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US Mission in Nigeria warns visa overstays by Nigerians could impact future applicants
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The United States Mission in Nigeria has again called for lawful travel practices, stating that visa overstays by Nigerian travelers can have wider consequences for future applicants. In a statement on its X handle, the mission emphasized that adherence to U.S. immigration rules is crucial for maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travelers. It noted that individuals overstaying their visas or violating entry conditions can negatively affect the perception of compliance among applicants from the same country, potentially influencing future visa decisions. The advisory stated that visa overstays by Nigerian travelers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens, and strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travelers, and families who travel responsibly. The mission highlighted that many Nigerians travel to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and encouraged applicants to respect visa conditions throughout their stay. It also warned that visa fraud and misuse of travel documentation remain serious concerns, urging the public to help safeguard the system's integrity. Individuals with credible information about visa fraud were encouraged to report it to official consular fraud prevention channels. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, ensuring that those who comply with immigration laws are not disadvantaged by the acti
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Uche Nwosu, a former governorship candidate in Imo State and former Chief of Staff to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system. Speaking at the 2026 Igbo National Convention organized by Igbo Union Canada, Nwosu urged Igbo professionals globally to embrace mentorship and entrepreneurship to secure the economic future of the younger generation. He described the apprenticeship model, known as Igba Boi, Imu Ahia, and Imu Oru, as a significant expression of Igbo enterprise and resilience, noting its historical role in transforming young people into various professionals after the Nigerian Civil War. Nwosu highlighted that the system allowed a young person to enter an experienced entrepreneur's home or business not just as a worker, but as a future business owner, with the master providing a pathway into business through capital, goods, equipment, contacts, or customer access. He emphasized that the system's strength lies in successful entrepreneurs training future competitors, reflecting the principle "Onye aghana nwanne ya" let no one leave his brother or sister behind. However, Nwosu acknowledged shortcomings such as apprentices not being settled, verbal agreements, exploitation, and the exclusion of women and girls. He also noted that many apprentices lack modern skills like technology, financial management, and digital marketing. Nwosu proposed reforms including written agreements, structu
Neymar scored two goals for Santos in a 2-2 home draw against Chapecoense, marking his return to action after Brazil's World Cup campaign. The 34-year-old, who had been absent for two and a half months, celebrated his first goal with a card-dealing gesture and mimicked a golf swing with a corner flag. This comes after recent criticism regarding his lifestyle, including his participation in a poker tournament while his teammates played a Copa Sudamericana match. Santos remains one point above the relegation zone in Brazil's top flight. Neymar, Brazil's all-time record goalscorer, ended his international career after Brazil's elimination from the World Cup by Norway.
Must ReadNigerian manufacturers face significant competitive disadvantages due to high costs for electricity, credit, and logistics, according to Kamar Bakrin, Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council. He stated that Nigerian factories pay two to ten times more for these inputs compared to counterparts in countries like Vietnam and China. Bakrin highlighted that the primary challenge for Nigerian manufacturers is the cost of production, not weak demand. For instance, industrial electricity costs about 15 cents per kilowatt-hour on Nigeria's national grid, rising to nearly 30 cents with diesel generators, compared to 8-10 cents in Vietnam and China. Nigerian manufacturers spent an estimated ₦1.34 trillion generating their own electricity last year. Working capital costs are also substantially higher in Nigeria, at 27-35 percent, versus 9 percent in Vietnam and 3 percent in China. Nigeria ranks 88th out of 139 countries on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, far behind Vietnam 43rd and China 19th. As a result, manufacturing contributes barely 8 percent to Nigeria's GDP, and capacity utilization has fallen to 57.7 percent. Bakrin emphasized that while macroeconomic reforms have brought stability, the focus must now shift to industrial competitiveness. He proposed four key targets: power delivered to industrial clusters at 8-10 cents per kilowatt-hour, single-digit industrial lending, port clearance in under seven days, and doubled output per worker by 2030.