• PDP mocks Atiku after exit, predicts his return
• Tinubu appoints Muhammad Babangida as Chairman of Bank of Agriculture
• NIMC cuts extortion by 40%, NIN enrolment hits 122 million
• Customs targets 50,000 students for educational support in 2025
• US Embassy clarifies visa expiry vs. stay duration for Nigerian travellers

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

PDP mocks Atiku after exit, predicts his return

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted with mockery to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent resignation from the party, marking his third departure since 2007.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said the move was unsurprising and in line with Atiku’s long history of switching political affiliations.

Damagum expressed confidence that Atiku would eventually return to the party, as he has done on previous occasions.

Tinubu appoints Muhammad Babangida as Chairman of Bank of Agriculture

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, son of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, as the new Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.

The announcement was made Thursday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the appointment is part of a broader effort to reposition key federal agencies for better service delivery and to drive ongoing reforms in the agricultural sector.

NIMC cuts extortion by 40%, NIN enrolment hits 122 million

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has reduced cases of extortion and unofficial charges in the identity enrolment process by over 40%.

This comes as the number of Nigerians registered for the National Identification Number (NIN) has reached 122 million, a 49% rise from 72.7 million in January 2022.

NIMC’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, made this known on Friday at the close of a two-day workshop in Lagos, represented by the Director of IT and Identity Database, Lanre Yusuf.

Customs targets 50,000 students for educational support in 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its “Customs Cares” initiative, says it plans to assist 50,000 students nationwide with educational materials in 2025.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known in Lagos during the commissioning of the renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Araromi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA. The project was funded by the Tincan Island Port Command in collaboration with NCS Headquarters.

Adeniyi said the initiative aims to provide pupils with essential items like pencils, bags, and biros, as part of efforts to enhance learning and support communities across the country.

US Embassy clarifies visa expiry vs. stay duration for Nigerian travellers

The United States embassy has reminded Nigerian travellers that the expiration date on their visa does not determine how long they can stay in the country. The clarification was shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

According to the embassy, the actual length of stay is decided by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon arrival in the U.S., not the visa expiry date.

Travellers were urged to check their I-94 form for the approved duration of their visit. The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to prevent overstays, which could result in deportation.