, who continues to believe and invest in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and has shown the world that Nigerian companies are capable of playing on the global stage.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening bilateral economic partnerships that attract investment, expand exports, strengthen Nigerian enterprise, and deliver sustainable prosperity for the country.
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Headline
Ogun surpasses 1,600km road mark, targets 2,000km before Abiodun’s tenure ends
The Ogun State Government says it has constructed over 1,600 kilometres of roads since 2019 and is targeting at least 2,000 kilometres before the end of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s tenure.
Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Monday, noting that road construction is ongoing across all 20 local government areas of the state.
Akinsanya said the administration inherited more than 4,000 kilometres of bad roads and adopted a statewide infrastructure strategy focused on rural connectivity, food security corridors, economic hubs and access to schools.
He stated that the government has so far completed more than 1,600 kilometres of roads, stressing that projects are not concentrated in a single area but spread across the state.
Among the major projects highlighted is the reconstruction of the 70-kilometre Ota–Abeokuta road, alongside extensive works in Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo and Akute. Previously impassable roads such as Ajuwon–Akute, Alhaji Kosoko–Akute and Yakoyo–Alagbole have also been rehabilitated.
The commissioner added that construction is progressing from Ota through Akute to Ijoko, with some sections completed and others still under development.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the administration has fulfilled its promise to democratise infrastructure, insisting that road projects are evenly distributed across all local governments.
Both officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming road infrastructure statewide, maintaining that the target of 2,000 kilometres will be achieved before the administration concludes its tenure.
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