The Nigerian government has announced the introduction of an electronic visa (e-visa) system and digital landing and exit cards for foreign visitors. These changes will take effect on May 1, 2025, as part of a broader effort to enhance border security and streamline travel procedures. The e-visa system, a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Aviation and the Ministry of Interior, will allow travelers to apply online, with approvals granted within 24 to 48 hours. This digital transformation aims to eliminate manual processes, improve data management, and strengthen background checks through integration with global criminal databases like Interpol. Foreigners will be required to complete digital landing and exit cards before boarding flights to or from Nigeria. These forms must be presented to airlines before boarding, ensuring a seamless and secure travel experience. The new system is free of charge and designed to improve national security while making airport clearance more efficient. To facilitate a smooth rollout, a joint team from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Immigration Service will finalize regulatory protocols within a week. Additionally, a three-month amnesty period will allow visitors who have overstayed their visas to regularize their status at immigration offices.
EFCC arrests 134 suspected fraudsters, a.k.a. “yahoo boys”, as Kwara tops the list
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its crackdown on internet fraud, arresting 134 suspects across Nigeria in March 2025. According to data released by the agency, Kwara State emerged as the hotspot for these crimes, with 37 arrests, accounting for 27.6% of the total. Delta and Akwa Ibom followed with 30 (22.4%) and 23 (17.1%) arrests, respectively. The EFCC secured 83 convictions during the same period, with Edo State leading at 46 convictions. Sentences ranged from three months to four years in prison, often accompanied by fines between ₦30,000 and ₦500,000. Critics have raised concerns about the leniency of these penalties, particularly when compared to the large sums stolen by fraudsters. Among notable cases, a husband-and-wife duo impersonated Katsina State’s First Lady to steal ₦197.75 million. Another case involved two brothers convicted in Maiduguri for stealing ₦8.2 million; they each received four-year jail terms or a fine of ₦100,000. The EFCC seized significant assets from suspects, including 81 smartphones, 24 laptops, 29 cars, ₦6 million in cash, and $400. Despite these efforts, the scale of internet fraud continues to challenge law enforcement.
Nigeria targets $15 billion AI boost through STEM education revolution
Nigeria is poised to capitalize on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to add $15 billion to its GDP by 2030, but experts say this ambitious goal hinges on a robust investment in STEM education. Victoria Oladosu, founder of STEM-A-School and Product Hub Africa, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to accelerate tech skill development to remain competitive in the global AI race. Speaking at the 2025 STEM Conference in Abuja, Oladosu highlighted that equipping young Nigerians with core STEM skills is crucial for economic progress. Her initiative has already upskilled over 3,000 students across the country. Meanwhile, Professor Joshua Abah of Nile University underscored AI’s role in enhancing productivity, not replacing jobs, and stressed the importance of STEM in addressing societal challenges like food sustainability. Nigeria’s draft National AI Strategy aims to equip 70% of its youth with AI-relevant skills, focusing on reducing unemployment and driving innovation.
Elon Musk’s net worth surges by $35.9 billion in one day amid Tesla stock rally
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and the world’s richest person, saw his net worth skyrocket by $35.9 billion on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, following a dramatic 22.25% surge in Tesla’s stock price. This rally was fueled by positive market sentiment and key developments in U.S. trade policy. Tesla’s market capitalization reached $876 billion as its stock climbed to $271.22 per share during trading hours. The broader market also experienced gains, with the S&P 500 rising 7.2% and the Nasdaq Composite jumping 9.7%. Analysts attributed Tesla’s exceptional performance to optimism surrounding its upcoming vehicle launches and ambitious robotaxi strategy. The rally was further supported by President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause on reciprocal tariffs for most trading partners, excluding China. This policy shift eased investor concerns and boosted growth stocks like Tesla. Benchmark analysts upgraded Tesla as one of their top investment ideas despite lowering its price target to $350 per share, citing strong upside potential and innovative initiatives. Tesla’s gross margin stands at 17.86%, and its trading volume exceeded average levels, reflecting heightened investor interest. Musk’s wealth remains heavily tied to Tesla’s performance, alongside stakes in SpaceX, Neuralink, and other ventures. While his net worth has fluctuated significantly over the past year, this latest surge solidifies his position as the leading figure in global wealth rankings.
OPay named fintech company of the year at prestigious leadership awards
Nigeria’s leading financial technology company, OPay, has been recognized as the Fintech Company of the Year 2024 by Leadership Newspapers. The award ceremony took place on April 8, 2025, at the Aso Rock Villa, celebrating OPay’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. The accolade highlights OPay’s dedication to expanding financial access for millions of Nigerians, particularly the unbanked and underbanked. The company’s innovative solutions, including Large Transaction Shield for secure high-value transactions and NightGuard, which enhances account security through time-based restrictions and facial verification, have set new benchmarks in fintech security and usability. Speaking at the event, Dauda Gotring, Managing Director and CEO of OPay, expressed gratitude: “We are deeply honored to be recognized as the Fintech Company of the Year. This award is a testament to our vision of creating a secure, inclusive, and innovative financial ecosystem for every Nigerian. We dedicate this achievement to our loyal customers who inspire us every day to do better.” Since its establishment in 2018, OPay has been at the forefront of advancing Nigeria’s cashless economy. Offering services such as money transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and merchant transactions, OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), ensuring reliability and trust for its users. This recognition solidifies OPay’s position as a pioneer in Africa’s digital payment landscape and highlights its commitment to driving financial inclusion through cutting-edge technology.
Suspected cultists kill 19-year-old at Kwara football viewing centre
A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday night as suspected cultists stormed a football viewing centre on Coca-Cola Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area, leaving one dead and two injured. The attack occurred around 9:05 p.m. while fans were engrossed in a live football match. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the attackers opening fire indiscriminately, causing panic among spectators. A 19-year-old victim, yet to be officially identified, was shot in the head and died instantly. “He was lying in a pool of blood. It was horrifying,” said a witness who requested anonymity. Two others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Another witness recounted, “I heard gunshots and ran back immediately. A young man was hit by a stray bullet and was lying lifeless.” Local police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation nearby were alerted about the incident but their response remains unclear. Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, were unsuccessful. This shocking attack has left residents in fear as authorities investigate the motive and perpetrators behind the violence.