NewStats: 3,263,798 , 8,181,436 topics. Date: Saturday, 07 June 2025 at 11:53 PM 646r1q

Nominees for the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) have been released by the organizers for the forthcoming edition of the annual award.


ENigeria News reports that the nominations, which cover areas like film, television, and digital content, recognize movies released between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

In the 2025 AMVCA nomination list seen by ENigeria News, Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way secured multiple nominations across various categories, including Best Movie and Best Director.

The acting categories have the likes of Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) who were nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) are among those vying for Best Lead Actress.

Below is the full list of 2025 AMVCA nominees:

Best Digital Content Creator
Iyo Prosper Adokiye
Maryam Apakagi-Greene
Elozonam Ogbolu, Hoviare Freedom, Chiamaka Uzokwe
Jide Pounds Ibitoye
Ariyiikedimples, Brain Jotter

Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie
Gone (West Africa)
Everything Light Touches (West Africa)
The Immersive Alarm (East Africa)
Deadbeat (East Africa)
Mwananga (Southern Africa)
Rivals in Time (Southern Africa)

Best Unscripted M-Net Original
Nigerian Idol
Pastor Wants A Wife (Zambia)
Overall Best
Husband Material
The Queens of Kopala

Best Scripted M-Net Original
Uriri
All Mine
My Fairytale Wedding
Italo
The Caller
Kam U Stay

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)
Seven Doors
Lisabi: The Uprising
Kaka
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Mai Martaba

Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)
The Caller
Makosa Di Tangu
Sabotage
Wa Milele? (Forever?)

Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)
Walvis Tale
The Vow
Mwizukanji
Man of Gold
Lukas

Best Indigenous M-Net Original
Mai Shayi
The Caller
Show Me The Way
Ebighi Ebi
Subterranea
Onye Agbata Obim
Amoanimaa’s Era

Best Short Film
Sukari
Brukaci
What Are You Truly Afraid Of?
In Bloom: ‘Afefe’
The Incredible Sensational Fiancee of Seyi Ajayi

Best ing Actress
Meg Otanwa – Inside Life
Tina Mba – Suspicion
Ireti Doyle – All’s Fair in Love
Ini Dima-Okojie – Skeleton Coast
Mercy Aigbe – Farmer’s Bride
Omoni Oboli – The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3
Darasimi Nnadi – Aburo

Best ing Actor
Gabriel Afolayan – Inside Life
Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni – Lisabi: The Uprising
Aliu Gafar – Seven Doors
Femi Jacobs – Freedom Way
Richard Mofe-Damijo – Christmas In Lagos
Uzor Arukwe – Suspicion
Mike Afolarin – House of Ga’a
Efa Iwara – Princess on a Hill

Best Lead Actress
Chioma Chukwuka – Seven Doors
GbugbemI Ejeye – Farmer’s Bride
Uzoamaka Onuoha – Agemo
Uche Montana – Thinline
Uzoamaka Aniunoh – Phoenix Fury
Hilda Dokudo – The Uprising: Wives On Strike 3
Bimbo Ademoye – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre


Best Lead Actor
Gideon Okeke – Tokunbo
Bucci Franklin – The Weekend
Femi Branch – House of Ga’a
Thapelo Makoena – Skeleton Coast
Bimbo Manuel – Princess On A Hill
Stan Nze – Suspicion
Femi Adebayo – Seven Doors
Adedimeji Lateef – Lisabi: The Uprising

Best Editing
Inkabi
Christmas In Lagos
Skeleton Coast
Soft Love
Lisabi: The Uprising
Princess On A Hill

Best Cinematography
Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land)
Inkabi
The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos
Skeleton Coast
Soft Love
Lisabi: The Uprising
Agemo

Best Sound/Sound Design
Inkabi
Seven Doors
Freedom Way
Lisabi: The Uprising
Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds
Suspicion

Best Score/Music
Inkabi
Freedom Way
Seven Doors
Soft Love
Skeleton Coast

Best Art Direction
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Christmas In Lagos
Farmer’s Bride
Seven Doors
The Man Died
Lisabi: The Uprising

Best Costume Design
Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a
Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyeade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising
Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury
Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos

Best Makeup
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Lisabi: The Uprising
Seven Doors
Farmer’s Bride
Clarence Peters’ Inside Life
Suspicion

Best Writing TV Series
Untying Kantai
Tuki?
Roses & Ivy
Cheta’M
Seven Doors
Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
Princess On A Hill

Best Writing in a Movie
The Weekend
Skeleton Coast
Freedom Way
Phoenix Fury
A Ghetto Love Story
House of Ga’a
Christmas In Lagos

Best Documentary
Walvis Tale
Dundun
O.Y.O (On Your Own)
Women of Salt: The Resilience of Ebonyi’s Women
I Will You

Best Scripted Series
Clarence Peters’ Inside Life
Seven Doors
Princess On A Hill
Cheta’M
Roses & Ivy

Best Unscripted Series
Style Magnate
Skillers The Builders Show)
Ebuka Turns Up Africa
Wa Milele? (Forever?)
Uzoamaka Tries Palmwine

Best Director
Robert O Peters – Skeleton Coast
Norman Maake – Inkabi
Bolanle Austen-Peters – House of Ga’a
Awam Amkpa – The Man Died
Daniel Emeka Oriahi – The Weekend
Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani, Tope Adebayo – Seven Doors

Best Movie
Lisabi: The Uprising
Skeleton Coast
Suspicion
Inkabi
House of Ga’a
Freedom Way
Christmas in Lagos
Farmer’s Bride

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/2025-amvca-nominees-list/

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has released a statement to push back narratives by the Presidency suggesting that he did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the state, among other issues.


In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi on Thursday evening, Governor Fubara noted that it became necessary to put the records clearly because it appeared that the President was misinformed by those tasked with the responsibility to do so.


In the press statement titled, “ALLEGED COMPLICITY IN ATTACKS ON OIL INSTALLATIONS: PUTTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT,” Fubara further noted that the action of militants who bombed oil facilities in the state as well as reactions from of the Ijaw youths Council (IYC), were orchestrated by a reckless statement made on a live Chat by Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, where he dismissed Ijaws as a “minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity”, saying that “Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.”

Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the State.

There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.

Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the Presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way “telegraph” the reported attacks on any oil facility in the State.

It is on record that the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat, during which he dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.

Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed.

Available public records show that Governor Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his istration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.


He often recalled his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the Region, and repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the State, urging his ers and the people of the State to avoid acts capable of destabilizing the State or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the State by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

His commitment to total peace and good governance in the State has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the State into the Federation has shown over the months.

On the claim that the Governor acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the Chambers 14 months after, it is on record that Governor Fubara acted based on professional advice and guidance.

Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the Government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 percent completed.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free Local Government election in the State on the 5th October, 2024, the ers of the FCT Minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s ers.

It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led istration.

This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or hindrance.

It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be “telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines” and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the State.

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/fubara-new-today-wike-triggered-militants-in-rivers-state-fubara-breaks-silence/

The Nigerian Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit has been disbanded and to be replaced with a new unit, ENigeria News reports.


Announcing the disbandment was Abi State Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa, who disclosed that the Command’s Special Squad (CSS) will replace the disbanded SWAT unit in the state effective immediately.

ENigeria News reports that the Commissioner of Police added that a newly trained and highly professional unit known as the Scorpion Squad will consist of officers who would ensure professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.

In a press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on March 20, 2025, the State Command noted that the restructuring aims to enhance law enforcement operations in the state while ensuring professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law. The new squad will be led by SP Ibe Daniel as commander, with DSP Eze Augustine serving as the second-in-command.

Danladi Isa, while addressing of the newly formed Scorpion Squad, emphasized the need for professionalism, discipline, and compliance with the rules of engagement. He directed that all operations must be intelligence-driven, with officers maintaining proper operational dress codes for easy identification and ability. The also warned that any misconduct tarnishing the image of the force would attract strict sanctions.

The Scorpion Squad has been mandated to combat violent crimes across Abia State, ensuring that criminal activities are decisively addressed and reduced to the barest minimum.

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/police-swat-unit-disbanded/

Delta State, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is about to commence the construction of the multi-billion-naira Osubi Specialist Hospital, ENigeria News can report exclusively.


ENigeria News reports that the proposed Osubi Specialist Hospital will be situated in Osubi community under Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where the governor comes from.

The hospital complex is an ultra-modern facility with state-of-the-art facilities alongside modern senior staff quarters, ample green areas, and a spacious parking lot, among others.


In a document sighted by ENigeria News, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, is inviting suitably qualified companies to bid for the execution of the project.

The development is coming hours after Governor Oborevwori inspected flyover bridges, and various ongoing projects in Warri and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state on Thursday.
Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, disclosed that his istration had ordered the procurement of eight dialysis machines and CT scans for hospitals in the state.

According to him, “We have ordered eight dialysis machines.
“Warri Central Hospital would get three dialysis machines; Asaba Specialist Hospital, three; and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, two.”
The governor further added that the machines would arrive by the end of March.”
SOURCE: Desmond Ike-Chima for: https://enigerianews.com/osubi-specialist-hospital/

Mama Mammy Ochefu, who is the founder of the famous military cantonment Mammy Market, is dead. The cause of her death is also captured below.

ENigeria News reports that Mama Mammy Ochefu, wife of the late Colonel Anthony Aboki Ochefu, reportedly died on Wednesday at an advanced age.
Mama Ochefu hails from Jericho-Ugboju in the present Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Her legacy dates back to 1955, when, as a young bride to then-non-commissioned military officer Anthony Aboki Ochefu, she sought to her household by selling soft drinks and a traditional beverage known as kunu at the Army Barracks in Abakpa, Enugu.

Her business quickly gained popularity among soldiers, but complaints about hygiene led to restrictions on her operations.

Recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit, a senior officer allocated a designated space behind the barracks where she could continue her trade. What started as a single beverage stand soon expanded, as other women in the barracks ed in selling various goods, forming what became known as the “Mammy Market.”


As Colonel Ochefu was posted to different states, Mammy continued setting up similar markets, ensuring that each one remained operational even after their departure. Over time, Mammy Markets became a permanent feature in military barracks across Nigeria, serving as vital hubs for soldiers and their families.

Ochefu was shot dead at a Petrol Station in Otukpo, Benue State, on 25th November 1999.

After the ing of her husband, Mammy Ochefu returned to her hometown in Otukpo, where she spent the rest of her life.

She is now reunited with her husband.

Rest in peace, Mama Mammy Ochefu.
SOURCE: [https://enigerianews.com/how-mama-mammy-ochefu-founder-of-mammy-market-died/]

A Nigerian comedian and actor, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, has spoken up about a debt of N500 million he accrued as a result of his financial recklessness.


ENigeria News reports that Mr. Macaroni, as he is famously known, revealed in a post that sometime around 2021/2022 he was a victim of a scam. A development that shook him deeply, but he chose to remain silent about it.

According Mr Macaroni, in a bid to remain stable while he continued his work, he ended up borrowing huge amounts of money. He said it took him long enough to realize he was using the monies he earned to service debts, hence subjecting himself to more pressure.

He wrote:

You all know I never bring my personal issues to social media.

I only wish to share this with my community because I want people to learn from my experience. Also a part of me won’t rest until i publicly thank God for his grace; therefore I feel obliged to do this.

Sometime around 2021/2022 I was victim of a scam and simultaneously a failed investment that cost me all I had saved at the time. It shook me deeply but I told NO ONE about it. If you know me well enough, you would know I do not like to share my problems. I could be going through the worst and at the same time helping others solve their own problems but I just would never share mine.

Also, my training in Theatre is that the show must go on. As a Thespian, I have a duty to continue to entertain, inform, educate and use my art to make society a better place. So it didn’t matter whatever it was I was going through.

The show must go on!
After I lost all the money I had then, Trouble started when I had to borrow money from different sources to settle all pending commitments and also fulfill certain responsibilities i have always believed were mine to fulfill. I make money in millions so I never thought borrowing money to pay back with interests could ever be a problem. But I got too comfortable and it took me a long time to realize that I was using the money I was earning to pay back interests. Also, my financial recklessness did not help.

Please don’t borrow money! But if you must, please be responsible.

I’m not perfect. I try to be as honest as possible. I am a financially reckless person. I know it. My family and friends have... https://enigerianews.com/n500-million-debt-mr-macaroni-speaks-about-his-reckless-lifestyle/

You can say that again

Ladiesdoctor:
Wahala be like spraying money inside mushin market

Facts have emerged on how the self-styled leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa, used Access Bank Plc s for terrorist financing.
ENigeria News reports that the Federal government, following recommendations by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), which investigated a list of numbers used in terrorism financing s domiciled in the Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede-led Access Bank Plc and other financial institutions in the country, upon conclusion of a high-level meeting in Abuja, advised that the s should be sanctioned, and the holders prosecuted.


According to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the action is in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which empowers the government to impose sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to terror-related activities.

The NFIU disclosed that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), acting on the approval of President Bola Tinubu, authorized the designation of the individuals and entities, leading to their official inclusion in the Nigeria Sanctions List.

ENigeria News understands that as part of the enforcement measures, authorities have been directed to identify and freeze all funds, assets, and other economic resources linked to the sanctioned individuals and organizations without prior notice.

The Access Bank Numbers Used for Terrorist Financing are Listed Below:

Here is a list of numbers domiciled in Access Bank (other banks in next publication), used for terrorism financing by Simon Ekpa, who is currently languishing in Finland prison on charges of alleged terrorist activities.
Access Bank numbers : 0110709618,
0108595489,
1132518632
0060032439,
1187008630,
1448136683,
1612608952,
0071127599,
1138098116,
1113046148,
1113046148,
1872085373,
0800331795,
1436852548.


ENigeria News reports that the FG further mandated that financial institutions and relevant agencies should ensure a complete asset freeze on all s associated with the listed persons and entities.

“For designated entities, this should include s linked to their signatories and directors to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions regime,” the statement from the NFIU read.

NFIU added, “You’re required to report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements;

“(c) immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and
“(d) report as a suspicious transactions report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list.

“The freezing obligation required above shall extend to (a) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;
“(b) those funds or other assets that are wholly or tly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;
“(c) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and
“(d) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities. A report of your compliance with this requirement may be sent to: [email protected], [email protected].”

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/access-bank-s-simon-ekpa-used-for-terrorist-financing/

Downtown Lagos, or Lagos Island, is the heartbeat of Africa’s most populated megacity, surrounded by oceans and lagoons.

ENigeria News reports that in this video, after spending over six hours in the hood, WalkerDiary x-rays unscripted life, the hustle, the daily reality, and popular landmarks that characterize that part of the megacity.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvcIgZFbtMY&t=330s


From Freedom Park, to Musson Center to the chaotic drive that keeps the city afloat, these and more you would enjoy as you watch the video till the end.

Down Town Lagos isn’t perfect. It’s crowded, chaotic, and crazy, but that’s why we love it. Because here, every struggle has a rhythm. Every dream finds a market stall. And every day, Lagos reminds you: ‘No matter where you go… the island brought you here.

Facts have emerged on how staff of First Bank led by businessman, Femi Otedola reportedly conspired to steal a whopping sum of N550 million from the of Abia businessman, Eke Agbai Eke.

ENigeria News reports that Dr. Eke Agbai Eke had sued First Bank Nigeria over a suspicious fraudulent withdrawal of N550 million from his fixed deposit at the bank’s former Abiriba branch, now relocated to Uzuakoli.

In his lawsuit, filed by his lawyer, Ebuka Nwaeze, the claimant stated that the Femi Otedola-led First Bank has refused to return his deposit, which he originally placed at the Abiriba branch to help sustain the bank’s presence in his community.

The claimant stated that, as a community leader, he viewed the deposit as a contribution to local development.

The alleged fraud came to light in December 2023 when Eke discovered he could no longer access his personal through the bank’s mobile app and was unable to reach the Business Development Manager.

ENigeria News reports that upon visiting First Bank’s Gwarinpa branch in Abuja, he was reportedly informed that N550 million had been withdrawn from his fixed deposit in six consecutive transactions—even though he was in Umuahia at the time of the unauthorized deductions.

Following this discovery, Eke demanded the liquidation of his fixed deposit, but months ed without any action from the bank.

After multiple complaints, First Bank launched an internal investigation, which resulted in the dismissal of fewer than nine senior officials allegedly linked to the fraud.

While First Bank’s legal counsel declined to comment, the plaintiff’s lawyers have publicly addressed the matter.

The Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia has adjourned the case between Dr Eke Agbai and First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. to March 26 and April 2 for the commencement of the hearing.

The case, marked HU/233/2024, centers on Dr Agbai’s claim that First Bank refused to release his fixed deposit of N550m, which he had lodged with the bank’s Abiriba branch to its continued presence in the community.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, both parties were present in court.

The presiding judge, Justice U.D. Enwereji, subsequently adjourned the case to allow for a proper hearing and presentation of evidence.

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/breaking-how-otedola-led-first-bank-nigeria-stole-n550-million-from-customers-/

Many Nigerians have finally switched from DSTV to SLTV decoders, powered by a new rapidly expanding and more reasonably priced pay television provider that is currently dominating the market, according to a recent survey monitored by ENigeria News.

After several years of loyalty to the Multi Choice-owned DTSV, ENigeria News has observed that most Nigerian families are fast switching to MetroDigital SLTV satellite dishes and decoders as their new source of unlimited home entertainment.

The decision of families to switch to the new pay TV service, which, by the way, is packed with exciting programs, is not unconnected, “incessant price hikes, repetition of programs, duplication of similar channels, duplication of substandard programs,” among other sighted issues.

It would be recalled that the South African-owned DSTV had enjoyed monopoly for years and generated billions of dollars in revenues from satellite TV subscriptions in Nigeria, which is said to be its biggest market in Africa.

However, in a shocking turn of events, the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in its amended broadcasting code 2022, aimed at eliminating monopolies in the cable TV market and directed that rights to programs should be increased and not exclusive anymore.

ENigeria News reports that the NBC code is meant to increase the number of players in the pay-TV and allow competition, considering that several Nigerian-owned cable TV companies have shut down due to MultiChoice’s monopoly on customer-driven programs.

However, it was also observed that on several occasions, DSTV had violated the directives of NBC, as well as an appeal court ruling that ordered it to relinquish the absolute rights of some of its programs to smaller pay-TV companies in Nigeria.

But despite the suppression and victimization allegedly orchestrated by DSTV and some powerful forces within the system, SLTV appears to be growing in leaps and bounds, as more Nigerians have embraced the latest ‘darling’ in the satellite TV market.

SLTV TV has a programming mix of 55 channels and pricing starting at N2,500 for the basic plan and N5,000 for the gold plan. It has different categories of programs, such as entertainment, movies, kids fun, and sports.

Other Factors That Worked Against DSTV


ENigeria News reports that a new wave of lifestyle and entertainment is before Nigerians, who have now fully embraced YouTube as a major streaming platform for movies, talk shows, podcasts, and documentaries. With more interesting features on the platform and over 2.7 billion active s, YouTube is now keeping movie buffs glued to their mobile devices more than ever.

Another game-changer is Tik Tok. Just for the comedy, fun, and laughing, more and more people are turning to TikTok, which also gives them the chance to make money while using the app.

“The only thing keeping me glued to my TV right now is soccer games; if not, my phone does the rest for me,” Kazeem told our correspondent in Lagos.

SLTV TV Channels List:

Sports channels
(1) Supersport Blitz (2) Supersport Variety (3) Supersport Variety (4) Supersport Action (5) Supersport Variety (6) Supersport Football (7) Supersport Laliga (ESPN) (9) Supersport Premier (10) Supersport Variety (11) Supersport Worldwide (12 (WW) (13) ESPN

The SLTV Metrodigital TV in Nigeria offers up to 10 sports channels that broadcast live football matches, including English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Seria A, Europa, and others.

Entertainment
(1) Food Network (2) Discovery (3) Nat Geo (4) Nat Geo Wild (6) Disc Family (7) Disney ( Nick (9) CBS Justice (10) E! (11) ID (12) CNN (13) Aljazeera (14) Disney Jr (15) Nick Jr (16) Cartoon (17) Boomerang (18) Jim Jam (19) PBS Kids (20) Zee World (21) MTV Base (22) Trace Africa (23) Trace Urban (24) TNT.

Movie and documentary channels
(1) History (2) TBN (3) Daystar (4) EWTN (5) Real-Time (6) Nollybox (7) Nollybox Epic ( Arise (9) TVC (10) Ait.
Other channels

(1) SS Football plus (2) FilmBox (3) FilmBox action (4) Telemundo (5) AN Yoruba (6) AN Hausa (7) AN urban (AN Igbo (9) AN Epic (10) Sure TV (11) Islam channel.

SOURCE: Desmond Ike-Chima Editor, ENigeria News: https://enigerianews.com/why-nigerians-finally-switch-to-sltv-decoders-dump-multichoice-and-dstv/

Na why u dey always run for dream , lol...

Sapeleboy911:
Me watch Nigerian movies? I'm better off playing Temple Run lol

Ye' the issue issue is resolve. Its back.

eepeepook:
Check again. It didn’t go for me. I ed it in on Monday. If a ed video is removed by the , my follows it. That hasn’t happened so far. I was ready to cry for wasting data. Might as well watch it now before the inevitable.

Ye, the reviews about the movie, says it all.

Taiwoampi4life:
Thank you so much for this info. I was confused as to what happened yesterday evening around 5pm...I was ing the movie on YouTube when the video suddenly disappears at about 80% .

In fact, what attracted me to the movie was the number of millions of in just about 3 days.

I wouldn't have been surprised about the huge number of s had it been I saw it on other popular movie channels. But sighting the huge on Omoni Oboli tv where I never ed a single movie before gave me the impression that I had probably seen the best YouTube movie of 2025...I beg...let them settle this issue...I can't wait to see the movie.

What kind of jam talk is this? Anyways you sef na slow person, why should I worry sef mtchew

DonBenny77:
Only slow people with low IQ give a fork about Nigerian movies

A movie, Love in Every Word, which has peaked over 7 million views on Youtube within 72 hours has been removed from the platform, ENigeria News reports.

Love in Every Word, which casts talented Nollywood actors like Uzor Arukwe (lead role), Bamike Olawunmi, popularly known as Bam Bam (lead role), among others, was produced by actress and producer, Omoni Oboli.
The movie was reportedly removed from Youtube over a filed copyright claim by one Chinonso Obiora Skyberry.

The movie, which gained over 7 million views barely 72 hours after it was released, did not show up in search results when I checked around 10pm on Tuesday night.

ENigeria News reports that an attempt to visit the direct link to the movie was unsuccessful. “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Chinonso Obiora Skyberry” displays a message on the YouTube link.
From Chinonso Obiora’s Skyberry profile on LinkedIn, he is the owner of Skyberry Studios, an Abuja-based photography and aerial videography business.

Obiora’s roles in the company include Lead Drone Pilot & Editor.

Could it be that some of his drone shots were used in the movie without proper permission and authorization from him?

Hence YouTube had to pull the whole video down.

SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/why-youtube-removed-omoni-obolis-love-in-every-word-movie/

Mark Carney has emerged as the new Prime Minister of Canada, having won at the polls on Sunday with nearly 86% of the vote.


ENigeria News reports that Carney, replaces longtime Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January after a decade in office and a sharp decline in approval ratings. Below are six key things to know about the new Canda Prime Minister 2025.

6 Key Things About Mark Carney Canda’s New Prime Minister 2025

1) Mark Carney is a central banker-turned-centrist politician. Carney began his career in the private sector, spending over a decade in the London, Tokyo, New York, and Toronto offices of Goldman Sachs. He returned to Canada and entered public service. He was appointed deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, which oversees the country’s monetary policy, in 2003, and the following year he became a senior associate deputy minister of finance.

2) He’s a graduate of Harvard and Oxford. Carney attended Harvard University, where he played goaltender on the ice hockey team. He intended to study English literature and math but developed a keen interest in economics while attending lectures by Canadian-American economist John Kenneth Galbraith.

3) Carney, a father of four is married to Diana Fox Carney, a British economist with a focus on developing countries. The two — met at Oxford — have four daughters: Cleo, Tess, Amelia and Sasha.

4) He has triple citizenship — at least for now. Carney was born in Canada — in Fort Smith, a town in the Northwest Territories — but also holds British and Irish citizenship.

5) Carney had been vocal in his disagreement with Trump throughout his campaign. Last month, he compared the American president to the villain from the Harry Potter franchise while speaking to ers in Winnipeg, saying he didn’t want to dignify Trump’s talk of annexation.

6) He is the new leader of Canada’s governing Liberal Party.
SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/mark-carney-6-key-things-about-candas-new-prime-minister-2025/

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, is concluding plans to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Peter Obi, who has risen to become a phenomenal political figure in Nigeria, has lately become the darling of most big players in the political scene in Nigeria since his groundbreaking performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he defeated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his stronghold state of Lagos.

According to figures declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, scored an overall 6,101,533, coming third behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the keenly contested election. And in Lagos, which is considered the stronghold of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Obi scored 582,454 votes, ahead of former Lagos governor Bola Tinubu, who scored 572,606, while Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition PDP scored 75,750 votes.

ENigeria News reports that prior to the elections, Peter Obi’s campaign had called on voters to reject both the ruling party (APC) and main opposition party (PDP), which have run Africa's most populous country for a quarter century, under whose governance he says corruption has flourished and insecurity has spread across the country.
Obi was most popular with the youth, but especially urban, relatively educated voters with access to smartphones and social media. He was, however, faced with an uphill struggle in rural areas in the north with a less sophisticated audience.

In the face of a surging economic crisis, inflation, and the rising cost of living in Nigeria, Obi’s popularity continues to soar, with many opposition leaders in Nigeria considering a coalition to possibly unseat the incumbent government come 2027.

READ MORE: https://enigerianews.com/exclusive-peter-obi-to--sdp-as-el-rufai-takes-first-plung/

Its really crazy, honestly...

Nigerian actress and gospel music singer, Princess Njideka Okeke, has remarried; ENigeria News can report authoritatively.

Famous for the popular gospel album Akanchawa, which she co-produced and released in 2004 along with her now estranged husband, Gozie Okeke, Princess Njideka ventured into acting following a guest appearance in the movie titled “Beauty in the Sun.” This was after her first marriage fell apart in 2010.

ENigeria News reports that Princess Njideka and Gozie Okeke later worked things out in their marriage and came back together in 2014 after reported interventions from notable clerics, Reverend Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry and Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muoso. The couple, who released a special album titled “Reconciliation Praise” in commemoration of their re-union, later fell apart and went their separate ways.

Read More: SOURCE: [https://enigerianews.com/breaking-news-princess-njide-okeke-re-marries/]

ENigeria News reports that Emirates Airlines, the world’s largest international airline, has signed an interline agreement with West Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, enhancing connectivity for engers traveling to and from Nigeria.

The partnership expands Emirates’ footprint to 13 new cities in Nigeria with frictionless single-ticket travel and simplified baggage throughout.

Travelers booked on flights from Dubai to Lagos can access more of Nigeria, with onward connections to Asaba, Akure, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Owerri.

ENigeria News understands that the interline agreement will also benefit corporate travelers, connecting to additional cities in one of Africa’s major economic hubs, including its capital city Abuja, Kano, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Warri, further ing the strong bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.

The BASA amendment includes plans for expanding codeshare agreements, capacity building, and technical , focusing on safety, airport facilitation, and security.

Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo emphasized the importance of these enhancements for connectivity and suggested a review of visa restrictions to potentially increase enger traffic, which would be mutually beneficial for both nations.

This strategic partnership between Emirates Airlines and Air Peace not only promises to revolutionize travel options for Nigerians but also positions Nigeria as a key aviation hub in the region. The readiness of both countries to implement and maximize the benefits from this agreement sets a hopeful tone for future collaborations in the aviation sector.

SOURCE; https://enigerianews.com/emirates-signs-interline-agreement-with-air-peace/

Concerns are piling up as the Moruf Oseni-led Wema Bank again lost a whopping N2.9 billion in depositors’ funds to fraudsters following another system failure, ENigeria News reports.

ENigeria News reports that Wema Bank Plc, under the leadership of Mr. Moruf Oseni, the Chief Executive Officer, has been consistently losing billions of naira to scammers lately.

This is because the bank’s weak system keeps malfunctioning, allowing unauthorized individuals to access customers’ bank s and causing significant losses of depositor funds.
The latest in the series of such events as described above is the ongoing struggle by Wema Bank and its management to recover N2.9 billion reportedly withdrawn from the bank without authorization due to another system failure.

In a lawsuit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, the bank is seeking a preservative order requiring the financial institutions involved to return the funds amounting to N2,906,226,083 that have been traced to s within their institutions.

The legal action follows an operational failure in Wema Bank’s core banking system on January 16, 2025, which led to the unauthorized transfer of the funds from customers’ s.

ENigeria News reports that, according to an affidavit by the bank’s Head of Special Review and Investigation, Kehinde Buari, the system glitch resulted in unintended transactions impacting s both within Wema Bank and 26 defendant financial institutions.

In response, Wema Bank said it launched an internal investigation to trace and recover the missing funds. While part of the unauthorized transactions was found within the bank’s own system, a significant portion was discovered in external s linked to the defendants.

The bank further disclosed that the total sum of N888,301,598.15 has been salvaged by some of the financial institutions.
Investigations revealed that some recipients attempted to hide or obscure the origin of the funds by transferring them between multiple s.

Wema Bank quickly alerted the affected financial institutions about the glitch and the fraudulent transactions, requesting that they freeze the affected s.

To its ongoing recovery efforts, Wema Bank’s internal audit and legal teams compiled reports tracing the movement of the funds, identifying the recipient s, and detailing the amounts recovered so far.
The bank also engaged the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to track the funds across several financial institutions, which led to further communication with the defendant banks regarding the unauthorized transfers.

Wema Bank is now seeking a court order compelling the 26 financial institutions to return the recovered funds and any additional amounts that can still be traced.

The bank is also requesting that the court direct the institutions to provide details of holders who received and dissipated the unauthorized funds to enable law enforcement agencies to carry out further investigations and recover additional funds.

Furthermore, the Moruf Oseni-led Wema Bank is asking the court to place the affected holders on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Credit Risk Management System and other financial watchlists via their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) until the full recovery of the stolen funds.

The bank emphasized that, while some of the affected financial institutions have taken initial steps to restrict the unauthorized transactions, a formal court order is essential to ensure full compliance and restitution.
Wema Bank warned that failing to obtain the required legal directives could lead to the release of the frozen funds, undermining their recovery efforts.

The Witness reports that this incident is not the first of its kind in Nigeria. In January, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) secured a court order to recover ₦1.9 billion that was mistakenly credited to customer s due to a system error in October 2024.

These incidents are raising concerns about how Nigerian banks protect interbank transactions, especially as transaction volumes increase. Some analysts suggest that outdated infrastructure and weak oversight could be contributing to the growing risk of errors and fraud.
SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/moruf-oseni-led-wema-bank-loses-n2-9-billion-to-fraudsters-due-to-system-failure/

The ongoing case of the Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been reassigned to a different judge by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

ENigeria News reports that the development was communicated via Nnamdu Kanu’s attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, in a statement on Saturday, where he also announced that Kanu is ready to face his trial because he’s convinced of his innocence.

Ejimakor said during a routine visit to Nnamdi Kanu, the legal team received two separate official letters regarding his case. Adding that the letters were momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.

According to him, one letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter the team had written to her, seeking her prompt istrative intervention on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the Judge that was conducting it.

He said the other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing the team that the case has been reassigned to another Judge of the Federal High Court.

Ejimakor disclosed that, consequent upon these latest developments, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed the legal team to publicly convey his sincere gratitude’s to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her sound istrative discretions and the dispatch with which she responded to our request.

Kanu also expressed his profound appreciations to of the general public who publicly expressed their for his righteous demands that the case be reassigned to another Judge, as the law demands.

The lawyer said Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to take his trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence, adding that, the perverse events of the past six months, from September 2024, when the recusal happened, posed portent dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to fair and speedy hearing.

Ejimakor assured that Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team would take stock and hanker down to the zealous preparation of his defense.
https://enigerianews.com/nnamdi-kanus-case-now-reassigned-to-new-judge/

A special Offenses Court sitting in Ikeja Lagos has granted Jude Okoye bail along with two sureties in the like sum of N50 million each, ENigeria News reports.
Jude Okoye, a former manager of the defunct music group, P-square and elder brother of Peter and Paul Okoye was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on fresh four count charges before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Special Offences Court.

The four count charges bordered on alleged stealing and illegal diversion of funds in the tune of $767,544.15 among others, all of which Jude Okoye, and his company Northside Music Limited pleaded not guilty.

ENigeria News reports that the alleged stolen sum among others were reportedly paid by Lex Records limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties of P-Square catalogue, but was allegedly diverted by Jude Okoye “with intent to deprive his brother, Peter Okoye, his special interest in the asset.”

Okoye and his company Northside Music Limited were also arraigned by the EFCC over alleged theft of another $1 million, £34,537.59, laundering of N1.38bn, $1m, and £34,537.59, all of which are existing charges before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The EFCC claims that the alleged offences were committed sometime between 2016 and 2023.
However, in a dramatic twist, EFCC’s prosecutor, Mohammed Bashiru told the court that the Commission would be fielding 29 witnesses to testify against Mr. Jude and his Northside Music Limited in the ongoing case.

The Court had on Tuesday adjourned till Thursday for the hearing and ruling on the bail application filed by Jude’s new lawyer, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN).

Upon hearing the affidavits and arguments of both the prosecution and defense counsels, the court granted the defendant bail and two sureties in like sum of N50 million each.

Also the defendant who holds dual citizenship was told to drop his ports with the court, while the EFCC was instructed by the court to ensure that the Nigerian Immigrations Service is duly briefed about the defendant’s ongoing case in court.
SOURCE: https://enigerianews.com/ikeja-court-grants-jude-okoye-n100million-bail-two-sureties/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to present 29 witnesses to testify against Jude Okoye in the ongoing fraud case before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Special Offences Court Ikeja.
ENigeria News reports that EFCC filed fresh four-count charge bordering on stealing and illegal conversion of the sum of $767,544.15 against Jude Okoye, a former Manager and elder brother of Peter and Paul Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square and his company Northside Music Limited.

The said sum among others were reportedly paid by Lex Records limited as payment for music digital distribution/publishing royalties of P-Square catalogue, but was allegedly diverted by Jude Okoye “with intent to deprive his brother, Peter Okoye, his special interest in the asset.” [url]READ MORE[/url]
https://enigerianews.com/29-witnesses-to-testify-against-jude-okoye-efcc/

Heirs Holdings Oil and Gas owned by billionaire Tony Elumelu and 45 other oil companies are under probe by the House of Representatives for failure to remit N9.4 trillion payments to the Federal Government.
In a statement released to the media on Sunday, Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the House of Reps, said that the debt includes unpaid royalties, concession rentals, gas flare penalties, and liabilities arising from Production Sharing Contracts, Repayment Agreements, and Modified Carry Arrangements.

“A review of the Auditor-General’s Annual Report on the Consolidated Financial Statement for the year ending December 31, 2021, coupled with further investigations, showed that as of late 2024, multiple oil companies collectively owed approximately N9.4 trillion,” the statement noted.

List of Oil Companies indebted to FG
Apart from the Tony Elumelu-led Heirs Holdings Oil and Gas, other companies enlisted for probe include: Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Limited, All Grace Energy, Amalgamated Oil Company Nigeria Limited, Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited, Belemaoil Producing Limited, Bilton Energy Limited, Britannia-U, Waltersmith Petroman Limited, Chevron Nigeria Limited (OML 90, 95, 49), Chorus Energy, Conoil Plc, Continental Oil & Gas Company Limited, Dubri Oil Company Limited, Enageed Resources Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Energia Limited, and Eroton Exploration & Production Company Limited.
Also included are Esso E & P Limited (Usan, Erha), First E & P Limited, Frontier Oil Limited, General Hydrocarbons Limited, Green Energy International Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited (NAE), Panocean Oil Nigeria Limited (OML 147), Neconde Energy Limited, Newcross Exploration and Production Limited, and Newcross Petroleum (OML 152).

Other firms named are Network Exploration & Production Limited, Total E&P Nigeria (OML 100, 102, 52 & 99), Niger Delta Petroleum, Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) (OML 60, 61 & 63), Lekoil Oil and Gas Investments Limited, Midwestern Oil and Gas Limited, Millennium Oil and Gas Company Limited, Seplat Energy (OML 4, 38 & 41), and Oriental Energy Resources Limited.


Oando Oil Limited (OML 60, 61 & 62), Pillar Oil Limited, Platform Petroleum Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company (OML 27), Universal Energy Limited/Sinpec, Shoreline Natural Resources, Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited, Sahara Field Production Limited, and Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited (OML 67 & 70) are also under investigation.


ENigeria News reports that the investigation also found that despite the mandates outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which require settlement within 30 days, the debts remained unpaid as of the last quarter of 2024.

However, in response to these findings, the House Committee on Public s, chaired by Bamidele Salam, has scheduled investigative hearings at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

“Ensuring that oil companies fulfill their statutory obligations is crucial to maintaining the integrity and ability of our national resources.

“We seek a collaborative approach to resolving these discrepancies efficiently,” Salam noted.

Earlier this year, on January 28, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) revealed that it was working in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover $6 billion and N66 billion owed to the federal government by various oil and gas companies.
https://enigerianews.com/reps-probe-tony-elumelu-led-heirs-holding-45-other-oil-firms-over-n9-4-trillion-debt/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is likely to re-arrest Jude Okoye today in the court premises, ENigeria News can report authoritatively.

Last Wednesday, Jude Okoye was arraigned by the EFCC, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on charges bordering on money Laundering, illegal conversion of proceeds from "illegal act", among other charges.

ENigeria News reports that the charges compiled by the EFCC on behalf of Peter Okoye, the complainant chronicled how Jude Okoye allegedly used Access Bank to launder a whopping sum of over $1 million which is his share of proceeds from P-Square’s musical royalties.

However, upon the bail hearing on Friday, the court had fixed today, Monday for ruling.

Sources sources informed ENigeria News that if the court grants the bail application today, the EFCC may likely re-arrest Mr. Okoye and re-arraign him before Justice Oshodi of Ikeja High Court.

Documents obtained by ENigeria News shows that shows that the fresh charges have already been filed by the EFCC even before his re-arraignment at the Federal High Court last week.
https://enigerianews.com/breaking-efcc-to-rearrests-jude-okoye-files-fresh-charges-in-ikeja-high-court/

Paul Okoye also known as Rudeboy, one of the duos of the now rested P-Square music group staked one of his multi-billion-naira Ikoyi property, standing surety to ensure release of his brother and former manager, Jude Okoye.

In a shocking but widely applauded move in on Friday, Rudeboy who arrived court in the company of his lawyer, Barrister Somadina Eugene Okorie, surprised everyone when he stood up in open court to announce his willingness to stake one of his prime properties, sitting at Ikoyi valued at billion naira, as he stood surety for Jude to be released to him on bail.

He said, “My Lord, I have here with me documents of one of my properties situated in Ikoyi valued at several billions of naira, and I’m willing to drop it with the court, but please release my brother to me on bail today”.

WATCH VIDEO: https://enigerianews.com/exclusive-video-rudeboy-stakes-multi-billion-naira-ikoyi-property-stands-surety-for-jude-okoye/

Recall that on Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Jude Okoye before Justice Alexanda Owoeye of Federal High Court Ikoyi on allegations bordering on, money laundering, illegal conversion among other charges.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, while the court adjourned for Friday, February 28, 2025 for his bail hearing.

Rudeboy's action, which implies that he stands with Jude in the ongoing dispute between the Okoye brothers, was met with mixed reactions.
Many people found it shocking, while others weren't because of earlier incidents that shown where his loyalty laid.
While Peter had refused making any comment on the forgoing, Rudeboy wasted no time showing for Jude. He took to his Instagram Story and dropped a cryptic message. He wrote: “Exactly what he wants. This too, shall . Stay strong, brother @judeengees.”

By Barrister Somadina Eugene-Okorie

The first part of this article, published a few weeks ago, discussed the background of Citizenship by Investment (CBI), the program's benefits for participants, and the principles upon which it was founded.

In the second part of the article, I want to build on the numerous opportunities that CBI program presents for our country Nigeria, as well as how it can help strengthen our ties with the global community.


5.0 The Economic Benefits of a Citizenship by Investment Program

a) Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): As already established in ab initio, a CBI program allows individuals to invest in a country’s economy in exchange for citizenship.

For Nigeria, this could mean attracting significant foreign capital into strategic sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.

Given Nigeria's challenges with infrastructure, a CBI program could be an effective tool to attract investment in building essential projects such as roads, bridges, energy/power plants, and modern housing developments.

The foreign investors who participate in such programs typically invest in long-term projects that create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to public funding through taxes.

By securing large-scale investments in critical sectors, Nigeria would benefit from an infusion of capital that could help alleviate its infrastructure deficit.

Additionally, foreign investors could bring new technologies and expertise that would benefit Nigeria's manufacturing and services sectors, potentially leading to increased productivity and enhanced global competitiveness.

b) Strengthening the Naira and Enhancing Foreign Currency Reserves: One of the direct benefits of CBI programs is the inflow of foreign currency. Many CBI programs require applicants to make their investments in foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar, the Euro, or the British pound. These currencies would flow into Nigeria’s economy, directly boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves and stabilizing the value of the Naira. By investing in sectors that generate foreign income, such as tourism, technology, and export-oriented industries, Nigeria could also build a sustainable stream of foreign currency. This would help mitigate the volatility of oil prices, which has historically had a significant impact on the value of the Naira. The diversification of foreign currency sources could also protect Nigeria from global economic shocks, ensuring greater financial stability.

c) Job Creation and Skill Development: CBI programs typically encourage investments in high-value projects that create jobs and provide training opportunities. In Nigeria, this could mean the development of new industries, particularly in sectors like tourism, real estate, and technology. As investors contribute capital, they would also create employment opportunities, from construction jobs in real estate developments to high-skilled positions in technology firms, boosting overall job creation. Furthermore, foreign investors often bring with them valuable business acumen, knowledge, and international best practices. These skills could be transferred to the Nigerian workforce, facilitating long-term capacity building and improving the overall quality of human capital in the country. This would not only increase Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage but also help address the country’s youth unemployment crisis.

d) Maximizing Resources and Benefits through Strategic Incentives: One of the unique aspects of a CBI program is the ability to offer targeted incentives to attract high-quality investments. By providing a combination of tax breaks, investment guarantees, and other economic incentives, Nigeria could ensure that investments made through the CBI program benefit both foreign investors and the local population. For example, Nigeria could offer tax incentives for investors who commit to reinvesting their returns into the local economy, such as by funding education, healthcare, or public services. Similarly, Nigeria could encourage investors to partner with local businesses, ensuring that a portion of the capital stays within the country’s economy. In addition to fiscal incentives, Nigeria could offer residency and citizenship benefits that allow investors to benefit from favourable trade agreements and access to global markets. This would make Nigeria an attractive destination for international investors, as it would not only offer citizenship but also enhance their global mobility and access to regional economic hubs within Africa and beyond.

5.1 Raising Awareness and Building Trust in Nigeria Through a Possible Citizenship by Investment Program

The success of a CBI program hinges on effective marketing and awareness-building efforts. Nigeria must develop a comprehensive strategy to promote the benefits of its program both domestically and internationally.

a. International Campaigns and Partnerships: To attract international investors, Nigeria needs to develop an outreach strategy that targets high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and wealthy investors across the globe. This could involve partnerships with global financial institutions, wealth management firms, and international law firms that specialize in immigration and investment. Engaging in targeted marketing campaigns at global investment conferences, real estate expos, and trade events would help increase Nigeria’s visibility and credibility as a destination for investment.

b. Building Investor Confidence: Potential investors are likely to be cautious about any new program. To build trust, the Nigerian government would need to ensure that the CBI program is backed by a transparent, secure, and well-regulated framework. By establishing clear guidelines, monitoring systems, and strong anti-corruption measures, the government could allay concerns about the misuse of funds or the risk of money laundering. Additionally, offering a simple and predictable process for acquiring citizenship or residency would make the program more attractive to investors. Clear communication, efficient processing times, and the ability to quickly and easily access information about the program would foster a sense of security for potential investors.

c. Public Engagement and Education: Educating the Nigerian public about the benefits of a CBI program is also crucial. Many Nigerians may initially view such a program with scepticism, particularly considering concerns about social inequality or the concentration of wealth. The government could launch public information campaigns explaining how the funds from the CBI program will be used to benefit the country’s economy, improve infrastructure, create jobs, and foster economic diversification. Local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the public could be encouraged to engage with the opportunities created by foreign investments. By demonstrating the direct and long-term benefits of the program, the government can build broad for CBI initiatives.

6.1 The Negative Impact of Lack of Citizenship by Investment on Nigeria’s Present Economy

In recent years, Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have emerged as a powerful tool for major economic growth, offering foreign nationals the opportunity to acquire citizenship in exchange for significant investments in a country’s economy. While many countries, especially small island nations in the Caribbeans have used CBI programs to boost their economies, Nigeria, with its vast resources and potential, has yet to fully explore this lucrative option.

It is submitted that if not introduced, Nigeria will certainly continue to suffer from loss of huge capital investment to foreign nations, the potential economic gains, such as the importance of foreign currency inflows, will continue to erode the country.

Conclusion

A Citizenship by Investment program has the potential to bring substantial economic benefits to Nigeria. By attracting foreign capital, increasing foreign currency reserves, creating jobs, and building a more diversified economy, Nigeria could harness the power of global investment to strengthen its position in the global economy.

The success of such a program, however, will depend on how effectively it is marketed, implemented, and integrated with the country’s long-term development goals. Through strategic incentives, transparent processes, and a focus on building investor confidence, Nigeria could turn CBI into a key pillar of its economic growth, unlocking new opportunities for prosperity and global influence.

Recommendations:
- Nigeria should as a follow up plan or develop a strategy on CBI program that will bring back her loss investments and encourage foreign investment participation.

- There is need for an amendment of the present constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to include CBI.

Somadina Eugene-Okorie
Business solicitor
Writes from Lekki,
Lagos Nigeria.

2.0 The Concept of Citizenship Defined

The concept of citizenship has an ancient root, originating from the city-states of Ancient Greece. History has it that in Athens, citizenship was closely tied to active participation in the Polis (a city state in ancient Greece).
There (Polis), citizens were expected to engage in decision-making processes, military service, and other public duties. However, the idea grew increasingly restricted, and reserved for only free-born males, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners.

The steady evolution of citizenship, as it were, was also greatly aided by the Romans. The Roman Empire, for instance, is renowned today for extending the definition of citizenship and turning it into a legal status with related rights and protections. Roman citizens were entitled to rights like voting rights, property ownership, and, in some cases, legal immunity.
In order to integrate other populations within the empire, Rome became more inclusive over time and granted citizenship to conquered peoples.

Citizenship is a universal yet highly nuanced concept that underpins human organization, governance, and belonging.
As a legal, political, social, and cultural phenomenon, it serves as a cornerstone of modern civilization. Its definition evolves across contexts, but at its core, citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a state, defined by mutual rights, obligations, and identity.

In Nigeria the concept has been used as the critical legal and constitutional framework that seems to define the relationship between the individual and the state. It confers rights, privileges, and responsibilities, ensuring participation in the political, social, and economic life of the nation. The Nigerian Constitution, primarily in Chapter III (Sections 25–32), outlines the concept, acquisition, and implications of citizenship.

3.0 A Comparative Analysis of Citizenship Under Nigerian and the United States of America (U.S.) Law: Legal Foundations, Terminology, and Implications

3.1 Citizenship Under the Nigerian Law

Citizenship is primarily governed by Chapter III of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution outlines the various pathways to citizenship, including by birth, by descent, by marriage, and by naturalization. These categories reflect Nigeria’s mix of jus soli (right of the soil) and jus sanguinis (right of blood) principles.

3.2 Acquisition of Citizenship in Nigeria

By Birth: The Nigerian Constitution grants citizenship to individuals born in Nigeria, as long as at least one parent is a Nigerian citizen at the time of their birth. This is codified under Section 25 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999). A child born in Nigeria to non-Nigerian parents can acquire citizenship if one of the parents is a Nigerian citizen. This is an application of the jus soli principle.

Moreover, a child born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents (or a Nigerian parent, under specific conditions) can also be eligible for Nigerian citizenship by descent, provided certain conditions are met under section 26 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999). Here, jus sanguinis prevails.

By Descent: Nigerian citizenship can also be acquired by descent. A child born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents automatically inherits Nigerian citizenship, so long as the parent(s) were Nigerian citizens at the time of the child’s birth. This provision is governed by Section 26 of the of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999). which ensures that Nigerian nationality can be ed down to future generations even if born outside Nigeria.

By Marriage: The Nigerian Constitution recognizes the right of foreign spouses to apply for naturalization, although marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship. Under Section 27 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), a foreign woman married to a Nigerian man may apply for citizenship after fulfilling the residency and character conditions outlined in the law. This reflects Nigeria's inclusivity toward foreign nationals in fostering a connection with Nigerian citizens.

By Naturalization: Naturalization is the process by which a foreigner can acquire Nigerian citizenship. As outlined in section 26 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), naturalization is available to any foreigner who has lived in Nigeria for a continuous period of 15 years and meets other legal requirements. The process is subject to approval by the Nigerian government, making it discretionary. This provision reflects the high threshold for naturalization, aimed at ensuring that individuals seeking to be Nigerian citizens have integrated significantly into Nigerian society.

3.3 The Concept of Dual Citizenship in Nigeria

The issue of dual citizenship in Nigeria is a complex one. According to section 28 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigerian citizens who voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality after birth (either through naturalization, marriage, or other means) automatically lose their Nigerian citizenship. However, individuals who acquire another citizenship by birth (e.g., those born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents) are not affected by this rule. This means that Nigerians who are citizens of other countries by birth can hold dual citizenship, but this is not the case for those who acquire foreign nationality after birth.

This provision has been controversial, especially among Nigerians who hold multiple citizenships by birth or those who acquire foreign citizenship for economic or educational opportunities.

3.4 Citizenship in United States of America

The United States (U.S) citizenship is governed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The U.S. follows both jus soli and jus sanguinis principles, with strong emphasis on the rights of those born on U.S. soil and those with American parentage.

3.5 Acquisition of Citizenship in the U.S.

By Birth: The U.S. adheres to the principle of jus soli, granting citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. The 14th Amendment explicitly guarantees birthright citizenship, stating that: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

This provision ensures that children born in the U.S. automatically acquire citizenship, irrespective of the citizenship of their parents, with exceptions for children born to foreign diplomats or enemy soldiers.

By Descent: In addition to birthright citizenship, the U.S. practices jus sanguinis for individuals born outside the country to U.S. citizen parents. According to Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 301, a child born abroad can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen and has met specific physical presence requirements in the U.S. This principle ensures that U.S. citizenship can be transmitted to generations born outside the United States.

By Naturalization: The process of naturalization in the U.S. allows foreign nationals to apply for citizenship after meeting certain criteria. According to Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 316, an applicant must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Additional requirements include demonstrating good moral character, proficiency in English, and ing a civics test. Naturalization is a path to citizenship for those who were not born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents.

By Marriage: Foreign nationals married to U.S. citizens may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, with expedited eligibility after three years of residence in the U.S. under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 319. This provision allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen to by the general five-year residency requirement, assuming they meet other eligibility criteria.

3.5 Understanding the Concept of Dual Citizenship in the U.S.

The U.S. recognizes and permits dual citizenship, a practice not explicitly endorsed or prohibited by law. While the U.S. does not encourage dual citizenship, it does not require individuals to renounce their foreign nationality when acquiring U.S. citizenship.

For as long as individuals obey U.S. laws, including taxes and military service, dual citizens are allowed to maintain their foreign citizenship, though complications may arise regarding conflicting legal obligations (e.g., taxes, legal jurisdiction, military service). The U.S. does not have a formal legal policy mandating the renunciation of other citizenships upon acquiring U.S. nationality, although the government expects primary loyalty to the U.S.

Citizenship laws in both Nigeria and the United States reflect differing national priorities and historical contexts. While both nations operate on principles of jus soli and jus sanguinis, the application of these principles varies. The U.S. offers a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to citizenship, by granting birthright citizenship and recognizing dual citizenship without requiring renunciation. This is a sharp contrast to Nigeria's citizenship laws which far more restrictive and rigid, particularly in of dual nationality and the process of naturalization.

For Nigeria, adopting a more flexible approach to dual citizenship and revising naturalization requirements could encourage global mobility, attract foreign investment, and foster economic growth. Similarly, acknowledging new mechanisms such as Citizenship by Investment could position Nigeria to benefit from global trends while simultaneously balancing the interests of national identity and economic progress.


4.0 What is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by investment (CBI) is way to obtain citizenship of a country, via a large investment in that country that is consistent with the laws, rules, and regulations of that country. This is quite an inclusive policy that has gained recognition in the United States and many developed countries in the world.
It is a governmental programme that developing countries especially those on the Caribbean Island have imbibed to better their country and encourage foreign capital investment from foreigners who meet the requirements.

Nigeria being Africa’s largest economy, is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, a young population, and a dynamic private sector. However, the country has faced challenges in attracting sufficient foreign investment, diversifying its economy, and creating jobs for its ever-growing population. While Nigeria has benefitted from oil exports for decades, the global shift toward green energy, fluctuating oil prices, and a reliance on commodity exports make it increasingly urgent for the country to diversify its revenue streams.

Implementing a Citizenship by Investment program is one avenue Nigeria may consider.
Rather than simply pulling resources out of the country or depleting foreign reserves, a well-managed CBI program could help channel international capital into key sectors of the Nigerian economy. By offering citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for substantial economic contributions, Nigeria could not only enhance its economic standing but also forge stronger ties with the global investment community.

Somadina Eugene Okorie Esq
Business solicitor
Writes form lekki
Lagos