Lagos appeals ruling on applicability of FOI Act

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Government has lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lagos seeking to set aside the ruling of an Ikeja High Court in Lagos, which held that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 is applicable to the State even without “domestication”, reports ITRealms.

The Legal Officer, Media Rights Agenda, Ms Chioma Nwaodike, affirmed this in a press statement made available to ITRealms, saying that in a Notice of Appeal filed by the Lagos State Director of Civil Litigation, Mr. Saheed Quadri, on behalf of the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, the Government is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the November 28, 2017 ruling by Justice Beatrice Oke-Lawal in a suit instituted against the Government and the State Ministry of Health by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) over its failure to disclosure records and information requested by the organization under the FOI Act.

Justice Oke-Lawal had in the ruling dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the State Government and the Ministry to MRA’s suit and held that the FOI Act was validly made by the National Assembly and applicable to the Government of the Federation as well as State Governments.

The Government and the Ministry are asking the Appeal Court to set aside the lower court’s ruling and dismiss the suit filed against them by MRA to compel compliance with a Freedom of Information request made by the organization in November 2016 to the Ministry asking, among other things, for details and copies of plans put in place by the Ministry to provide the Araromi Zion Estate located in Akiode Area of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) with health care services; the timeframe for the implementation of the plans, as well as details of the budgets and costs estimates for the implementation of the plans, if any.

In its Notice of Appeal, the Government contended that Justice Oke-Lawal erred in law when she held that the FOI Act is applicable to the State, claiming that “Notwithstanding the permissible provision of Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act allowing issues raised pursuant to Section 20 of the same law to be determined summarily, there abounds legions of judicial pronouncement forbidding courts from pronouncing on substantive matter at interlocutory stage.”

The Government accused the judge of failing to restrain herself from “pronouncing on the substantive matter when parties are yet to make their submissions.”

It also claimed that the judge erred in law by assuming jurisdiction when MRA failed to comply with a condition precedent to the institution of the suit and alleged that the organization filed the suit outside the 30 days within which it is allowed to seek judicial review after it was denied or deemed to have been denied the information requested.

The Government and the Ministry have also filed a motion on notice at the Ikeja Judicial Division of the Lagos High Court asking the court to stay further proceedings in the suit pending the determination of its appeal by the Court of Appeal.

Hearing in the matter has been fixed for December 20, 2017 at the Ikeja High Court.

Ogochukwu Nebenanya/GEE 

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Can cryptocurrencies reduce global poverty?

Commentary@ITREALMS:

Behavioral economics guru, Richard Thaler — this year’s Nobel Prize laureate in economics— has showcased that people are economically imperfect. Since humans are irrational we don’t fit neatly into economic models; we have cognitive limitations, social preferences, or, dare it be said, big problems with self-control.

When it comes to decisions about saving our money or investing wisely in order to ensure predictable returns and a safer future, forget it. We tend to procrastinate, and most often, worse, we opt for instant gratification. The easy fix, even when we know better. It’s in the numbers. The sad truth is that we are hot-wired to make bad economic choices.

Unless — and here is the brilliant twist …. unless we get paid to act counter-intuitively. If rewarded most people will do almost anything. Now let’s make that sound good: meet financial incentives (FIs). With FIs it is possible to influence the human decision-making process. Crudely, you have to pay people to take money. In the development world though, this is a golden fleece.

A study in rural India found that rewarding mothers with lentils once their child completed a stage of immunization, increased full immunization from 5% to 38 per cent In Mexico, the federal government issued micro cash transfers to low-income families on a monthly basis as a reward for school enrollment, which increased by nearly 15%. And in Northern Uganda where I conducted research on Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs), we found that 85.7 per cent of participants reported turning a profit with their businesses after they received UCTs.

Fast-forward to the rage of ICOs and the shower of crypto tokens raining fresh funds onto the world of social impact start-ups and blockchain solutions to global problems. Can the reasons why people put off getting regular health checkups be remedied by FIs? And can the newly discovered token-system of nourishing solution providers become FIs and applied as the miracle tool against poverty?

The United Nations’ number one sustainable development goal is to eradicate poverty. A huge part of the challenge is that sheer number of people without access to any financial services, an estimated 3.5 billion under- and unbanked people globally. If crypto coins were part of a behavioral approach to financial services, the results just might be a redefinition of the term tokenism. A significant portion of the world’s poor could be on boarded, a first step to increasing economic well-being.

The challenge is admittedly tough. Inflation and currency depreciation regularly wreak havoc across emerging markets, the very markets that are experiencing rapid growth and are the ripest for financial revolution. With low banking engagement, young populations, and high mobile penetration, an economical solution to financial services clearly requires something new and low-cost, like cryptocurrencies.

Consumers living in poverty require low-cost, instantaneous transactions. Currently, the flavor of the month is still mobile money, which has processed over $269 billion over the last 12 months in transactions. Two-thirds of these transactions had a total value of under $0.80.
 

Mobile money has been a step in the direction of greater inclusiveness but it continues to fall short as a viable option for impoverished consumers as they simply cannot afford to pay the 2% or more of their earnings just to receive it.

Welcome the cross-border cryptocurrencies, or crypto-tokens built on the blockchain. Some are calling them the next iteration of incentives, Crypto FIs not only represent cheaper transaction costs and offer smaller divisibility — but the potential to incentivize behavior will enable global inclusive finance.

*Courtesy: Tricia Martinez is the Founder and CEO of Wala a mobile financial platform built on the blockchain for emerging market consumers.

 

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ITRealms chief, Remmy Nweke is Best Online Media Personality of the Year 2017

ITREALMS:

The international multiple-award winning editor-in-chief of ITRealms online, , Mr. Remmy Nweke has been proclaimed the Best Online Media Personality of the Year 2017 by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CeCAD) with endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Communications, reports ITRealms.

The honour which was bestowed on him at the 2017 Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit Awards (NIMES 2017) was held Thursday at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island in Lagos.

According to the Director, Special Project, CeCAD, Mr. Hilary Damissah, the award was in recognition of Mr. Nweke’s efforts in keeping the nation’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector abreast of issues as it happens and updated in the global sphere, via ITRealms Online where he is leading the team of editorial staff as the Editor-in-chief.

 ITRealms Online is a member of DigitalSENSE African Media group, which also publishes NaijaAgroNet, DigitalSENSE Business News; founded since 2004 and has distinguished itself with multiple awards internationally. 

These include ITRealms Online emerging the first runner-up at the inaugural Telkom-Highway Africa New Media awards for the deployment of new media technologies in dissemination of information on the continent in 2010; and in 2011, ITRealms won the first-ever joint prize by Free and Open Source Foundation for Africa (FOSSFA) and Deutsche Welle (DW) prize under FOSSWAY project as part of the fourth Idlelo conference in Accra-Ghana, among others. Nweke also was honoured with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Presidential awards 2016.

Presenting the award to Remmy Nweke [ITRealms], the Chairman, Digital Africa Group, and former Executive Director, Operations at Unity Bank plc, Dr. Evans Woherem, commended him for standing out among equals, especially as new media gradually takes its place in the Nigeria mediasphere and through ITRealms and other platforms that form part of DigitalSENSE Africa Media group.

Also recognized at the event include the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta as ICT Personality of the Year and Medallion Communications as Broadband company of the year, as well as Olabisi Olaleye of The Sun, Adeyemi Adepokun of The Guardian newspapers, Chioma Ezike of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), among others.

Reacting, Nweke, who also is the author of ‘A Decade of ICT Reportage in Nigeria’ dedicated the award to God and the entire management and staff of DigitalSENSE Africa Media group for their support, just as he prayed for strength to contribute to the ICT industry.

Nonye Dom/GEE

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Pix: Remmy Nweke, editor-in-chief, ITRealms Online, (a member publication of DigitalSENSE African Media Ltd) receiving the Best Online Media Personality of the Year 2017 by the Centre for Cyber Awareness and Development (CeCAD) with endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Communications, for outstanding reportage of information and Communication Technology Sector in Nigeria. The award was presented by Dr Evans Woherem of Digital Africa Group during the 2017 Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit (NIMES) Award.

Pix 2; NIMES 2017 – Dr Bayero Agabi, president of CeCAD, Chioma Ezike of Radio Nigeria, Adeyemi Adepokun of The Guardian, Remmy Nweke of ITRealms Online and Dr Evans Woherem of Digital Africa Group during the the 2017 Nigeria Mobile Economy Summit (NIMES) Award.

Fire disrupts internet access @FRSC, FCT command

ITREALMS:

A fire outbreak on Galaxy fibre link at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is currently affecting internet access at the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and FCT command, reports ITRealms.

Confirming this to ITRealms, the        Corps Public Education Officer at FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said they are currently experiencing internet outage at HQ and FCT command.

He also said that as a result of the fire, the disruption affected the mail, Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP), National Vehicle Identification Scheme(NVIS), Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSS), Speed Limiting Devise (SLD) portals.

FRSC, he further said regrets inconveniences as effort is ongoing to resolve it.

UK. N. Dom/GEE

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MultiChoice unveils installers app for DStv

ITREALMS:

As part of efforts to improve the DStv installation process seamlessly for customers, MultiChoice Nigeria, the country’s leading pay TV provider, has launched an app for DStv installers as a part of its installation ecosystem, reports ITRealms.

The DStv Installer App, ITRealms gathered, is a management tool for assigning, monitoring, reviewing, troubleshooting and managing customer installations to ensure quality installation and better accountability.  

Speaking at the app unveiling in Lagos, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Communication, Carole Oghuma, said the DStv Installer app is the latest feature in MultiChoice Nigeria’s line of innovative services and products which benefit partners and customers. 

"¹The DStv installer app enables dealers to assign jobs to accredited installers within a specific area, whilst ensuring that our customers benefit from reduced waiting times and the pre-knowledge of their installer’s identity," he said.

Ugbe also said that the benefits of the DStv installer app include an improved business process which reduces the manual operation of assigning an installer, tracking the installation and managing the installer. 

'This, in turn ensures reduced operational costs for the dealer, whilst also giving them the power to review and ensure all installations are done properly, and simultaneously guaranteeing a better customer experience" he said.

In addition, he said, the installer app joins other innovative means and platforms through which customers are aided with the DStv installation process. 

"These include the DStv website www.dstv.com, and the DStv easy self-service platform www.eazy.dstv.com which gives you the ability to clear error codes, pay for your subscription, find a DStv installer and upgrade or change your package, all from the comfort of your home," he pointed out.

Further, Ugbe said MultiChoice Nigeria, takes pride in constantly evolving and advancing systems and processes thus ensuring subscribers get the best experience from the point of purchase to installation and user experience.

"We are thrilled to launch the installer app, and guarantee our customers of improved installation service delivery,” he submitted.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Broadband Forum, NTT plan standardization of PON

ITREALMS:

The Broadband Forum has revealed its working on a landmark project with NTT to standardize the virtualization of operators’ Passive Optical Network (PON) to support the delivery of Time Critical Applications (TCAs), such as 5G fronthaul, reports ITRealms.

A passive optical network, ITRealms gathered is a system that brings optical fiber cabling and signals all or most of the way to the end user.

The project, which was initiated by Forum member NTT, one of the world’s largest service providers, looks to open up new business opportunities for operators and vendors by using network virtualization technologies such as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) to cost-effectively upgrade their PON networks to enable the rapid introduction of new services. This includes the key issue of fronthaul for 5G services, adding to the Forum’s ongoing work on the convergence of fixed and mobile networks.

“As users’ usage changes, both in regard to the different services required and the amount of data coursing through fiber networks, operators need to update their PON networks, including by adding TCAs,” said Akihiro Otaka, Executive Manager at NTT Access Network Service Systems Laboratories. “This used to require the remake of PON equipment for each service, but should be done via a software upgrade in the near future to improve cost-effectiveness. With demand for this increasing, it is important we ensure there are standards in place to achieve a vendor-agnostic system and ensure mass deployment of this new system architecture, which is essential if we are to deliver agile and flexible next-generationbroadband networks for emerging services.” 

The project – PON Abstraction Interface for TCAs – looks at how SDN and NFV can be applied to Optical Line Terminals to disaggregate PON functions to functional modules with open interfaces. The first phase will define the disaggregation policy and functional requirements of interfaces to disaggregate PON functions which need time-critical processing, while the second phase will define the detailed specifications of the interfaces as Application Programming Interface (API) sets.

The project has already attracted a number of new members to the Forum, as the industry becomes more focused on how the fixed network can help deliver 5G.

“Delivering new services efficiently and cost-effectively is a priority for the whole industry and this project will play a key role in realizing this objective,” said Arief Mustain, Executive General Manager at Telkom Indonesia, one of the new members involved in the project. “This is particularly true as the industry moves towards 5G and standardization will play a big part in making this new mobile technology a success.”

The project was just part of the activity at the Broadband Forum’s quarterly meeting taking place this week in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“As we work to meet the demand for new services, faster connectivity and more bandwidth, our focus is shifting from the fixed network to a holistic broadband network,” said Robin Mersh, CEO of Broadband Forum. “We know fiber will play a huge role in the delivery of 5G and this project looks to define that role and make it possible for operators to offer fronthaul services, among others, via their PON networks. This makes the work important not just for the broadband industry but the telecoms market as a whole and it can only be achieved on a wide scale through collaboration and standardization.”

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Open letter to Rochas Okorocha

Commentary@ITRealms:

Owelle, compliments of the season!

Owelle, I have not met you before and I am not writing this article for any form of inducement. I am also writing this article considering your current level of governance in Imo State which has not been encouraging and has left the state in chains.

Also, you are running the state aground because you already know that you can't come forward to vie for the post of the office of a governor again, but you have shown that you do not think ahead. You have continued to run the state very recklessly no matter whose ox is gored, you run the state like a private enterprise with a touch of cronies and nepotism.

I believe that power is not a toy and should not be handed to all comers, for you, you grabbed power and you have misused it.

For a visionary leader, his quest for political power is simply to enable him pursue and attain the set goals as may have been spelt out. Vision breeds purpose, and purpose in turn breeds direction and if the other way round, it makes power useless with the person in charge.

Let me tell you that your antecedents are shrouded in half-truths.

It has not been that long that Jacob Zuma and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited Imo State. Talking about Zuma, you handed him the Imo Merit Award, the highest award kept aside for those that have paid their dues in the state in different field of endeavors. What is Zuma known for, rather for a continuous level of corruption? You still went ahead to give to him a chieftaincy title, you unveiled a statue in honour of him likewise Sirleaf. The financial attachments are indeed scary.

On Friday, 22nd September, 2017,you marked your 55th birthday and  each of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) presented 27 cakes and tax payers money were used for that purpose.

Imo State has remained a state where nothing is working and governance has taken a flight. Pensioners and their families are facing life and death struggle due to unpaid arrears, teachers are been owed too.

Just last week, your wife Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha marked her 50th birthday celebration and I looked at the trappings of the set-up, and I say that the money spent was also scary. It was a lavish celebration.

Owelle, you are known to boast openly for your lack of regard for due process and  contempt for the rule of law, hence your habitual neglect and  failure to comply with due process in taking sensitive official decisions and  actions. You have the penchant for disregarding court orders and judgments, so as to reverse some of your wrong decisions.

I was flummoxed when I heard the post of your biological sister, Mrs. Nkechi Ololo (Nee Okorocha) as the Commissioner of Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment. I heard that there has been a slight change to the portfolio? Does it still matter?

Of what essence does the post stand for? Must you carve out a post to satisfy your family members?

Owelle, you need to go back to the drawing board if you have any. Let me tell you that, you lack vision in all you do and you forgot that vision is that creative mental force which enables a leader to rise above the pack, point out, define and provide newer and worthier directions or alternatives for the people on issues that affects them. It is the creative spirit that enables a leader to connect to the people through performance - and not through propaganda, undue sentiments or empty posturing.

Anytime I remember Imo State, I remember the likes of Mbonu Ejikes, the Nzirimos, the Mbadiwes and today you are the joker in the saddle. I look at the films you have acted so far and I say that you would have done better as a Nollywood actor than as a political actor.

As I ponder on your type of governance in Imo State, I cannot but feel for the people of Imo State. 

This whole episode is just horrifying like having a bad dream.

Owelle, let me tell you that you represent a sore and sour taste when it comes to governance in Imo State and posterity will indeed judge you.

May God Bless Imo State!

*Courtesy; Chris Uruakpa, wrote in from Lagos.

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#EndSARS: BudgIT’s Moses Motoni released by Police

ITREALMS:

The Project Tracking Officer of BudgIT Nigeria, Moses Motoni, has been released by the Nigeria Police Force, after the backlash led to eruption of #EndSARS hashtag, reports ITRealms.

Motoni was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for alleged incitement of public disturbance following his conduct of public education and call for action on a Federal Constituency Project at Gbako, Tandzun and Bida Villages, which took place on December 1 and 2, 2017.

Invariably his arrest by SARS has triggered a public outcry by Nigerians especially Tweeps who demanded for scrapping of SARS since December 5.

Confirming Motoni's release from the Police, follows Wednesday announcement via BudgITng Twitter handle

Earlier, BudgIT had insisted that Moses Motoni arrested was not unconnected with sensitizing of citizens on the budget, but the Police claimed he was reportedly disturbing public peace.

“We maintain that his arrest was on the order of Senator Mohammed Sani of Niger State. #EndSARS” BudgITng insisted.

Also, BudgIT said, “SARS officers have traumatized Moses Motoni, our officer, and his mother is crying. His hands and legs were cuffed and he's currently on his way to Abuja. #EndSARS. “

However, in a contradictory statement by the Nigeria Police Force on its Facebook page, claiming that Motoni was not “arrested by SARS Operatives by a Police Team on the case of inciting public disturbance reported against him which occurred on the 1st and 2nd December, 2017 at Gbako, Tandzun and Bida Villages on Federal Constituency project.

According to Police, the matter is now under investigation as Mr. Moses is being released on bail.

ITRealms reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood visited him in detention.

“Subsequently, Moses has been asked to reach out to his office and relative to come take him on bail,” the Police said.

Nigerians have continued to condemn the arrest and subsequent release of Mr. Moses Motoni, for simply doing his work.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Okorocha changes gear, says it’s now Ministry of Happiness & Purpose

ITREALMS:

Following rain of criticism on the Imo State government, over the creation of Ministry of Happiness and Couple Fulfillment, the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has changed gear by renaming the ministry to ‘Happiness and Purpose’ reports ITRealms.

A press statement from his chief press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo said in a press statement made available to ITRealms, attributed the initial naming of the ministry to ‘Happiness and Couple Fulfillment’ to typographic error.

According to him, the real name of the new ministry is ‘Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment.’

“… There was a typographic error in the first statement issued on the swearing-in of the new commissioners. The word “Couple” was inadvertently written, instead of the word “Purpose”. We regret that,” he pleaded.

He went on in effort to justify the Ministry, saying, that real essence of life is to be happy and to fulfill one’s purpose in life, hence government officials are elected to address this.

“This is the very reason people elect their leaders to guarantee their happiness and purpose fulfillment. A great leader therefore, is one who provides happiness to the people,” he said.

Onwuemeodo also decried as unfortunate, that this vital element of “our social lives has not been properly addressed. Governments at different levels have created several ministries and departments to achieve this, yet people are bitter, angry with hate speeches which lead to crisis, war and even terrorism.”

He insisted that “To be happy and achieve purpose mean different things to different people. Generally,

1.    People are happy when they see their children going to good schools

2.    People are happy when they are in a secured environment and can work freely in their areas of residence.

3.    People are happy where they can relax and admire a beautiful environment.

4.    People are happy when they know they can access good and quality health care facilities.

5.    The Youth are happy, when they can get good jobs, marry, have children and train them.

There is no activity of mankind that is not geared towards providing happiness.

He explained that in today’s world, especially in our country, millions of people are not fulfilling their purpose in life because of lack of mentorship and guidance. There is complete talent abuse as people no longer engage in life activities suitable to their talents.

Sometimes in university environments, students are meant to study courses they ordinarily would like to do.

This has given rise to why we have people who are favoured, do work against their natural will just to survive.

Happiness and Purpose Ministry therefore, is established for the lost time to correct the Policy framework to guide Ministries and Department son what they must do to guarantee the citizens happiness and contribute better to the society.

Governor Rochas Okorocha in one of his public speeches stated “My Social Contract with the people is to make them happy. Political power to me therefore is a trust which can only be justified when used to make my people happy”.

This is why in the past 6 years as Governor of Imo state he introduced several programmes aimed at making the people happy such as; Free Education, Urban Renewal, Back to Land, Health at your Door Step, Youth Millionaire Program, Youth Request Work program, Secure the State Program, Community Government council, etc.

The choice of Mrs Ogechi Ololo; a Masters Degree Holder in Computer Science, USA who has been the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor on Domestic Matters and Food Security can be described as a round peg in a round hole. Before her appointment as the supervisory commissioner, She was charged with the responsibility of Liaising with the Federal Government on N-Power Project, CBN Anchor project& BOI, Empowerment Projects.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has also created other Similar Ministries such as the Ministry of Non Formal sector and Market development to address issues of the poor state of Imo Markets where Millions of Imolites converge everyday for their daily existence and to organize the non-formal sector to make them more productive.

The Ministry of education now has 3 Ministries; Primary and secondary, Tertiary & non-Formal Education, ICT, Science and Technology.

It’s our belief that these Ministries, when fully functional will provide Happiness to our people.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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Official: 2,778 Nigerians still in detention in Libya

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government has disclosed that a total of 2,778 Nigerian migrants are being held in various detention camps in Libya, reports ITRealms.

According to the spokesperson to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tiwatope Elias-Fatiile, on Tuesday, said Nigerian embassy in Libya had been visiting detention camps to identify Nigerians for registration.

ITRealms gathered from the ministry that registered Nigerian migrants were issued Emergency Travel Certificates to facilitate their repatriation.

Also, Elias-Fatiile explained that the embassy in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IMO) had repatriated 250 migrants weekly and had returned 3,000 who are now on the Nigerian soil.

“From the 2,778 registered Nigerians who are still in detention camps, another set of 250 Nigerian migrants will be arriving on Tuesday December 5, at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos at 7.00.p.m. to be received by NEMA officials.

“The Embassy, in collaboration with the IOM repatriates 250 Nigerian migrants by flight to Lagos weekly, each flight can accommodate only 250 passengers. The repatriation is a continuous exercise and the Embassy routinely issues the requisite travel documents to the migrants.

Maintaining that “The Embassy will continue to engage the legitimate government in Libya and other stakeholders in addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants in that country” and that the Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, had invited the Nigerian Embassy’s Head of Mission, Iliya Fachano, to Abuja for consultations.

“He is in Abuja already and during the period of the consultations; arrangements have been made for him to address press conferences on the issue. This would afford the Nigerian public the opportunity to hear from him directly,” part of a press statement by Ministry read.

They urged citizens to reach the Nigerian Embassy in Libya for assistance should they need one via these emergency numbers: +218910144487, +218925099384 and +218917953365.

In addition, Fatiile said, the contact email addresses for the embassy and the ministry include “nigeria@nigeriantripoli.org and help@foreignaffairs.gov.ng.”

Condemning the slave market in Libya, the ministry disclosed it would engage the UN, African Union, European Union and other stakeholders to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.

“It violates the fundamental human rights of the victims and it is unacceptable to the civilised world,” the spokesperson concluded.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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