The National Association of Nigerian Students in Diaspora (NANS-Diaspora) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently amend the Constitution to allow Nigerians living overseas to vote in elections.

Speaking In an interview on Friday, NANS-Diaspora President Chris Fayomi stressed the importance of implementing diaspora voting by the 2027 elections.

Fayomi noted that the diaspora community significantly boosts Nigeria’s economy, contributing over 23 billion dollars in remittances each year.

He said, “This implies about a 5 per cent contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. Yet, we remain disenfranchised and excluded from the democratic process in national decision-making.

“Hence, this call is to rightfully request our democratic access to vote as Nigerian citizens living abroad.

“Diaspora voting has been successfully exemplified by other African countries, and as such, the Nigerian government should embrace this monumental stride that empowers its citizens abroad to lawfully vote for their leaders.

“In simple terms, if we contribute to the economy via our resources, we must have a say in who governs us.”

Fayomi emphasized that NANS-Diaspora believes including diaspora voting would bolster democracy, ensure transparency, promote accountability, and provide Nigerians abroad with a collective voice in shaping the nation’s economic future.

He further stated, “In fact, the beginning and the end of renewed hope is the inclusion of Nigerians in the diaspora as electors.

“Likewise, the association also calls on the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NIDCOM, NIDO worldwide and other strategic stakeholders to prioritise the legal and logistical frameworks required to make diaspora voting a reality.

“The leadership of NANS-Diaspora reiterates its commitment to mobilising Nigerian students and young professionals worldwide to support electoral reforms and ensure greater civic engagement from the diaspora community,” Fayomi said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the newly reconstructed 37-kilometer Lekki-Epe Deep Seaport Access Road in Lagos State on Thursday, June 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

The road, constructed under the Tax Credit Scheme and funded by Dangote Industries Limited, is designed to enhance connectivity to the Lekki Deep Seaport, one of West Africa’s largest, and boost trade and economic growth. During the visit, the president also toured the 650,000-barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery, his first official visit to the facility since assuming office in May 2023.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, was attended by prominent figures, including Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Jim Ovia, Chairman of Zenith Bank; billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates; Minister of Works, David Umahi; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola; and governors from Ogun, Kaduna, Enugu, Plateau, and Borno states, among others.

President Tinubu praised the quality of the access road, describing it as a “lifeblood of economic development” that strengthens regional connectivity and facilitates trade.

“I commend the quality of the access road done by Messrs Dangote Industries Limited and the subcontractor, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited,” Tinubu said, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transformative infrastructure projects.

He also highlighted the success of the Lekki Deep Seaport, which he initiated as Lagos State governor, noting, “Users save vast amounts of money using this port because they no longer need to trans-ship their goods.”

Aliko Dangote, in his remarks, lauded Tinubu’s vision, crediting the president’s establishment of the Lekki Free Trade Zone during his tenure as governor as the foundation for the refinery’s success.

“Your Excellency, today you are witnessing the tangible fruits of that vision,” Dangote said. “Your naira-for-crude policy has made our product pricing more stable and competitive, ensuring availability for Nigerians.”

He announced that the main road to the refinery would be named “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road” in honor of the president’s contributions.

Tinubu also virtually commissioned several other road projects nationwide, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road and sections of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.

He urged state governors to align building approvals with federal plans to reduce delays and compensation costs, stating, “Please, my dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give planning approvals without collaboration with the Surveyor General and the Ministry of Works.”

The Lekki Deep Seaport, projected to revolutionize goods transportation in Nigeria, is expected to enhance logistics efficiency and position the country as a key trade hub in West Africa.

Tinubu’s visit underscores his administration’s focus on infrastructure as a driver of sustainable economic growth, with the Dangote Refinery hailed as a “massive investment” and a “great phenomenon of our time.”

Nigeria mourns the loss of Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who passed away in Abuja on Friday at the age of 89. His death was confirmed by Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State. Justice Uwais, a revered jurist, served as CJN from 1995 to 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s judiciary and democratic reforms.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Mohammed Uwais began his education at Native Authority Elementary School in Kaduna and later attended Barewa College, graduating in 1957. He briefly worked as a Publicity Assistant in the Ministry of Information, Kaduna, before pursuing a law degree at the University of London. In 1963, he was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, laying the foundation for his illustrious legal career.

Legal Career and Rise to Chief Justice

Uwais started as a Pupil State Counsel in Northern Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice, rising to Solicitor-General of North-Central State by 1971. Appointed a High Court Judge in 1974, he served briefly as Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State in 1976 before joining the Federal Court of Appeal in 1977. In 1979, at age 43, he became a Supreme Court Justice, serving for 27 years—the longest tenure in the court’s history. As CJN from 1995 to 2006, he championed judicial independence, notably administering the oath of office to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, marking Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Personal Life

Justice Uwais was married to Mrs. Maryam Uwais, a respected lawyer and human rights advocate who served as Special Adviser on National Social Investment Programmes under President Muhammadu Buhari. The couple had four children: Zainab, Aisha, Hafsat, and Aminu. Known for his humility and integrity, Uwais was a private yet inspiring figure, admired by peers and mentees like Dr. Kayode Ajulo, who recalled his commanding presence in court.

Legacy and Accomplishments

Uwais’ tenure as CJN strengthened judicial integrity, earning the judiciary the “Man of the Year” title in 2006. Post-retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, producing the 2008 Uwais Report, which proposed key electoral reforms, including an independent electoral offences commission. His judicial decisions, documented in Uwais Through Cases, remain influential. In 2024, Ahmadu Bello University awarded him a Doctor of Laws (LL.D) Honoris Causa for his contributions to Nigeria’s legal system.

Impacts

Justice Uwais played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s democratic transition, stabilizing the judiciary during military and civilian regimes. The Uwais Report’s recommendations, such as electronic voting and INEC reforms, continue to shape electoral policy debates. His mentorship inspired legal luminaries like Chidi Odinkalu, and his commitment to justice earned him widespread respect as a statesman. President Bola Tinubu described him as a “jurist of exceptional integrity” whose work advanced Nigeria’s democracy.

Tributes and Funeral

Tributes have poured in from legal, political, and civil society leaders. Posts on X from figures like @ChidiOdinkalu praised his mentorship and legacy. His funeral took place after Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja on June 6, 2025, per Islamic rites. Justice Uwais’ contributions to Nigeria’s judiciary and democracy will endure, inspiring future generations to uphold justice and integrity.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), responsible for electricity supply across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, has committed to addressing the grievances of its workers following threats of industrial action that could plunge these regions into darkness.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) issued separate strike notices on June 3 and 4, 2025, citing unresolved labor issues, including 16 months of unremitted pension deductions, non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, and lack of promotions for over a decade.

The unions also highlighted the collapse of health services due to unpaid hospital bills, non-remittance of 10 months of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes, and non-payment of 2024 productivity bonuses, despite workers generating over N95 billion in revenue in the past 90 days.

In response, AEDC’s Managing Director, Chijioke Okwuokenye, on June 5, 2025, pledged to settle all legitimate allowances promptly, emphasizing the company’s commitment to staff welfare.

“Management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action. We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance,” Okwuokenye stated.

He added, “We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution. Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being is paramount.”

The unions’ frustration stems from a November 27, 2024, agreement to suspend a prior strike after AEDC promised to address these issues, including non-confirmation of acting appointments, refusal to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent status, and undue board interference in daily operations.

NUEE’s Assistant General Secretary, Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, noted in a letter that workers have faced “precarious work conditions,” leading to significant staff deaths due to stress.

“We have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions,” the letter read, signaling readiness to resume the suspended action without further notice.

SSAEAC, in a letter signed by Deputy General Secretary Rosemary Odeh, gave a two-week ultimatum, warning that failure to act would disrupt operations.

“The tremendous improvement in cash collections of over N98 billion in the last three months was made possible through the dedication of the entire workforce,” Odeh stated, underscoring the workers’ contributions.

AEDC’s assurance follows a history of labor tensions, with a 2021 strike causing widespread outages until federal intervention secured a 21-day payment commitment.

The current situation remains critical, as the unions have mobilized workers across AEDC’s franchise areas for potential action.

Okwuokenye expressed optimism, saying, “We are confident that, through continued negotiation, we will avert any disruption to our operations.”

However, union leaders remain skeptical, with NUEE’s Zonal Organising Secretary, Ayodele Kolade, previously warning, “If there is no immediate implementation of our demands, this picketing will escalate into a complete shutdown.”

As dialogue continues, residents of Abuja and the affected states await a resolution to avoid a looming blackout.