Return to Home Countries: U.S. Orders Nigerians and Other Green Card Applicants

Return to Home Countries: U.S. Orders Nigerians and Other Green Card Applicants  

The United States has announced a major immigration policy shift: Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking permanent residency (Green Cards) must now return to their home countries to apply, instead of adjusting their status while inside the U.S.

This directive, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under President Donald Trump, is intended to restore the “original intent” of immigration law and curb overstays.

Background of the Policy

The USCIS stated that temporary visa holders, such as students, tourists, and workers, were never meant to use their stay in the U.S. as the first step toward permanent residency. The new rule requires applicants to process their Green Card applications through U.S. consular offices abroad, under the supervision of the Department of State. Only in “extraordinary circumstances” will exceptions be made.

Reasons Behind the Directive

- Preventing overstays: USCIS argues that many applicants remain illegally in the U.S. after their residency applications are denied. Requiring applications abroad reduces this risk.  

- Restoring original law intent: Immigration law was designed for nonimmigrants to leave after their authorized stay, not to transition directly into permanent residency.  

- Resource allocation: By shifting applications abroad, USCIS says it can free up resources to focus on other priorities such as naturalisation cases, victims of trafficking, and violent crime-related visas.

Fubara’s Miscalculation and the Shifting Landscape of Rivers Politics

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State

Fubara’s Miscalculation and the Shifting Landscape of Rivers Politics

·      The Roots of Fubara’s Miscalculation

·      The Assembly Crisis and Legislative Hostility

·      The Dominant Role of Nyesom Wike

·      Federal Intervention and National Implications

·      Governance Paralysis and Public Perception

·      How Rivers Politics Has Been Reshaped

·      Restraint as Vulnerability

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cautious approach to Rivers State’s political crisis, marked by silence and restraint, has been widely interpreted as a miscalculation that has reshaped the balance of power in the state, strengthening his rivals and deepening instability. His failure to act decisively against defections and impeachment maneuvers has allowed Nyesom Wike’s faction to consolidate influence, leaving Rivers politics fractured and volatile. 

The Roots of the Miscalculation

Governor Fubara’s troubles began when Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 15 lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leaving only 10 members loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This move, orchestrated by former governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was a strategic attempt to dominate both major parties in Rivers State. Instead of countering aggressively, Fubara chose restraint, which critics argue ceded ground to Wike’s camp. 

The Assembly Crisis

The Rivers State House of Assembly adjourned abruptly in December 2025, a move that signaled political maneuvering rather than routine procedure. When lawmakers reconvened in 2026, they issued an impeachment notice against Fubara, the third in less than three years, accusing him of gross misconduct, including failure to present the 2025 budget. Yet this charge was contradictory, as the budget had already been passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. This exposed the impeachment as more of a political weapon than a constitutional necessity. 

The Wike Factor

Fubara’s miscalculation is most evident in his handling of his predecessor. Wike, leveraging his influence in both PDP and APC, has positioned himself as the central power broker in Rivers politics. Fubara’s reluctance to confront Wike directly has emboldened Wike’s allies, who now dominate the legislature and threaten the governor’s survival. This dynamic has turned Rivers politics into a battleground of loyalty versus disloyalty, with Fubara increasingly isolated. 

PRESS RELEASE | BEYOND GOVERNANCE

BEYOND GOVERNANCE LOGO

PRESS RELEASE | BEYOND GOVERNANCE

SEB MEDIA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, proudly announces the launch of a ground-breaking video interview series titled “BEYOND GOVERNANCE.” 

This initiative will feature insightful conversations with Nigeria’s leaders, offering citizens a closer look at the people shaping the nation’s future.

The series will spotlight governors, lawmakers, ministers, and commissioners in candid discussions about governance, policy, and national development. 

By going beyond traditional political narratives, “BEYOND GOVERNANCE” aims to foster transparency, accountability, and dialogue between leaders and the public.

Anchored by the tagline “Weekly Talks With Nigeria's Decision Makers | Shaping Nigeria’s Future Through Dialogue,” the program underscores the importance of open communication in building trust and advancing democratic values.

Tinubu Wins Landslide in APC Presidential Primaries

Tinubu Wins Landslide in APC Presidential Primaries

·      Tinubu Secures Landslide Victory Across States

·      Rivers and Kaduna Deliver Overwhelming Support

·      Grassroots Mobilization Strengthens APC’s Strategy

·      Certificate of Return and Next Steps for Tinubu

·      Historical Context of APC’s Political Dominance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) held its presidential primaries across Nigeria on May 23, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The exercise was conducted simultaneously in 8,809 wards nationwide, with two candidates on the ballot: President Bola Tinubu and Stanley Osifo. Tinubu emerged with a sweeping victory, securing overwhelming support across multiple states and pushing closer to his bid for re-election as Nigeria’s president.

Nationwide Participation and Tinubu’s Victory

President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, cast their votes in Ikoyi, Lagos, joining millions of APC members in the direct primary exercise. Tinubu emphasized that democracy is sustained by citizens, institutions, and grassroots participation rather than noise or speculation. The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, governors, lawmakers, and other party leaders also participated across various states.

Beautiful Beginning Academy Triumphs in NUJ FCT 2026 Media Literacy Quiz, Inspiring a New Generation of Young Journalists

NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike flanked left and right by participating students at the quiz event 

Beautiful Beginning Academy Triumphs in NUJ FCT 2026 Media Literacy Quiz, Inspiring a New Generation of Young Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, staged a remarkable media literacy and journalism quiz competition on May 21, 2026 at Utako, its official office, aimed at nurturing press clubs in secondary schools and mentoring young students on the workings of the media.

The event brought together schools across the Federal Capital Territory in a spirited contest that highlighted the importance of critical thinking, communication, and responsible journalism.

Beautiful Beginning Academy, Abuja, emerged as the champion after a dramatic tie-breaker against Cedar Hall Academy, Lugbe. Both schools had impressively scored 205 points each at the end of the second round, forcing a decisive final showdown.

In the tie-breaker, Beautiful Beginning Academy edged out Cedar Hall Academy with an 8–6 victory. Earlier rounds saw Government Senior Secondary School (GSS) Garki and GSS Gwarimpa put up commendable performances, though they fell short of the leading scores as GSS Garki scored 40 points, GSS Gwarimpa scored 80 points.

Council Chairman,  Grace Ike praised the initiative, emphasizing that the competition was designed to revive press clubs and instil media literacy among students.

Comrade Grace encouraged teachers to actively organize press club activities and assured them of NUJ-FCT’s support in fostering such engagements.

“Teachers, please organise your press clubs and, once in a while, host events and invite the NUJ-FCT Council; we will come,” she said.

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

NEF 2026 and Nigeria’s Industrial Growth Agenda

The Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) 2026 marks its 11th edition with a bold focus on industrial growth and value addition, reflecting the nation’s intensified drive to diversify its economy and strengthen local industries.

Scheduled for June 30 in Ikeja, Lagos, the forum is set to convene leading voices from energy, manufacturing, mining, finance, infrastructure, and policy sectors, positioning itself as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

Dr. Daniel Adeuyi, Chairman of NEF, emphasized that this year’s gathering aims to move beyond discussions into actionable partnerships that can accelerate industrial transformation.

The theme, “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation,” underscores the forum’s commitment to practical solutions that enhance energy reliability, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthen mineral development, and create sustainable jobs.

Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

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Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

Presidency Denies Claims Tinubu Plans to Rename Nigeria, Abolish Sharia Law

On May 21, 2026, the Nigerian Presidency issued a strong rebuttal to a viral report alleging that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intended to sponsor constitutional amendments to rename Nigeria as the “United States of Nigeria” and abolish Sharia law in the northern region.

The statement described the claims as entirely false, fabricated, and deliberately aimed at provoking political unrest ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The Presidency emphasized that President Tinubu has no plans to introduce any legislation under the so-called “Project True Federation” and will not transmit such a bill to the National Assembly. It clarified that constitutional amendments in Nigeria are governed by strict procedures requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and approval from at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, making arbitrary changes impossible.

Kwara APC Primary Halted — Voters Left in Limbo

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Kwara APC Primary Halted  - Voters Left in Limbo

Kwara APC Primary Halted - Voters Left in Limbo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Kwara State was abruptly halted on Thursday following widespread confusion, allegations of irregularities, and logistical breakdowns that left thousands of party members stranded at polling centers. The suspension has thrown the state’s political landscape into uncertainty, with both aspirants and voters demanding clarity from the party leadership.

The Disruption

The primary, intended to select candidates for the upcoming governorship and legislative elections, began early in the day across several local government areas. However, by midday, reports emerged of missing ballot materials, conflicting delegate lists, and disputes over accreditation procedures. In Ilorin East and Asa LGAs, aggrieved party members blocked roads, accusing local officials of manipulating the process. The situation escalated when security operatives intervened to disperse crowds, leading to minor injuries and arrests.

Party Leadership’s Response

The Kwara APC chairman announced the temporary suspension of the exercise, citing “technical and procedural irregularities” that required immediate review. He assured members that the process would resume once the issues were resolved, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transparency. However, aspirants expressed frustration, claiming the halt favored certain factions within the party. One aspirant described the situation as “a betrayal of democratic trust,” while another urged the national secretariat to take over the process to ensure fairness.

Voters’ Reaction

Across Kwara communities, the mood was tense and uncertain. Many voters who had traveled long distances to participate expressed disappointment and anger. In Offa and Patigi, residents lamented the lack of communication from party officials, saying they felt “abandoned in the sun.” Political analysts noted that the disruption could deepen internal divisions within the APC, especially between loyalists of the governor and those aligned with national figures.

NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

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NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

Nigeria’s NDLEA has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine cartel in Ogun State, seizing drugs and chemicals worth over ₦480 billion and arresting 10 suspects, including three Mexican nationals. The bust has triggered mixed reactions in Ogun communities, with relief over the removal of a dangerous operation but also anxiety about security and the infiltration of foreign criminal networks.

NDLEA Busts Mexican Meth Cartel - Ogun Communities React

The Operation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) executed a 48-hour coordinated raid across Ogun and Lagos States after months of intelligence gathering. The primary target was a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East LGA, Ogun State. The facility was described as the largest meth lab ever discovered in Nigeria, producing industrial-scale quantities of methamphetamine. Ten suspects were arrested, including cartel leader Anochili Innocent, four Nigerian collaborators, and three Mexican nationals, Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos, allegedly recruited as technical “cooks.”

Seizures and Arrests

NDLEA operatives seized 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at ₦480 billion. In addition to the forest raid, simultaneous operations in Lekki, Lagos, led to the arrest of Innocent at his luxury residence, where investigators recovered international passports and mobile phones belonging to the Mexican suspects, directly linking him to their recruitment. Follow-up raids also uncovered stash houses and additional cartel members.

SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO — Space and AI Converge

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SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO — Space and AI Converge

SpaceX’s $1.7 Trillion IPO - Space and AI Converge

The world of technology and finance is abuzz as SpaceX, Elon Musk’s trailblazing aerospace company, prepares for what analysts are calling the most ambitious initial public offering in history, a staggering $1.7 trillion valuation.

More than a financial milestone, this IPO represents the fusion of two transformative forces: space exploration and artificial intelligence. Together, they are redefining humanity’s relationship with innovation, data, and the cosmos.  

SpaceX’s journey from a private rocket manufacturer to a global technology ecosystem has been nothing short of revolutionary. Its reusable rocket technology has slashed launch costs, enabling a surge in satellite deployment and interplanetary research.

But the company’s latest evolution, integrating AI into every layer of its operations, marks a new frontier. From autonomous spacecraft navigation to predictive maintenance and mission planning, artificial intelligence now powers the backbone of SpaceX’s vision for sustainable space travel.

Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet — Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

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Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet — Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

Nvidia’s $91bn AI Bet - Lessons for Nigeria’s Tech Future

When Nvidia announced its staggering $91 billion investment into artificial intelligence infrastructure and research, the global tech community paused to take stock.

The move, which cements Nvidia’s dominance in the AI hardware space, is not just a corporate milestone, it’s a defining moment in the evolution of digital economies.

For Nigeria, the world’s largest black nation and Africa’s most populous country, Nvidia’s audacious bet offers critical lessons on how to build a sustainable and competitive tech future.  

At the heart of Nvidia’s investment is a vision of scale. The company’s expansion into AI data centers, chip design, and machine learning ecosystems reflects a deep understanding that innovation thrives on infrastructure.

Nigeria’s tech sector, though vibrant and full of promise, still grapples with infrastructural deficits, unstable power supply, limited broadband penetration, and inadequate research funding.

Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026: Niger Delta Startups Rise

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Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026: Niger Delta Startups Rise

Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026 - Niger Delta Startups Rise

Port Harcourt, the vibrant capital of Rivers State, has become the epicenter of Nigeria’s next wave of technological innovation.

The Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, held at the newly expanded Rivers Innovation Hub, showcased the remarkable ascent of Niger Delta startups, young enterprises redefining the region’s economic identity beyond oil.  

The event, themed “Innovation for Sustainable Growth,” drew thousands of participants, including investors, developers, and policy leaders from across Africa.

What distinguished this year’s expo was its focus on homegrown technology solutions addressing local challenges, renewable energy, marine logistics, agritech, and digital finance.

The atmosphere was electric, with young innovators pitching ideas that blend creativity with social impact.  

Among the standout presentations were drone-based oil spill monitoring systems developed by a Port Harcourt startup, AI-powered fishery management tools from Bayelsa, and blockchain applications for transparent community development funding.

Nigerian Army Deploys Drones — A New Era of Security

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Nigerian Army Deploys Drones — A New Era of Security

Nigerian Army Deploys Drones - A New Era of Security

Nigeria’s security landscape is entering a transformative phase as the Nigerian Army officially deploys surveillance and tactical drones across key regions of the country.

The initiative, announced by the Chief of Army Staff, represents a major leap toward technology-driven defense operations and signals the beginning of a new era in national security management.  

The deployment comes amid persistent challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and cross-border criminal networks. For years, the military has relied heavily on ground patrols and manned aircraft for reconnaissance, methods often limited by terrain, weather, and human risk.

The introduction of drones changes that equation entirely. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can monitor vast areas in real time, identify threats before they escalate, and provide precision intelligence to ground forces.  

According to defense sources, the drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and GPS tracking systems capable of operating day and night. They are designed to relay live footage to command centers, enabling rapid decision-making and coordinated responses.

China Blocks US Visit Over Taiwan Arms Deal — Global Ripples

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China Blocks US Visit Over Taiwan Arms Deal - Global Ripples

Beijing’s decision to block a planned visit by senior United States officials following Washington’s approval of a new arms package for Taiwan has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, underscoring the fragility of global power relations in the Indo-Pacific.

The move, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a direct response to what it calls “a violation of the One China principle,” and marks one of the most visible escalations in US–China tensions this year.  

The arms deal, reportedly worth billions of dollars, includes advanced missile systems, radar upgrades, and defensive equipment intended to bolster Taiwan’s deterrence capabilities.

Washington has defended the sale as consistent with its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act, which mandates support for the island’s self-defense. Beijing, however, views such transactions as interference in its internal affairs and a challenge to its sovereignty.  

By cancelling the US delegation’s visit, China has signaled that diplomatic engagement will not proceed under what it perceives as provocation. Analysts note that this decision reflects a broader strategic posture, one that seeks to assert China’s red lines while testing the limits of American resolve.

Oyo School Abduction — Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

Oyo School Abduction — Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

Oyo School Abduction - Parents Demand Safer Classrooms

The recent abduction of students from a secondary school in Oyo State has reignited national anxiety over the safety of Nigeria’s learning environments.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning when armed men stormed the school premises, has left families traumatised and communities questioning the adequacy of security measures in educational institutions.  

In the aftermath, parents have taken to the streets and social media, demanding immediate government intervention. Their calls are not just for the safe return of the abducted children but for a systemic overhaul of school security.

Many argue that the tragedy exposes the vulnerability of rural and semi-urban schools, where perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and trained security personnel are often absent.  

The Oyo State Government has condemned the attack and pledged to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies. However, parents insist that promises are no longer enough. They are calling for concrete action, deployment of school safety officers, installation of alarm systems, and community-based vigilance networks.

Tinubu Appoints Youngest JAMB Registrar — Students React

Prof. Segun Aina 

Tinubu Appoints Youngest JAMB Registrar - Students React

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Segun Aina as Nigeria’s youngest-ever Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sparked a wave of reactions across the country’s academic and social landscape.

The announcement, made through an official statement from the Presidency, marks a generational shift in leadership within one of Nigeria’s most influential educational institutions.  

The new appointee, whose age reportedly falls in the mid-thirties, represents a striking departure from the tradition of seasoned bureaucrats leading JAMB. His academic background in educational technology and data systems, coupled with prior experience in tertiary admissions reform, has been cited as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s education sector.

The appointment aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of youth inclusion in governance, a theme that has gained traction since the president’s inauguration.  

Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

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Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

Editorial: IGP Orders Mass Demobilisation - What It Means for Police Families

The Inspector-General of Police’s recent directive ordering the mass demobilisation of the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit has reverberated far beyond the corridors of power.

While analysts have focused on its political and security implications, the human dimension, the lives of police families suddenly thrust into uncertainty, deserves equal attention.  

For years, officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit have lived under a unique rhythm of service: high-intensity duty, long hours, and the prestige of proximity to the nation’s highest office. Their families, often based in Abuja, have built lives around that stability, children enrolled in schools, spouses employed locally, and social networks rooted in the capital.

The demobilisation order, which redeploys these officers to commands across Nigeria’s thirty-six states and zonal headquarters, has upended that equilibrium overnight.  

The emotional toll is profound. Families now face abrupt relocations to regions with varying levels of infrastructure and security. For some, the move may mean returning to home states after years of separation; for others, it represents a plunge into unfamiliar territory.

Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

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Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

Editorial: The Ripple Effects of the IGP’s Mass Demobilisation Order

The Inspector-General of Police’s directive to demobilise the No. 24 Police Mobile Force Presidential Escort Unit and redeploy its officers across Nigeria’s commands is more than a bureaucratic reshuffle, it is a political statement about power, decentralisation, and the recalibration of national security priorities.  

At its core, this decision signals a redefinition of presidential authority and institutional autonomy. The Presidential Escort Unit has long symbolised the intimate link between the executive and the security apparatus. Its demobilisation suggests a deliberate effort to dilute the concentration of elite police protection around the presidency, thereby projecting an image of transparency and trust in broader state institutions.

Politically, it may be interpreted as a move to reassert civilian oversight over the police, curbing the perception of the force as an extension of presidential privilege.  

However, this shift also introduces subtle tensions. State governors, now receiving redeployed officers, may view the decision as an opportunity to strengthen local enforcement capacity.

Yet, it could also reshape the balance of influence between federal and state security structures, raising questions about coordination and loyalty. In a country where political power often intertwines with security control, redistributing personnel from the Villa to the states inevitably alters the dynamics of authority.