WAFFI TV | Feature

NiMet Predicts 3 Day Sunshine, Thunderstorms From Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has projected a mix of sunshine and thunderstorms across the country from Wednesday through Friday. In its weather outlook released in Abuja, the agency forecast sunny conditions over the northern region on Wednesday, with isolated thunderstorms expected in parts of Taraba, Borno, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa during the afternoon and evening hours. For the North-Central region, NiMet predicted sunny skies with some cloud patches and chances of isolated thunderstorms in Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi later in the day. In the South, morning thunderstorms are expected in Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, while other parts such as Imo, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, and Delta may experience thunderstorms later in the day. On Thursday, NiMet expects sunny skies with isolated thunderstorms over Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Kaduna in the North. The North-Central region will also see sunny intervals with isolated storms in Plateau, the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi. Southern states including Cross River, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom are expected to have morning thunderstorms, with further activity anticipated later in Abia, Enugu, Anambra, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Lagos, and Delta. By Friday, the northern region will remain mostly sunny with isolated thunderstorms possible in Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba during the afternoon and evening. The North-Central region is also likely to experience thunderstorms in Plateau, the FCT, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi. Morning thunderstorms are forecast in parts of Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom in the South, with further storms expected in Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Lagos later in the day. NiMet advised the public to take precautions, as strong winds may accompany thunderstorms. It also urged residents to secure loose items to prevent accidents and advised airline operators to obtain airport-specific forecasts for proper flight planning.

5/14/2025, 10:21:56 AM

SON Destroys Substandard Imported Products Worth Billions

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has destroyed a range of substandard imported goods, including tyres, electrical cables, steel doors, and spark plugs, for failing to meet Nigeria’s minimum safety and quality requirements. In a statement, the agency said the exercise was in line with its statutory mandate under the SON Act No. 14 of 2015, which authorizes it to regulate and enforce standards for goods in the Nigerian market. SON Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasized that the use of certified quality products, especially tyres, is vital for preventing accidents on Nigerian roads. He pointed out that tyres, regardless of whether they are new or used, have a shelf life of four years, after which they become prone to bursting and can cause fatal accidents. Dr. Okeke also highlighted the need for proper storage and handling of tyres, warning that exposure to extreme temperatures can degrade their quality. He encouraged consumers to report any violations to SON offices across the country or via the agency’s toll-free number. He said: “As an agency, we take our responsibility seriously, and today’s action is a clear demonstration of our resolve to rid the market of dangerous, unregulated goods that undermine the safety, health, and security of our citizens. “This is a firm reminder to all stakeholders from producers to consumers that SON will not allow substandard goods to thrive in Nigeria.”

5/14/2025, 7:01:22 AM

Wike, Umahi, Others To Unveil Tinubu’s Achievements In London

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and several other ministers are set to present their ministries' achievements at an International Press Conference in London, United Kingdom. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Bode Adeyemi, Project Internal Coordinator of the President Bola Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee, said the event will provide an opportunity for ministers, agency heads, and department leaders to showcase the accomplishments and legacy projects of the Tinubu administration. Those expected to speak include the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe; Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Usman Osidi; and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacheous Adedeji, among others. Adeyemi, who also serves as President of the Tinubu Consolidation Mandate, revealed that the press conference and the official launch of a compendium and website detailing the administration’s legacy projects over the past two years will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025. He said, “President Bola Tinubu’s government has made unprecedented achievements under twenty-four months of administration despite all the distractions and the global economic situation. We have painstakingly taken detailed records of all major achievements of this administration and confirm that every well-meaning Nigerian and the international community alike should be proud of the Midas touch President Bola Tinubu has given to Nigeria’s leadership, which has culminated in a verifiable success story. “All the projects have been put together as a compendium and also a version put into a website that would be launched during the forthcoming event. We commend honourable ministers, Director Generals of agencies, heads of commissions and departments for their relentless efforts that have brought about the success this administration has recorded.” Earlier at the meeting of the organising team with the Political Affairs Head of the British High Commission in Nigeria, the APC Chairman, UK Chapter, Tunde Doherty, said the press briefing is a strategic initiative to present the right narrative about governance in Nigeria to the international community against the lies and propaganda of the opposition. Doherty said the Tinubu administration has made significant contributions to infrastructure, economy, security, job availability, healthcare development, aviation and digital economy. He said, “The singular fact that Nigerian and private refineries started production under this administration is an unforgettable achievement. The local government autonomy push by the President is another giant stride, and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road, Sokoto-Badagry superhighway, IMF debt repayment, removal of subsidies that have doubled allocation to states, enforcement of the rule of law and security are giant strides the Tinubu administration will always be remembered for.”

5/13/2025, 9:27:45 PM

Reps Reject Bill On Rotational Presidency Among Six Geopolitical Zones

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted against a constitutional amendment bill proposing the rotation of the offices of President and Vice President among the country’s six geopolitical zones. In addition to rejecting the rotational presidency bill, the House also turned down six other constitutional amendment proposals listed for consideration in its order paper. However, lawmakers resolved to revisit the bills individually on Wednesday, assessing each based on its own merits. At the start of deliberations, the House suspended its standing rules to allow for simultaneous debate on all seven bills, with members choosing which ones to speak on. The rotational presidency bill attracted the most attention, with many members expressing strong opposition and cautioning against enshrining such a precedent in the Constitution. Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, spearheaded the opposition, arguing that the Federal Character Commission already addresses the concerns raised by the bill. He insisted that political parties should retain the discretion to ensure equitable representation without constitutional imposition. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) acknowledged the bill's intent but questioned whether it would compromise merit, warning it could inflame ethnic and regional tensions. Shina Oyedeji (PDP, Oyo) warned that codifying rotational presidency in the Constitution could fuel further agitation for inclusion from states and ethnic groups within the zones. He stressed the need for equal opportunity, asking, “If zoning favors the South West, which state gets the nod—Ogun or Oyo?” Bello Mohammed El-Rufai questioned the bill’s practicality in cases such as the unexpected death of a president in office. He argued that the proposed system could infringe on the rights of Nigerians to contest for any office and exacerbate mistrust. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) also opposed the bill, saying political parties should not be restricted on candidate selection. In contrast, Minority Whip Ali Isa supported the bill, advocating rotational presidency at both federal and state levels. He emphasized that all regions have competent individuals capable of leading and suggested that fairness demands giving the North East a chance in 2027. Clement Jimbo (APC, Akwa Ibom) backed the proposal, arguing it could correct longstanding marginalization of minority groups. He suggested that once all zones have taken a turn, the rotational principle could be discontinued. Despite the intense debate, the rotational presidency bill and the other six proposals were ultimately rejected during the voice vote at second reading.

5/13/2025, 3:33:03 PM

2025 UTME: JAMB Invites Expert To Investigate Mass Failure

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reportedly invited Alex Onyia, an education technology expert and CEO of Educare, to lead an investigation into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to DAILY POST, the exam was marred by widespread complaints of technical issues and incomplete questions. JAMB recently disclosed that over 1.5 million of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME scored below 200 out of a total of 400 marks, sparking nationwide concern. Parents and other stakeholders have since called for a comprehensive probe into the matter. In response to the uproar, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the poor performance reflected JAMB's strengthened anti-malpractice measures. However, his remarks have drawn criticism from Nigerians who continue to demand a full investigation. On Tuesday, Alex Onyia confirmed via a post on X that he had been officially invited by JAMB to independently and transparently review the conduct of the examination. He called for calm among affected candidates, assuring them that the review would yield positive outcomes. He wrote, “I received a formal invitation from JAMB for us to transparently conduct a thorough review of the 2025 JAMB exam. The review date is next tomorrow (Thursday). “After our review, I will publicly share my findings. “If you have been troubled, keep calm. I’m hopeful that something positive will come out of it. You burnt candles, had sleepless nights, and had high hopes. We will not fail you!”

5/13/2025, 3:25:44 PM

Nigerians To Be Affected As US Moves To Tax Diaspora Money Transfers

In a move likely to stir anxiety among immigrant communities, U.S. lawmakers have introduced a draft bill proposing a 5% excise tax on all remittances sent abroad. Unveiled by House Republicans on Monday, the bill targets financial transfers from U.S. residents to recipients in foreign countries. The proposed tax, while broadly impacting immigrant families, presents particular concerns for Nigeria—a nation heavily reliant on diaspora remittances. According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Nigeria received \$4.22 billion through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) between January and October 2024. However, the CBN did not detail how much of that total originated from the U.S. The legislation clearly states: “There is hereby imposed on any remittance transfer a tax equal to 5 percent of the amount of such transfer.” The tax would be borne by the sender and collected quarterly by the U.S. Treasury Department. Notably, verified U.S. citizens would be exempt and could claim the tax as a credit. Remittances made via authorized providers by verified U.S. senders would also be exempt. This proposal follows a series of stringent measures under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has intensified its crackdown on immigration and expanded its hardline trade policies. In January, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) listed nearly two million undocumented immigrants for deportation. President Trump also renewed efforts to end birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizens. Trade tensions have also made headlines. On March 2, the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs, including a 14% duty on Nigerian exports. However, relations between Washington and Beijing appear to be improving. A May 12 agreement will reduce U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China will lower its own tariffs on U.S. imports from 125% to 10%.

5/13/2025, 3:20:39 PM

Delta, Lagos, Four Others To Record 250 Rainy Days~ NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast that Delta, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom will experience the highest number of rainy days in 2025, ranging from 250 to 290 days. This projection was revealed in NiMet’s 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, released on Monday. States expected to see between 200 and 250 rainy days include Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu. In the central region, Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory are projected to record 150 to 200 rainy days. Meanwhile, northern states such as Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno are expected to have between 110 and 150 rainy days. NiMet further stated that total annual rainfall across Nigeria will range from 405 mm in the far north to 3,010 mm in the coastal areas. “The total amount of rainfall across Nigeria in 2025 is predicted to be between 405 mm in the far north and 3010 mm in the coastal states of the country. “It is predicted that the annual rainfall total in Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, and Katsina states is likely to be less than 685 mm. “Rainfall in the central states (parts of Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue states, and the FCT) is expected to range from 970 mm to 1500 mm. “It is projected that Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states will have between 2700 mm and 3010 mm of annual rainfall total. “The forecast shows that in 2025, the total rainfall amounts in most parts of Nigeria are likely to be normal to below normal when compared to the long-term average,” the report read. Specifically, states like Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, and Katsina are expected to receive less than 685 mm of rainfall, while the central states – including parts of Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, and the FCT – may experience rainfall between 970 mm and 1,500 mm. Coastal states such as Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom are projected to receive between 2,700 mm and 3,010 mm of rainfall. NiMet noted that rainfall in most parts of the country in 2025 is expected to be normal to below normal compared to long-term averages. The northern states — Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, and Borno — are forecast to experience onset between early June and July. However, delayed onset is expected in parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara states. In contrast, an early onset is predicted for Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi states. Normal onset dates are expected in the rest of the country. NiMet also warned of severe dry spells of more than 15 days after the onset of rainfall in parts of Oyo State, including Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomosho, Atisbo, Orelope, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Ori Ire. A moderate dry spell lasting up to 15 days may occur in Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom. For the northern states, a severe dry spell of up to 21 days is predicted during the peak rainy season, June to August. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency also projected that the 2025 rainy season will end between October 6 and December 17 across the country. “The 2025 end-of-season is predicted to be between October 6 and December 17 across the country. “It is expected that over the northern parts of the country, the end of the first week of October until late October will progress southwards, reaching the central states in early November and ending in mid-December in the southmost coastal states. “The end of the season for the central states of Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue, and the FCT is projected to occur from 7 November to 23 November. “Furthermore, the inland states of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross Rivers, and the coastal states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos are expected to experience the end of the the season from 23 November to 17 December,” the report read. The cessation of rainfall is predicted to begin in the northern states from the first week of October and gradually progress southwards. “The earliest cessation date of the rainy season in the country is anticipated to be about 6th October 2025. This is expected in parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina states. “Other northern states of Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Gombe, and Adamawa will experience the cessation of the rainy season from th th around 14 October to 30 October. “The prediction shows that earlier-than-normal cessation dates of the rainy season are anticipated in Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo states and the FCT. “Delayed cessation of the rainy season is expected over parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu states,” the report further read.

5/13/2025, 7:50:53 AM

FEC Approves Medipool To Lower Drug Prices

Good news for Nigerians as the Federal Government has approved a new policy called Medipool, aimed at reducing the cost of drugs and other medical consumables. This initiative was one of the key outcomes of the Federal Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, presided over by President Bola Tinubu. According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, Medipool will function as a group purchasing organization to ensure competitive pricing and serve as a central supplier of essential medicines and healthcare products nationwide

5/12/2025, 7:49:51 PM

UK Slashes Graduate Visa From Two Years To 18 Months

The UK government has reduced the Graduate Route visa duration from two years to 18 months as part of a broader crackdown on what it terms “systemic abuse and mission drift” in international education, asylum, and family immigration. This change, unveiled in an Immigration White Paper on Monday, comes alongside stricter university compliance requirements, a legal overhaul of asylum and deportation rulings, and enhanced enforcement measures to combat visa fraud. “Migration must be controlled and compliant. Our reforms will close the backdoors and shut down abuse across the system,” the Home Office stated on its website. Graduate Route Shortened, Sponsors Face Scrutiny The Graduate Route — previously offering two years of post-study work rights — will now offer only 18 months, with a tighter pathway to work visas and fewer rights to bring dependants. “The Graduate Route has not met its original objectives. “It has become a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse,” the document said. Only institutions meeting “enhanced compliance standards” will be allowed to retain international recruitment licenses. Universities found to have low progression-to-work rates or engaged in misleading recruitment practices will face sanctions. “We will take action against sponsors who undermine the integrity of the system,” it added. Asylum Claims’ New Rejection Rules The asylum system will also be restructured. Applicants whose home country conditions have not materially changed — or who fail to claim upon arrival — may now be automatically refused under new admissibility rules. “We will prevent late, opportunistic asylum claims and re-establish control over our border.

5/12/2025, 7:43:30 PM

UK Ends Overseas Social Care Recruitment In Major Immigration Shake Up

The UK government has prohibited international recruitment for social care positions and unveiled major restrictions on so-called “low-skilled migration,” insisting that “skilled must mean skilled.” This tough stance, outlined in the newly released 82-page Immigration White Paper on Monday, marks the most significant overhaul of immigration policy in a generation. “We will close social care visas to new overseas applications,” the Home Office stated. “This route has been exploited and overused in ways that damage public confidence and do not support long-term workforce sustainability.” This is a sweeping overhaul of Britain’s immigration system, a statement obtained from the UK Home Office website revealed. The paper, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” marks a decisive shift toward reducing net migration, which the government says has spiralled out of control, quadrupling from 2019 to 2023. End Line For Care Worker Visas The decision to block new overseas applications for social care roles takes immediate effect. Existing care workers already in the UK will only be able to extend or switch their visas until 2028, pending the rollout of a new domestic workforce strategy. It read further, “The health and social care sector must move away from reliance on low-wage overseas recruitment,” the document declared. “We will instead support long-term workforce planning and training within the UK.” Skilled Must Mean Skilled At the heart of the reforms is a redefinition of ‘skilled work’ under the points-based immigration system. The government is raising thresholds on salary, qualifications, and English language across most routes, removing what it calls “loopholes for low-skilled migration under a skilled label.” “We are tightening the definition of skilled work — skilled must mean skilled,” the White Paper insists. “Work that does not meet the bar will not be eligible for a visa, no matter the sector.” The controversial Immigration Salary List — which allowed employers to hire workers below the general salary threshold — will be abolished. “We will remove the Immigration Salary List to prevent undercutting of UK wages and to ensure that migration supports, rather than suppresses, the labour market,” it declared.

5/12/2025, 7:28:35 PM

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