Thursday, October 30, 2025
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Delta Police Command Lectures NYSC Corps Members On Cybercrime, Rights, And Law Enforcement

The Delta State Police Command has engaged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a lecture session on cybercrime, law enforcement, citizens’ rights, and responsibilities in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.

The lecture, held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the NYSC orientation camp in Delta State, was delivered by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Edafe Bright, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.

According to the Command, the initiative is part of efforts to reshape the mindset of corps members for a purposeful life beyond their service year. The session covered key topics including cybercrime awareness, police accountability, community policing, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

The corps members were urged to be good ambassadors of the nation, uphold honesty and patriotism, shun violence and crime, and remain committed to nation-building. They were further enlightened on their constitutional responsibilities as contained in Section 24 of the 1999 Constitution, which include respect for the constitution and its institutions, promotion of national interest, and support for law enforcement in maintaining peace and order.

On police accountability, the Command provided corps members with avenues for lodging complaints, including direct phone contacts and other communication channels, assuring them of responsive action in cases of misconduct.

The interactive session also allowed corps members to ask questions and seek clarifications, which were duly addressed to their satisfaction.

Power Supply, Major Milestone For Bayelsa At 29 – Gov Diri

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Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the procurement of a 60-megawatt gas turbine by his administration was a milestone worth celebrating by the state as it turned 29 on October 1, 2025.

According to a press release on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri also stated that when fully installed, it would not only guarantee 24-hour power supply in the state but would also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

The Bayelsa governor stated this in a statewide broadcast on the twin occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence and Bayelsa’s 29th statehood anniversary on October 1, 2025.

While congratulating Nigeria’s leader, President Bola Tinubu, as well as the people of the country and Bayelsa on the anniversary celebrations, Governor Diri expressed the hope of better days ahead.

According to him, his Assured Prosperity administration continues to progress with landmark projects, including the nine‑storey state secretariat complex that would provide efficient administrative space for public servants.

Senator Diri equally stated that the ongoing construction of the 25,000‑capacity stadium would foster youth development as the facility would inspire young people and showcase Bayelsa on a larger scale.

He said: “The recent arrival of the 60‑megawatt gas turbines mark a major milestone and brings us much closer to reliable, round‑the‑clock power in our state. That development will reduce household expenses, attract investment, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

“Work is also progressing well on other landmark projects. The nine‑storey State Secretariat complex is advancing steadily and will provide modern, efficient administrative space for our public servants and the people they serve. To foster sports and youth development, we are building a 25,000‑capacity, Olympic‑standard stadium — a facility that will inspire our young people and showcase Bayelsa on the national and international stage.

He also spoke about developments in the education sector where the state had recorded significant progress in academic performanceand infrastructure upgrade.

“Our schools are improving. Recent NECO results have shown strong performances by our students, with Bayelsa among the top five states in Nigeria. To deepen pragmatic education, we have established science, technical and vocational colleges in every local government area.

“The ones at Ayamasa, Ofoni, Swali, Sampou and Opume have been completed and functional while others are nearing completion in Brass, Igbeta‑Ewoma and Oporoma.”

While admonishing the people to reflect on the state’s and nation’s history and hope for a better future, the Bayelsa chief executive urged them to renew their collective commitment to unity and hard work.

“The road has not always been smooth. Some ask why we continue to commemorate this day. The answer is simple: self‑determination matters.

“As Bayelsans, we have spent almost three decades making our own decisions, setting our own course and running our own race. That capacity is a cause for celebration and a responsibility we must discharge with wisdom and humility.”

The Bayelsa governor maintained that the narrative about the homogeneous Ijaw state was on the upswing and that there was much to be grateful and hopeful for.

AfriTECH 5.0 Welcomes NCC, itel, Digital Realty, SKOT Communications, IXPN As Sponsors

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Momentum is building for the fifth edition of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 5.0), as the annual innovation forum confirms five major sponsors committed to shaping Africa’s digital independence journey.

Leading the lineup are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), consumer tech brand itel, global data infrastructure leader Digital Realty, connectivity solutions provider SKOT Communications, and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).

Set to be held on November 13th, 2025 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, under the theme “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence”, AfriTECH 5.0 will spotlight the power of homegrown solutions and global partnerships in driving Africa’s technological growth.

The diversity of sponsors reflects the ecosystem AfriTECH champions: regulators led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); consumer enablers (itel); infrastructure giants (Digital Realty Nigeria); communications providers (SKOT Communications); and critical backbone operators – the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).

Together, their support underscores how collaboration between regulation, innovation, and infrastructure is vital to Africa’s future.

“Each partner represents a piece of the puzzle in Africa’s digital transformation,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH). “From regulation to infrastructure, from consumer access to data exchange, AfriTECH 5.0 is where these synergies come alive.”

This year’s forum promises high-level debates, solution-driven panels, and networking that connects decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators committed to accelerating Africa’s digital independence.

In addition to the conference sessions and exhibitions, this year’s edition will feature the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Award (ATAEx 2025), a prestigious award ceremony that celebrates outstanding innovation, leadership, and contributions to Africa’s digital economy.

More details at: https://africatechallianceforum.africa

Labour Party Chairman Nenadi Usman Felicitates With Nigerians On 65th Independence Anniversary

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The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi E. Usman, has joined millions of Nigerians at home and abroad to celebrate the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Senator Usman acknowledged that although Nigeria has witnessed missed opportunities and unfulfilled expectations over the decades, there remains much to celebrate.

She noted that the country’s continued existence as one indivisible nation, despite numerous challenges, is proof of Nigerians’ collective resolve and the strength derived from unity in diversity.

Senator Usman, however, decried the burden of poor leadership at various levels of governance, urging Nigerians not to despair but to remain hopeful for a better future.

> “There will surely be joy in the morning. It would be a double tragedy for a people who have endured years of misrule to now surrender hope for their country. Meaningful change will only come when we, as citizens, rise to hold leaders accountable,” she said.

The Labour Party Chairman further called on leaders to govern with empathy, justice, and transparency, stressing that no nation can achieve sustainable development without prioritising the welfare of its citizens.

Police Foil Kidnapping, Armed Robbery On Keffi–Akwanga Highway

…… One Suspect Arrested, Firearms and Military Uniforms Recovered

The Nasarawa State Police Command has thwarted a kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Keffi–Akwanga highway, arresting one suspect and recovering firearms, ammunition, and military uniforms.

According to a press release on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, signed by the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the operation followed a distress call received on September 30, 2025, at about 12:25 p.m., reporting that armed criminals had blocked the Federal Highway before Angwan Mayo.

Responding swiftly, Commissioner of Police CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed deployed operatives from the Garaku Division who engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle. Overpowered by superior firepower, the criminals fled into the forest, with some believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

At about 4:30 a.m. the same day, police sustained the offensive through a counter-ambush, leading to the arrest of one suspect identified as Aondoaver Thiom of Ise Kiragbe, Kadarko, Nasarawa State.

Recovered exhibits include:

* Two fabricated revolver guns with ammunition (4 live 7.62mm rounds, 3 live cartridges, 2 expended cartridges)
* One complete desert camouflage uniform with trousers
* Additional camouflage clothing items
* Cash sum of ₦25,050
* Mobile phones, bags, and personal items

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to belonging to a syndicate operating from Yelwata town in Guma LGA of Benue State and Kadarko town in Keana LGA of Nasarawa State. The group has allegedly been terrorising motorists on the highway for over two months. He also provided useful leads to other gang members currently on the run.

The Commissioner of Police has directed the Divisional Police Officer and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Lafia to intensify efforts towards arresting the fleeing suspects and restoring lasting peace along the highway.

The Command assured residents of its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the police.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Felicitates With Speaker Tajudeen Abbas At 60

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The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has joined family, colleagues, and associates of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON in celebrating his 60th birthday.

In a congratulatory message, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the Speaker as an erudite and charismatic leader whose humility, simplicity, and discipline have been instrumental in providing exceptional leadership for the House of Representatives over the past two years.

He noted that under Abbas’ stewardship, the Green Chamber has witnessed a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchanges of ideas, which has enhanced its effectiveness in driving national development.

The Governor commended the Speaker’s personal qualities of selflessness, maturity and friendliness, which, he said, have significantly strengthened the relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

This cordiality, according to the NSGF Chairman, has resulted in the smooth passage of critical bills with direct impact on the livelihood of Nigerians.

“As you mark this milestone diamond jubilee, I pray to Almighty Allah to continue to bless, protect and guide you in all your endeavours,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.

Nigeria @65: The Successes Of The NPF In Enhancing Internal Security

By Benjamin Hundeyin

A TIME FOR REFLECTION AND CELEBRATION

(1) As Nigeria clocks 65 years of independence, we are reminded that sovereignty is sustained not only by democracy but by security—the confidence of a people to live free from fear. In this journey of nationhood, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has stood as the foremost guarantor of internal order, the institution whose resilience sustains both statehood and stability. Today, under the leadership of the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Force has become a renewed symbol of courage, reform, and innovation. It has matched the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda with results that impact every community in Nigeria and resonate internationally. This anniversary is not just a celebration of history, but a testimony that Nigeria’s security architecture, anchored by the NPF, is ready for the future.

A PARADIGM SHIFT IN POLICING

(2) Nigeria is witnessing a radical transformation in the philosophy and practice of policing. The NPF has shifted from a reactive model—responding after crime occurs—to a forward-looking system built on anticipation, prevention, and people-centred service. This paradigm shift has been most visible in communities across all 36 states and the FCT, where improved patrol presence, community dialogue, and quick response mechanisms have restored confidence in the police. International observers, too, now point to Nigeria as an example of how large police institutions in developing democracies can reinvent themselves through strategic vision and leadership. Nigeria is no longer policing yesterday’s problems; it is anticipating tomorrow’s threats and meeting them with vision.

TAMING THE CRIME TIDE: OPERATIONAL TRIUMPHS

(3) The Nigeria Police under IGP Egbetokun has demonstrated a heightened operational tempo and doggedness, resulting in significant successes against criminal elements. In just two months, 4,383 suspects were arrested nationwide—ranging from armed robbery (481), kidnapping (260), homicide (371), and rape (322) to cultism (375) and unlawful possession of firearms (161). Beyond these arrests, 1,138 kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families, while the seizure of 716 firearms, over 21,000 rounds of ammunition, and 212 stolen vehicles disrupted criminal logistics chains across multiple states.

(4) These celebrated stories echo in Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger, where victims rescued from the clutches of kidnappers became living testimonies of renewed policing efficiency. In Lagos and Rivers, decisive crackdowns on cult gangs restored normalcy to once-troubled communities. In the North East, police tactical units worked hand-in-hand with the military to degrade terror networks, while in the South West, coordinated intelligence operations dismantled cross-border robbery syndicates. Collectively, these victories show that the NPF is not only responding to crime but tilting the balance in favour of the law. Every arrest, every rescue, every recovered weapon is not just a statistic — it is a statement that the law will always be stronger than lawlessness.

SPECIALISED POLICING: PRECISION IN ACTION

(5) Specialisation has become the new hallmark of policing in Nigeria. Recognising that modern threats require tailored solutions, IGP Egbetokun created units that combine speed with precision.

(6) Special Intervention Squad (SIS): The NPF stood up the SIS to tackle high-risk threats with speed and accuracy. The FCT component was launched in early 2024 and backed by capability support from partners. Since then, SIS has been deployed to deter complex, organised threats in major urban centres.

(7) Safe School Protection Squad (SPS): To protect learning spaces, the SPS has been launched by state commands and zonal formations in Lagos, Benue, Delta, Osun, Bauchi, Nasarawa, among others. This specialised unit focuses on securing educational facilities, protecting students and teachers, and responding swiftly to threats against learning environments. Its creation aligns with Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, supported by development partners such as UNICEF, which has consistently advocated for minimum safety standards in schools. By tailoring force to threat, the NPF is proving that precision, not size alone, defines modern policing power.

HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY AND INTELLIGENCE

(8) Digital transformation now drives frontline policing in Nigeria. The Rescue Me emergency app and the Quick Emergency Reporting & Response System (QERRS) extend citizen access to help, while POSSAP simplifies specialised police services and reduces middle-man friction, closing loopholes for corruption. The electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) has scaled stolen-vehicle recovery—1,519 vehicles in 2024 alone, with recoveries continuing in 2025.

(9) The NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has emerged as a continental leader. In one year, it recovered ₦8.82 billion, $84,000, and over 115,000 USDT for victims of cyber fraud. Beyond restitution, the Centre’s recognition as the Best Cybercrime Unit in Africa at INTERPOL 2024 put Nigeria on the global policing map. Locally, countless young Nigerians saved from online scams are a daily reminder that the fight against cybercrime is real, effective, and people-centred. Technology is no longer a support tool; it is now the heartbeat of policing in Nigeria, placing the Force shoulder-to-shoulder with global best practice.

EXPANDING MANPOWER, BUILDING TACTICAL STRENGTH

(10) The Federal Government’s approval for the annual recruitment of 30,000 constables for five years is a milestone unmatched in Nigerian policing history. This is a forward-looking reform targeted at aligning Nigeria with the global policing ratio of one officer per 400 citizens, thereby strengthening visibility and public confidence. With this policy, communities across Nigeria—from Enugu to Sokoto, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt—are seeing new police faces, increasing visibility, and reinforcing trust.

(11) Simultaneously, raising PMF squadrons to 80 has created a more muscular tactical arm. This is a landmark decision to move toward the international policing benchmark of one officer per 400 citizens, enhancing presence, deterrence, and community trust. In the fight against insurgency in the North East, against banditry in the North West, and in quelling violent protests in urban centres, the PMF remains the punching arm of the NPF—disciplined, mobile, and responsive.
This bold expansion shows that Nigeria is not only filling numbers but shaping a stronger, faster, and more confident police presence nationwide.

ENHANCING PROFESSIONALISM: LAW, INTELLIGENCE, AND INVESTIGATION

(12) Professionalisation has accelerated. For the first time, the NPF’s Legal Department has become a full Directorate, supported by a pipeline of 100 Police Academy graduates admitted into the Nigerian Law School, with dozens called to the Bar to elevate investigative and prosecutorial quality within the Force.

(13) The Force Intelligence Department (FID) was formally elevated to a DIG-led Directorate, with state and zonal FID offices realigned for tighter coordination and accountability. The Force Intelligence Department is strategically designed to provide timely, reliable, and actionable intelligence to support policing operations nationwide.

(14) Equally bold is the reorganisation of the FCID. Entry is now by competitive examination and specialised training, a merit-based system that has already produced elite investigators. The Inspector-General of Police has introduced a groundbreaking rule stipulating that any officer who serves creditably in the FCID for two years will earn the title of “Detective.” This policy provides recognition for investigators, incentives for excellence, and aligns with international best practices.
By marrying merit with professionalism, the NPF is creating a culture where excellence is not the exception but the expectation.

WELFARE: HOUSING, HEALTHCARE, AND INSURANCE

(15) Welfare reforms under IGP Egbetokun have touched lives profoundly. In Kano, newly rebuilt barracks now serve as a model of modern police housing; in Kaduna, a completed barracks project is awaiting commissioning; in Lagos, large-scale reconstruction is underway. The ₦100 billion Police Housing Fund, backed by the first-ever Housing Summit, has created a framework for sustained, dignified accommodation.

16) Healthcare has also advanced. By upgrading the Police Medical Services into a Directorate, divisional and zonal clinics have been renovated with modern equipment, and preventive medicine has become a priority. Officers and their families, from rural beats to city commands, are already benefiting. It is also worthy to note, the IGP recently commissioned brand-new model headquarters buildings in Yola, Adamawa State, and Abeokuta, Ogun State, creating modern hubs of policing and welfare delivery. In addition to infrastructure renewal, the Force has pioneered the digitisation of medical records, a reform that has already gone live in three flagship facilities—Muhammadu Buhari Hospital, Abuja; the Cottage Hospital at Police College, Ikeja; and the Police Hospital, Falomo, Lagos. This breakthrough has removed the bottlenecks of paper-based systems, enabling doctors to retrieve patient histories instantly, cut waiting times, and deliver care with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The success of this innovation in Abuja and Lagos provides a template for nationwide rollout, placing Police healthcare firmly on the path of global best practice and guaranteeing that officers and their families receive not only treatment, but modern, technology-driven dignity in care.
In digitising healthcare, the Nigeria Police is proving that the well-being of its officers is not left to chance, but secured by innovation.

(17) Equally celebrated is the prompt disbursement of eleven (11) phases of Group Life Assurance claims, amounting to over ₦26 billion after years of stagnation. Families of fallen heroes across all six geo-political zones now have closure, dignity, and support—a morale booster for serving officers who know their sacrifices will never be in vain.

In securing its officers, the Force secures its mission — because a well-cared-for policeman becomes a better protector of the Nigerian people.

RECOGNITION, GENDER INCLUSIVITY, AND GLOBAL IMPACT

(18) Recognition now has a platform. The Nigeria Police Awards, revived in 2024 and repeated in 2025, honour bravery, integrity, and sacrifice while transforming the story of policing from criticism alone to a balanced celebration of excellence.

(19) Gender inclusivity has taken a bold step forward. For over three decades, no woman had been appointed Force Secretary; yet in the last two years under IGP Egbetokun, two distinguished officers—AIG Yetunde Longe (2024) and AIG Rhoda Olofu (2025)—have served consecutively in that role. In the same period, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin became Edo State’s first female Commissioner of Police, while CP Hauwa Abdullahi Ibrahim was appointed Commissioner of Police, Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD). These milestones mark a deliberate broadening of leadership space for women, signal a purposeful widening of opportunities, and are reshaping the landscape of leadership in Nigerian policing. Alongside these gains, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Desks and dedicated training programmes have expanded nationwide with strong partner support. Together, these steps are not coincidental—they reflect the deliberate inclusivity policy now firmly embedded under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership.

(20) In line with this inclusivity drive, a female officer is currently representing Nigeria at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, projecting Nigerian competence on the global stage. The NPF also hosted the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Africa Region Training Conference in Abuja (July 2–5, 2024), drawing participants from across the continent to share modern policing practices and deepen collaboration.

(21) On the peacekeeping front, Nigeria’s contingent under AUSSOM in Somalia earned commendation from the AU Police Commissioner in June 2025, further affirming the Force’s global professionalism.

These milestones prove that the Nigeria Police is not only a national institution but also a global contributor, inclusive at home and respected abroad.

CONCLUSION: A RENEWED FORCE FOR A RENEWED NATION

(22) At 65, Nigeria’s story is inseparable from the Nigeria Police Force. Under IGP Egbetokun, the NPF is showing that reform can be lived, professionalism sustained, and excellence rewarded. From rural outposts to bustling state capitals—and from national policy rooms to international theatres—today’s policing outcomes are laying firmer foundations for peace, unity, and progress.

Nigeria’s guardians are more determined, more professional, and more inclusive than ever. Their courage, reforms, and achievements are not just milestones—they are stepping stones toward a future of national security and pride.

Police To Begin Nationwide Enforcement Of Tinted Glass Permit October 2

The Nigeria Police Force has announced that it will commence full enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) nationwide from Thursday, October 2, 2025.

According to a statement issued by ASP Mohammed Halima, Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, the directive follows the order of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and will be strictly implemented across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger State, and other parts of the country.

The enforcement is in line with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which the police say remains a crucial security measure to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.

The grace period earlier given to motorists to obtain or renew their permits has now expired. Consequently, vehicle owners with tinted glasses are required to carry valid and verifiable permit documents when requested by enforcement officers.

The police warned that:

* Driving with tinted glass without an approved permit now constitutes an offence.
* Routine checks will be conducted in designated areas across the FCT and Niger State.
* Defaulters risk having their vehicles impounded and may face legal prosecution.

Motorists have been urged to apply for or revalidate their permits through the official police portal at www.possap.gov.ng to avoid sanctions.

The statement emphasised that compliance is both a legal responsibility and a civic duty to strengthen national security.

PSC Approves Whistle Blowing Policy On Malpractices In Recruitment Processes In NPF

…. says Nigerians are now encouraged to report solicitation or acceptance of bribes in exchange for recruitment slots or preferential treatment

The Police Service Commission has announced a whistleblowing Policy on malpractice in the recruitment processes into the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a press release on Wednesday October 1st 2025, signed by the PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission says it is committed to ensuring that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force is transparent, merit based and fair stressing that the Policy establishes a secure channel for Members of the Public to report any corruption, fraud, or malpractice observed during Police recruitment process.

It noted that its goal “is to uphold the principles of good governance and strengthen our national security by ensuring only the most qualified and upright candidates are enlisted”

The Commission’s actions are guided by the core principles, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, which states: Priority Area 2 (National Security) “we believe that a credible, professional, and trustworthy Police Force is the cornerstone of national security and that reporting malpractices is a patriotic duty that directly contributes to a safer Nigeria”

Priority Area 8 (Rule of law and Anti-Corruption) also states, “we are committed to the rule of law and a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. This Policy empowers every citizen to act as a watchdog, ensuring that the recruitment process is free from bribery, Fraud, and unethical influence”

The Commission said Nigerians are encouraged to report any of the following; solicitation or acceptance of bribes (cash, gifts, favours) in exchange for recruitment slots or preferential treatment; manipulation of results (written, physical or medical tests); falsification of credentials (age, certificate, state of origin) with the knowledge of officials; sexual harassment or extortion of candidates; Ghost candidates or inclusion of names not part of the official process; impersonation during examinations or screenings and any other form of undue influence or unethical conduct by recruitment officials or middlemen.

The Commission enjoins persons who wish to send complaints to ensure your report is effective and “please provide as much detail as possible. “You can also report anonymously, but providing your contact details will assist if further information is needed.

The Commission has also provided dedicated lines: 08065265651, 08059544355, 09159329404 and 08035866677.

SMS and text messages should include details of the incident, location, date, individuals involved and sent to Email: info@psc.gov.ng
Website: www.psc.gov.ng
X: @PSCNigeria
Facebook: @PSCNigeria

The Commission is committed to protecting the identity and welfare of individuals who report in good faith. All reports will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Whistle-blowers will be protected from victimisation, intimidation or retaliation as provided by relevant Nigerian laws.

The Commission’s commitment is that “every credible report will be promptly, independently and thoroughly investigated and will take decisive disciplinary and legal action against any individual found culpable of recruitment malpractices.

The Commission enjoins Nigerians to help it build a better, more professional Nigeria Police Force, insisting that “your courage can make the difference”

Why NUPENG And PENGASSAN Must Stop Terrorising Nigerians

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By Kunle Ayo

Recent actions by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in the oil and gas sector reveal a desperate attempt by certain actors to exploit Nigerians’ sensibilities, perpetuating lawlessness, economic sabotage, and threats to national security for the benefit of a few at the expense of the broader population.

It is an affront to Nigerians’ intelligence that NUPENG and PENGASSAN, historically complicit in the deliberate and egregious degeneration of the oil and gas sector, have long acted as enablers of self-interest. These unions have been directly implicated in decades of inflicting untold hardship on ordinary Nigerians through their neglect, complicity, and collaboration with enemies of the state. Their sudden posturing as defenders of workers’ rights—when their actions have contributed to the suffering of millions—is both hypocritical and insulting.

The recent decision by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to embark on strike action aligns with their persistent assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s economy, which President Tinubu’s administration is working tirelessly to revive. This calculated move seeks to drag the nation back to the dark days of fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, orchestrated by a handful of Nigerians and their foreign collaborators, with NUPENG and PENGASSAN as willing participants.

To call their actions detrimental to Nigeria’s social and economic progress is an understatement. The negative impact on social services is immense, as their strikes have led to the shutdown of thermal power plants, threatening to plunge the nation into physical and economic darkness. This cripples economic and social activities, placing millions of households and small businesses at a severe disadvantage.

NUPENG and PENGASSAN have made no secret of their self-serving intentions, prioritizing a culture of impunity, primitive wealth accumulation, monopoly, and destructive behavior over patriotism.

Their actions consistently place personal gain above the needs of the nation and its citizens, undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence, independence, and economic growth.

Under the guise of unionism and workers’ rights, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have chosen to inflict undue hardship on Nigerians, rejecting platforms for constructive dialogue. Their concerns are not genuine but rather mischievous, selfish, and treasonable, opting for self-help tactics that bring untold suffering to citizens and residents instead of pursuing collaborative solutions.

The federal government’s efforts to facilitate peaceful resolutions to these disputes have been rebuffed by NUPENG and PENGASSAN, who instead escalate their campaign to promote economic instability. Blinded by self-interest, they have failed to grasp the broader implications of their actions and refused to work toward solutions that benefit Nigerians.

Nigerians are neither fools nor gullible enough to fall for their deceptive tactics. The unions’ attempt to sell a false narrative about mass layoffs at Dangote Refinery is a fraud, mirroring their own duplicity. Their efforts to mislead Nigerians for selfish ends have failed. These misguided actors, driven by corrupt motives, remain insensitive to the decades of suffering caused by oil subsidy profiteers.

For years, NUPENG and PENGASSAN remained silent during fuel scarcity crises, ignoring the plight of Nigerians who were reduced to economic servitude in one of the world’s richest oil-producing nations. Yet, they now claim to champion workers’ rights at a time when fuel prices are stabilizing, the forex market is steady, the naira is strengthening against the dollar, and inflation is declining. They suddenly find fault when fuel is widely available, governors can pay salaries and pensions, and viable competition thrives in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, attracting foreign investment due to economic stability.

How can any sincere labour union, concerned with the welfare of its members and the nation’s economic viability, remain silent when massive fraud is perpetrated by a few citizens in collaboration with foreign actors? Billions of dollars in Nigerian funds have been laundered under fictitious pretexts by union officials, and the fraudulent fuel subsidy scheme, orchestrated through a corrupt Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has caused immense harm.

Yet, NUPENG and PENGASSAN now claim to fight for workers’ rights with a fabricated narrative.
NUPENG and PENGASSAN should be well aware of labor laws and their applications. They cannot claim ignorance that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) does not compel staff of private universities to unionize, nor does the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) force workers at private transport companies like GUO or God is Good Motors to join its union.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) does not mandate teachers in private schools to become members. Union membership is an individual’s private and exclusive right, not a mandatory or national obligation. How many times have NUPENG and PENGASSAN gone on strike to address the failures of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions spent, or to end the fuel subsidy scam?

NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no right to interfere in the internal administration of Dangote Refinery or any other private corporate entity. Their consistent role as saboteurs, aimed at derailing national progress, reveals them as stooges of sedition and terrorism. In a foolish attempt to serve their paymasters, they have declared war on the common man, making a mockery of themselves.
How does halting crude oil and gas supplies serve justice if workers are laid off?

Can self-help and blackmail assist affected staff or benefit ordinary Nigerians? Dialogue and legal avenues, not reckless actions, are the appropriate means to resolve disputes. Ironically, the processes NUPENG and PENGASSAN oppose are the very ones that have brought relief, alleviated suffering, and restored hope. These processes have stabilized fuel costs, promoted deregulation, reduced foreign interference in the oil and gas sector, and delivered numerous benefits.

We must echo the voice of Hon. Dr. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the Federal House of Representatives, who rightly declared this affront against Dangote Refinery as an attack on national security, the economy, and the common man. NUPENG and PENGASSAN must cease acting as tools of saboteurs to derail Nigeria’s progress. They must stop making a caricature of themselves, as times have changed, and a new era of accountability has begun.

The Dangote Refinery has come to stay, driving Nigeria’s economic independence and progress through its transformative impact on the oil and gas sector. Nigerians stand united in resolute support of this vital enterprise, rejecting the sabotage of self-serving actors posing as trade unionists. With the people’s backing, Dangote Refinery will prevail against these economic adversaries, securing a future of stability and prosperity.

*Ayo writes from Lagos