US Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond For Nigerians, Others

US Introduces $15,000 Visa Bond for Nigerians and Other Nationals

In a significant policy shift, the United States Department of State has announced the introduction of visa bonds of up to $15,000 for certain foreign nationals applying for B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel.

This directive, released in early January 2026, specifically targets countries classified as high-risk due to elevated visa overstay rates and security concerns. Nigeria is among the nations affected, alongside 37 others, many of which are African states.

The visa bond policy requires applicants from these countries to post a financial guarantee ranging between $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000. The exact amount is determined during the visa interview process.

Ugochinyere’s Defection and the Shifting Sands of Imo Politics

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Editorial: Ugochinyere’s Defection and the Shifting Sands of Imo Politics

Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Action Peoples Party (APP) ahead of the 2027 elections is more than a personal political maneuver; it is a reflection of the fluid and often unpredictable nature of Nigeria’s political landscape.

Ikenga’s  defection, formally announced in Akokwa, Imo State, on January 7, 2026, has already begun to reshape conversations about the future of both PDP and APP in the region.

Imo Lawmaker Ugochinyere Officially Dumps PDP, New Party Unveiled Ahead of 2027 Election

Imo Lawmaker Ugochinyere Officially Dumps PDP, Joins APP Ahead of 2027 Election

In a dramatic political shift that has stirred conversations across Imo State and beyond, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives representing the Ideato federal constituency, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Akokwa, Imo State, marking a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Full Review of Africa Democracy and Governance in 2025

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Full Review of Africa Democracy and Governance in 2025

The year 2025 marked a critical juncture for Africa’s democratic trajectory and governance systems. The African Union (AU), through the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), launched the African Governance Report 2025, focusing on natural resource governance as a determinant of peace, stability, and development. This report was unveiled during the 13th AU High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, underscoring the continent’s recognition that democracy cannot thrive without effective governance of its vast natural wealth.

Democratic Landscape

Across Africa, democracy in 2025 continued to evolve in diverse directions. Several countries consolidated democratic gains through peaceful elections, stronger judicial independence, and enhanced civil society participation. However, democratic capture, where ruling elites manipulate institutions to entrench power, remained a pressing concern. The APRM’s Democracy Capture Index revealed that while some nations made strides in curbing authoritarian tendencies, others regressed, with political pluralism undermined by restrictions on opposition parties and media freedoms.

I Will Run For President In 2027 – Datti Baba Ahmed

Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s Vice Presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has formally announced his intention to contest for the presidency in 2027.

Datti’s declaration marks a significant moment in the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s opposition politics, especially following recent developments within the Labour Party.

The Labour Party’s FCT Dilemma and INEC’s Firm Stand

The Labour Party’s FCT Dilemma and INEC’s Firm Stand

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s refusal to recognize the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections is more than a bureaucratic decision; it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic process.

At its core, the ruling underscores the Commission’s insistence on respecting judicial authority and maintaining electoral integrity, even in the face of political pressure and public protest.

Why We Denied Abure Faction In FCT Polls – INEC

Why INEC Denied the Abure Faction in FCT Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally explained its decision to reject the list of candidates submitted by the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

This decision, announced on January 7, 2026, followed a protest staged by Labour Party supporters at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja over the alleged exclusion of their candidates from the forthcoming polls scheduled for February 21, 2026.

Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Malami

Special report: Court orders interim forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami

Case overview and court directive

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activities and linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as well as two of his sons, Abdulaziz Malami and Abiru‑Rahman Malami. 

The order followed an ex‑parte application moved by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho. The assets, described as multi‑billion naira land and commercial holdings, are to be forfeited on an interim basis pending the outcome of further proceedings. 

No tax on bank balances, only transfers attract N50 — CITN

No Tax on Bank Balances, Only Transfers Attract ₦50 -CITN

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has clarified that bank balances are not subject to taxation under Nigeria’s current tax regime. Only electronic transfers attract a ₦50 stamp duty, dispelling widespread misconceptions that funds kept in accounts would be taxed.  

In recent weeks, concerns have spread among Nigerians regarding alleged taxation of money held in bank accounts. These fears were addressed by Mr. Ben Enamudu, Chairman of the CITN Abuja District, during an interview with ARISE News. 

Nakuru man finally marries mzungu fiancée in colourful wedding after family opposed union

Nakuru Man Marries Mzungu Fiancée in Colourful Wedding After Family Opposition

A young man from Nakuru County, Kenya, has triumphed over cultural barriers and family resistance to marry his German fiancée in a vibrant ceremony that has captured public attention.  

The story centers on Gideon Kirui, a native of Boror Village in Rongai, Nakuru County, who recently exchanged vows with Tabea Jasmin Schumann, a woman from Hannover, Germany. Their union comes after two years of dating and navigating the complexities of cultural differences and family opposition.  

UK’s youngest dementia patient dies at 24 ‘with the brain of a 70-year-old’

UK’s Youngest Dementia Patient Dies at 24

Andre Yarham, a young man from Dereham, Norfolk, has tragically passed away at the age of 24, marking one of the rarest and most devastating cases of early-onset dementia in the United Kingdom.

Diagnosed at just 22 with frontotemporal dementia, a rare and aggressive condition caused by a protein mutation, Andre’s illness progressed with alarming speed. Medical examinations revealed that his brain resembled that of a 70-year-old, a shocking discovery made shortly before his 23rd birthday.

Tinubu Appoints Odusote as First Female DG of Nigerian Law School

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Tinubu Appoints Odusote as First Female Director-General of the Nigerian Law School

In a historic development for Nigeria’s legal education system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School. Her appointment, effective January 10, 2026, marks a ground-breaking moment as she becomes the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment in 1962.

Fire Guts BRT On Third Mainland Bridge

Fire Guts BRT on Third Mainland Bridge

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle was engulfed by flames while traveling along the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

The incident occurred near the Adekunle axis of the bridge as the bus was heading towards Iyana Oworo. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire broke out suddenly, forcing traffic to a standstill and causing panic among commuters.

Nigeria’s Silence on Venezuela - A Contrast of Past and Present?

Nigeria’s Silence on Venezuela - A Contrast of Past and Present?

Nigeria’s Diplomatic Legacy

Nigeria has historically stood tall as a principled voice in international diplomacy. From the era of Jaja Wachuku, Nigeria’s first Foreign Minister, to Joseph Garba, who boldly represented the country at the United Nations, Nigeria consistently projected itself as a nation unafraid to take clear positions on global crises. These leaders embodied a tradition of courage and conviction, ensuring that Nigeria was not only seen as the “giant of Africa” but also respected as a moral compass in West Africa and beyond. Nigeria’s interventions in apartheid South Africa, its leadership in peacekeeping missions across Liberia and Sierra Leone, and its vocal stance on issues of sovereignty and justice cemented its reputation as a nation willing to defend principles even when politically inconvenient.

Venezuela: Nigeria’s Silence Is Embarrassing, Not Befitting As Africa’s Leader - ADC

Special Report: Venezuela Crisis and Nigeria’s Silence - ADC’s Rebuke

In the wake of the United States’ dramatic military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized Nigeria’s failure to issue an official response.

The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved coordinated airstrikes and ground raids across several Venezuelan states, culminating in Maduro’s arrest at Fort Tiuna in Caracas. Both Maduro and Flores were subsequently transferred to New York, indicted on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and drug trafficking, with Maduro pleading not guilty and describing himself as a “prisoner of war.”

SCENARIO: Venezuela's oil industry under U.S. control

Editorial: Venezuela’s Oil Industry Under U.S. Control

Imagining a scenario in which Venezuela’s oil industry falls under direct U.S. control is to envision one of the most radical geopolitical shifts in modern energy politics.

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been a symbol of resource nationalism, where oil wealth was wielded as both an economic lifeline and a political weapon.

To place this industry under U.S. control would mean dismantling decades of sovereignty, ideology, and resistance, replacing them with a framework of foreign management and strategic exploitation.

Nigeria: How to prevent and control fire outbreaks in 2026

Nigeria: How to prevent and control fire outbreaks in 2026

Nigeria enters 2026 with an urgent need to confront the recurring pattern of preventable fires that erode livelihoods, threaten lives, and strain public services. Fire safety is not only a technical task but a societal contract: governments must enforce standards, businesses must invest in resilience, and communities must turn awareness into daily habits. The path forward blends policy, planning, technology, and culture change, anchored by accountability.

The current risk landscape across cities and markets

End-of-year incidents in Lagos exposed a familiar mix of vulnerabilities: overloaded electrical circuits, dense stacking of combustible goods, and buildings operating beyond their intended capacity. These risks converge during peak trading seasons, turning small lapses into large-scale emergencies. Learning from these outbreaks is vital, especially for market authorities, traders, and local councils tasked with maintenance, inspections, and rapid response readiness.

New Tax Laws Will Drive Growth, Strengthen Institutions - NRS Chair Adedeji

New Tax Laws Will Drive Growth, Strengthen Institutions - NRS Chair Adedeji

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has emphasized that the recently implemented tax laws are designed to foster sustainable development and accelerate economic growth.

Speaking during a national television interview, Adedeji explained that while tax reforms often generate political debate, their fundamental purpose is to stabilize the economy and strengthen institutions critical for long-term national progress.

The Imperative Of APC’s Nationwide E-Registration – Seye Oladejo

The Imperative of APC’s Nationwide E-Registration - Seye Oladejo

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the ongoing nationwide e-registration of members is not a symbolic gesture but a compulsory reform initiative.

According to the party, this digital exercise represents a landmark step in strengthening internal democracy, enforcing discipline, and modernising party operations in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Deposed Venezuelan Leader Pleads Not Guilty In US Court

The Trial of a Deposed Venezuelan Leader

In a dramatic turn of global politics, former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro stood before a federal judge in Manhattan and pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism. His defiance was palpable as he declared that he had been “kidnapped” from Venezuela, insisting, “I’m innocent; I’m not guilty. I’m still the president of my country.” His wife, Cilia Flores, echoed the same plea, both of them swept into the United States after a stunning raid by American commandos in Caracas.

Prophetic Voices for 2026 - Nigeria and the Global Stage

Prophetic Voices for 2026 - Nigeria and the Global Stage

As 2026 unfolds, the prophetic landscape is alive with declarations from Nigeria’s most revered pastors and global spiritual leaders. These voices, often heard during crossover services and annual gatherings, have become guiding beacons for millions who look to them for divine insight into the year ahead.

In Nigeria, Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God emphasized that 2026 would be a year of divine mercy and economic revival. His message carried a tone of reassurance, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer while expecting breakthroughs in areas long plagued by stagnation. 

Trump Warns New Venezuela Leader Will Pay ‘Big Price’ If She Doesn’t ‘Do What’s Right’

Trump Warns Venezuela’s New Leader of “Big Price” if She Resists U.S. Demands

Summary: President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, declaring she will “pay a very big price” if she fails to cooperate with U.S. intervention following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro.  

The political landscape in Venezuela has shifted dramatically in early January 2026 after U.S. forces carried out a covert military operation that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Maduro is now detained in New York on narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges, marking a watershed moment in Washington’s long-standing confrontation with Caracas. In the wake of this upheaval, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim leader, backed by the Venezuelan Supreme Court and military forces.  

Trump says over 33% of Nigerian immigrants in US depend on public benefits

Trump’s Claim on Nigerian Immigrants and U.S. Public Benefits

Summary: On January 4, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that over 33% of Nigerian immigrant households in the United States rely on public benefits. This claim, shared via his Truth Social platform, has sparked debate on immigration, welfare dependency, and economic contributions.  

On January 4, 2026, President Donald Trump released a chart titled “Immigrant Welfare Recipient Rates by Country of Origin” on his Truth Social account.

The chart purportedly analyzed welfare dependency among immigrant households from over 114 countries and territories.

According to the data highlighted, 33.3% of Nigerian immigrant households in the United States receive some form of public assistance, including food aid, healthcare benefits, and other welfare programs.  

Rivers APC, PDP Leaderships in Ahoada West LG Promise to Follow Wike’s Instruction for 2027

Rivers APC and PDP Leaderships in Ahoada West LG Pledge Loyalty to Wike Ahead of 2027  

In a striking show of political alignment, the leadership of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State have openly declared their readiness to follow the directives of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as the 2027 general elections approach.

This unusual convergence of rival party leaders underscores Wike’s enduring influence in Rivers politics, despite his current role at the federal level.  

During a stakeholders’ meeting and “thank you” visit by Wike to Ahoada West, APC chairman Rejoice Otobo assured the minister that the party in the local government would act in accordance with his instructions.

Prophetic Declarations for 2026 - Voices from Nigeria and Beyond

Special Feature: Prophetic Declarations for 2026 - Voices from Nigeria and Beyond

As the dawn of 2026 broke, the atmosphere across Nigeria and much of the Christian world was charged with anticipation. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet prayer camps in Jos, millions tuned in to hear the annual prophetic declarations from revered men and women of God. These pronouncements, delivered during crossover services and global livestreams, were not mere words; they carried the weight of expectation, hope, and warning, shaping conversations in homes, workplaces, and even political circles.