News
Senate Directs Compulsory Identification of Nigerians Via BVN, NIN to Stem Criminal Activities
Senate has directed the Ministry of Interior to make registration and certification of Nigerian citizens compulsory as a way of tackling the menace of identity fraud, multiple identity and insecurity in the country.
This was part of the resolution reached during the meeting between the Senate, the Service Chiefs, Heads of Security Agencies and some ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet earlier in the week.
The lawmakers had, during the resumed plenary of January 30, summoned the Security Chiefs to an interactive session over the rising cases of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, killings and other criminal activities across the country.
Those invited by the Senate include Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Finance, Wale Edun; Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Directors-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi and that of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar.
Others include, Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Addressing journalists after the meeting that lasted over 10 hours, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the meeting also looked into possible ways of strengthening the border security of the country, to guide against influx of criminal elements.
Senator Adaramodu said, “We asked questions from the Interior Minister, and we spoke about how to, maybe apprehend criminals within the country. And then we spoke about standardization and certification of a citizen’s identity, through VIN, BVN, NIN, etc; so that we can put all together, so it means that, at the strike of a finger, you can get the identity of a citizen.
“So that no citizen will bear three or four identities and whenever a crime is committed by any citizen, they will not be able to apprehend him or her.
“So, we got that assurance, and that one is even ongoing. And then we got the assurances of our border patrol, that today, the borders must be manned seriously, and that we need more men to man the borders.
“We also got assurances from the Minister of Finance that funds would be released expeditiously for the purchase of those gadgets that are going to assist our Service Chiefs and our security men to perform their duties very effectively.”
Senator Adaramodu, who also spoke on the Security Chiefs, reiterated the lawmakers’ vote of confidence in them, saying, the lawmakers were pleased with the progress made so far to fight insurgency.
He said that “The Service Chiefs have allayed our fears. They even satisfactorily answered our questions on the total plans they had, which is underway, that is going to nip everything in the board.
“They told us what they have been doing, especially some samples, which we saw a few weeks ago about the Bwari kidnap saga, and so forth. Then the efforts of the security, how they have apprehended the suspects, and the suspects are under trial now.”
Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, earlier while reading the resolution, said the Senate took the decision to give the invitees past mark, after listening to submissions made by the various Security Chiefs on latest onslaughts against criminal elements in the country.
Akpabio said that “After listening to the Security Chiefs, the Senate is convinced that serious measures are already being carried out against criminals in the country by the various security agencies.
“Such actions are indeed yielding results with the arrest of many of the criminal non-state actors within the last few days which would surely bring about a secured and safe country for us all.
“The Senate is particularly impressed with the arrest of about 90% of those who perpetrated heinous crime across the country in recent times.
“We however urged the various security agencies to do more by enduring synergy in their operations for total security of lives and property in the country.
“On our part as legislators, we shall collaborate more with the executive arm of government towards putting the menace behind us.”
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with key stakeholders in the global information and broadcasting sector to strengthen Nigeria’s information dissemination framework.
This pledge was made on Monday during discussions with prominent broadcast and information companies at the ongoing National Association of Broadcasters Show 2025 in Las Vegas, United States.
Speaking at the event, Idris said the Bola Tinubu administration remained committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies and acquiring state-of-the-art equipment for Federal Government media organisations to ensure effective service delivery.
“Strategic communication is essential to ensuring that the policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda reach the Nigerian people effectively,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the government’s plans to invest in upgrading facilities and replacing outdated infrastructure in radio, television, and other media institutions.
According to the minister, this will improve the dissemination of credible, balanced, and objective information to the public.
Idris further said that the government would explore collaborations and partnerships that would allow local broadcasters to benefit from emerging technologies and industry-specific training opportunities.
The minister had visited exhibitions showcasing hardware and software solutions during the event.
Items exhibited included broadcast antennas, transmitters, and studio equipment, which are pivotal for enhancing broadcasting capabilities.
Thomas King, Chairman of KINTRONIC Laboratories and Enrico Vaccari, Chief Operating Officer of Axel Technology SRL, had expressed their organisations’ readiness to partner with the Nigerian government.
Gianluca Baccalini, Chief Operating Officer of System Engineering Solutions and Khiran Keerodhur, Chief Operating Officer of Thomson Broadcast, among others, also expressed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape and regulatory agencies.
Idris is leading a delegation of chief executives of agencies in his ministry to the NAB event.
Members of the delegation included the Managing Director of NAN, Ali Muhammad Ali, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Salihu Dembos.
Others are the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu; and Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Lekan Fadolapo.
Also in the delegation is the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace.The forum, NAN reports, is to strengthen broadcast collaborations and form strategic alliances. The NAB event, running from Saturday to Wednesday, has as theme: “The Technology, The Trend, The Future.”
NAN also reports that the forum is focusing on a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, cloud visualisation, creator economy, as well as sports production and streaming.
In a glowing testimonial that reveals the rising influence of Konga 103.7FM beyond Lagos, a business merchant from Kano, Mr. Ishaku Mohammed, shared how the station’s late-night programming helped him overcome insomnia and reconnect with hope.
Mr. Mohammed, who was in Lagos to attend a wedding, stumbled on KongaFM by chance, but the impact, he says, was life-changing.
“KongaFM solved my insomnia. It was like a miracle. I tuned in around 9 pm and left the radio on. The inspirational songs and messages gave me peace and helped me sleep properly again, for the first time in a long while,” said Mr. Mohammed.
Having returned to Kano, he now streams the station regularly on kongafm.com, calling it “a sound of hope in changing times.”
The testimonial has been widely shared on social media, drawing attention to the station’s unique blend of entertainment and emotionally resonant content. With increasing listenership on-air and via digital streams across Nigeria and, by extension, the world, Konga 103.7FM is quickly becoming a household name in the country’s evolving media space.
Speaking on the impact, Ifeoma Ajumobi, Head of Konga TV & Radio, noted: “Mr. Mohammed is exactly why we do what we do. At KongaFM, we’re not just filling the airwaves with music or talk, but filling a gap in people’s lives 24hrs daily. Whether it’s easing stress, igniting hope, as a domain of knowledge, or simply keeping people company through the night, our goal is to be the voice that truly resonates.
“We are building a station that listens, heals, inspires, and leads. And as we continue expanding our reach, our mission remains clear: to be Nigeria’s most human radio experience. One voice, one story, one soul at a time.”
KongaFM continues to deliver engaging programming in entertainment, inspiration, commerce, and culture. With a growing footprint in northern and southern Nigeria and a commitment to reflecting the voices of real people, the AI tech-driven station is positioning itself as a trailblazer in 21st-century African radio broadcasting.
Advertising Offences Tribunal (AOT) has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Captain Ado Sanusi, managing director, Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria Limited, for failing to appear before the tribunal in an ongoing case concerning alleged violations of Nigerian advertising laws.
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) filed a 22-count charge against Captain Sanusi and Aero Contractors, accusing them of exposing advertisements targeted at the Nigerian market without obtaining the necessary approval from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP). This, according to ARCON, contravenes established Nigerian advertising regulations.
The case was initially scheduled for hearing on February 26, 2025. However, during the proceedings, Captain Sanusi was absent, prompting his legal representatives to assure the tribunal of his presence at the next hearing while also pleading for leniency. Despite these assurances, the defendant failed to appear on the adjourned date.
Given Captain Sanusi’s continued absence, the Advertising Offences Tribunal, in line with its mandate to enforce compliance with advertising regulations, issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The tribunal has ordered that he be presented at its next sitting, scheduled for May 8, 2025.
MTN Battles Netflix, Showmax with New Streaming Platform
FG Begin Technical Upgrade of Government-Owned Media
Prof Osinbajo Seeks Stronger IP Protection in Nigeria, Africa
Evans Woherem’s Book, “Building A New Africa” Charts Bold Vision For Africa’s Future
FG to Invest in Cutting-edge Broadcast Technology
News2 days agoAOT Issues Bench Warrant against Sanusi, Aero Contractors MD
News2 days agoUS Cancels Visas for All South Sudanese Passport Holders
News2 days agoMeningitis Outbreak Kills 151 in Nigeria – NCDC
News2 days agoSERAP Calls on Tinubu to Reject $1.08Bn Loan, Probe Missing Funds
News2 days agoAfrimash Launches USSD Code to Revolutionize Poultry Farming and Combat Counterfeit Farm Produce
General News2 days agoUniversity Don Seeks Ban of Smartphones, Social Media in Schools
News24 hours agoFG to Invest in Cutting-edge Broadcast Technology
General News2 days agoAmid Rising Investor Confidence in Nigeria, Woodhall Capital Foundation Trains Captains of Industry