News

Omicron Travel Ban – UK Ceases Issuance of Visitor’s Visa To Nigerians

Amid concerns over the rapid spread of the Covid-19 omicron variant in African nations, western countries have begun placing an omicron travel ban on affected countries. Leading the pack are Canada, as well as the UK – both countries have placed a total travel restriction from Nigerians intending to visit their country.

The decision comes after the UK had placed Nigeria on their travel red list which meant that fully vaccinated Nigerians without UK citizenship or residence permit can not visit the country. The ban includes Nigerians visiting the country for the purpose of tourism, visiting family and/or friends, visiting for short-term business or study purposes (6 months or less) as well as those visiting to participate in a research or exchange program. Also affected are those intending to visit the country to seek private medical treatment.

Even those who already have valid visitor’s visas from the UK are affected by the ban. Those who have already had their biometrics taken at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) would be unable to request a refund of their visa application fees. Their application would instead continue to be held and only be considered when the omicron travel ban has been lifted.

The British High Commission made the UK government’s decision known in a statement released on Sunday the 5th of December, 2021. It said that the ban was placed in order to curb the further spread of the pandemic.

“To support the UK government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement which ended with an apology read in part.

The statement also pointed out the growing cases of Omicron in Nigeria saying that “Over the recent days, we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria. There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing. Nigeria narrows second only to South Africa in terms of cases linked to Omicron.”

In the ban, the UK government has made a few exceptions saying that there are “very limited exemptions to travel and entry requirements for critical workers and medical and compassionate cases.”

Though the omicron variant, also known as B.1.1.529 lineage was first identified in South Africa, data has shown that the variant was already present in European countries and was fast spreading. As a result, the UK’s omicron travel ban has been met with criticisms.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group has condemned the ban.

“Now that omicron has been found in many non-African and developed countries, why are travels from those countries not banned? Why single out African countries? Singling out African countries is very unfair, non-scientific, and discriminatory. Lift bans on African countries!” Adesina said in a statement.

He added that “Global vaccines’ and travel apartheid against Africa are endangering lives, hurting economies, lives, jobs, and livelihoods, from a pandemic Africa did not cause. End the apartheid. Respect Africa!”

Joining Nigeria in the list of countries affected by the ban includes South Africa whose president Cyril Ramaphosa has called western countries “hypocrites” for the ban. The president said that the ban which the UN has labeled “travel apartheid” would have devastating impacts on her economy which is heavily dependent on tourism – a sector that has been battling for recovery since the pandemic.

Entertainment

Kunle Remi Blasts Government on economic hardship, asks Nigerians to hold government accountable

Nollywood actor Kunle Remi has joined growing public frustration over the rising cost of petrol, using his platform to call for more open conversations about the country’s current economic strain

The actor pushed back against the idea that public figures should stay silent on political or economic issues. “Usually I say things like I don’t really get involved with politics… No, that’s the most stupid statement from anyone in Nigeria right now,” he said. “We should be discussing, we should be talking about it, we should be trying to fix… There’s nothing like sitting on the fence.”

Remi linked his concerns to the direct impact of fuel prices on everyday life, pointing to the ripple effect across businesses and households. “Today I bought petrol for 1,300-something naira,” he said, noting that everything from shopping malls to small barber shops depends heavily on petrol to operate. “I have a child, so I’m thinking not just for myself.”

He also questioned Nigeria’s sensitivity to global oil market shifts, particularly ongoing tensions in the Middle East. “I don’t understand why Nigeria is one of the first countries to be affected by the war in Iran. My spirit is very angry. All the things I’ve been working for is for what?” he said.

His comments come amid sustained pressure on petrol prices across Nigeria. Despite the start of domestic refining operations, including the Dangote Refinery, pump prices have continued to reflect global market volatility. Industry stakeholders have pointed to international crude oil price movements and geopolitical tensions as key factors limiting any immediate relief.

Recent market data shows that a nearly 20 per cent increase in petrol prices implemented last week remains in place, with a national average of about N1,300 per litre. A decline in crude oil prices earlier in the week has yet to translate into lower pump prices, raising further concerns among consumers.

Online, Remi’s remarks have drawn widespread support, with many users commending him for speaking out on an issue that directly affects daily living. Some described his comments as reflective of broader public sentiment, especially as more Nigerians grapple with rising transportation and operating costs.

Business

NCC orders Telco’s To compensate subscribers for poor network service

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to make things right for customers when the network quality in certain areas doesn’t meet the expected standards.

This directive was shared in a statement released on Sunday by Nnenna Ukoha, who leads the Public Affairs Department. The statement emphasized the Commission’s firm view that customers shouldn’t have to bear the entire brunt of service problems if operators aren’t meeting the required service delivery benchmarks.

Part of the statement said “Under this directive, erring operators will compensate affected users directly for breaches of Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) shall be required to pay these compensations for instances of poor quality of service recorded within specified time frames.

The compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and their presence within Local Government Areas where service failures occur.”

Ukoha explained that this directive stems from the Commission’s overall approach to regulation, which prioritizes the consumer right at the heart of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. They emphasized that today’s telecommunications services are fundamental to economic activity, social connections, and gaining access to digital possibilities.

“When service quality is poor, the consequences affect productivity, commercial activities, and even public confidence in our communications system.

While regulatory fines have traditionally served as a deterrent against poor service delivery, the Commission is adopting a more consumer-focused approach that strengthens accountability within the industry,” the statement said.

The Commission has designed this measure to complement existing and ongoing efforts to strengthen service quality monitoring and enforce performance standards.

“Further to this directive by the Commission to MNOs on compensation to consumers, the Commission is also mandating Tower Companies that own the critical infrastructure for Quality of Service delivery, such as masts, to invest in infrastructure with measurable outcomes using sums that it has fined these companies, in addition to other financial fines the Commission will deem appropriate.

News

FG Says Nigeria needs $100 billion to solve power crisis

Nigeria needs over $100 billion in public and private investments to achieve 24-hour electricity, as Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu outlines funding gaps, gas shortages, and sector reforms. The Federal Government has revealed that Nigeria needs more than $100 billion in combined public and private investment across the entire power sector to ensure a reliable 24/7 electricity supply.

At a press conference, where he was updating the public on recent developments and achievements in the power sector under the current government, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the recent decline in electricity supply across the country. He apologized to the people of Nigeria and promised to take quick steps to fix the situation.

Put together, we are talking of over $100bn of investments in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the power sector value chain,” Adelabu said. “This is not a figure to be underestimated, but it is achievable in phases, through a combination of government and private sector participation. Patience and consistent investment are key.”

The minister explained that the government has worked out the costs: bringing an extra 20,000 megawatts of power online would likely set them back around $30 billion, based on an average cost of $1.5 billion for every 1,000MW plant. Getting that power to where it’s needed through transmission lines is estimated at $20 billion, while setting up distribution networks and gas pipelines would cost roughly $25 billion and $22 billion, respectively.

Adelabu pointed out that while South Africa, with a population of about 60 million, is considering a $25 billion private investment in its energy sector, Nigeria’s much larger population – over 200 million – means we need to invest even more, proportionally speaking.

Although there are difficulties now, the minister also emphasized the significant progress that has been made since the current administration took office in September 2023. “For the first time in Nigeria’s history, we achieved a generation peak of 6,001 megawatts in April 2025, and the highest transmission of 5,801 megawatts on March 2, 2025,” he said.

“This was made possible through completion of the Zungeru hydro power plant (700MW), rehabilitation of existing thermal plants, and expansion of renewable energy via mini-grids.”

Installed capacity rose from 13,000MW in 2023 to 14,400MW in 2025, while financial interventions included a N4tn debt restructuring to clear outstanding unpaid subsidies to power-generating companies, of which N501bn has already been raised from the bond market and disbursed.