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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.”
First Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc, has received the prestigious Fund Manager of the Year 2024 award. This accolade was conferred during the inaugural Capital Market Choice Awards, hosted by Nairametrics Financial Advocate Limited, underscoring the firm’s commitment to excellence and wealth creation.
The prestigious awards ceremony honoured the significant achievements of key players in the financial market, including operators, regulators, investors, and stakeholders. Their commitment and impact were crucial in fostering the growth and stability of Nigeria’s capital markets industry in 2024.
First Asset Management has received recognition for its commitment to quality service and innovation in the investment and asset management industry. This recognition reflects the firm’s exceptional performance, excellence in service delivery, and significant contributions to the financial ecosystem.
Ike Onyia, Managing Director/CEO of First Asset Management, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and commended Nairametrics for its diligence and transparency in the award process.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which validates our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our clients and stakeholders. Client satisfaction is at the core of our operations. This award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and providing innovative investment solutions,” he stated.
He further emphasised the company’s commitment to deploying customised investment strategies that address the varied objectives of its clients.
First Asset Management continues to elevate its reputation with an impressive collection of awards. For over five years, the firm has been celebrated as the Best Asset Manager in Nigeria at the EMEA Finance: African Banking Awards.
The firm has also earned recognition as a Great Place to Work and won the prestigious Excellence in Asset Management award at the 2024 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, showcasing its commitment to outstanding performance and a positive workplace culture.
The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria
In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
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