NIGERIA NEWS
Bill Clinton features as US Justice Department releases redacted cache of Epstein files – Tribune Online
The US Department of Justice on Friday released a long-anticipated batch of documents related to its investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, marking a new phase in a case that has become one of the most significant political challenges faced by President Donald Trump since his re-election in 2024.
Although large sections of the files were redacted, according to The Guardian, some of the released materials included photographs showing Epstein socializing with well-known figures such as Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, Diana Ross, and entrepreneur Richard Branson.
Bill Clinton appeared in several images, including one showing him in a swimming pool with Epstein’s convicted accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. Former British royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was also seen in some of the photos.
Another set of documents showed images of seized evidence, including drives and computers, without revealing their contents. One image appeared to show a dog in a garbage bag placed inside a box.
In a letter to Congress, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the documents, dating back to 2006 when Epstein was investigated on child prostitution charges, were only the first in a series of releases. “The volume of materials to be reviewed … means that the department must publicly produce responsive documents on a rolling basis,” Blanche wrote in the letter obtained by Fox News.
He noted that the files contained extensive redactions, including identifying details of more than 1,200 victims and their family members.
Congressional Democrats accused the Trump administration of failing to fully comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the Justice Department to release all “unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein by 19 December.
Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors.
The law also mandates the release of unclassified materials related to Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of aiding Epstein’s sex trafficking of teenage girls and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
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“Technically they’re not in compliance,” said Democratic congressman Ro Khanna. “The law calls for all the documents that are unclassified to be released. They have not done that. The law also calls for them to explain redactions. I haven’t seen yet whether they’ve done that or not. My initial read is that they have a lot of redactions without explanation,” he added.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer echoed those concerns, saying in a statement: “We will pursue every option to make sure the truth comes out.” Republican congressman Thomas Massie also criticized the release, writing on social media that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law that [Donald Trump] signed just 30 days ago”.
White House deputy press secretary Abigail Jackson defended the administration, saying the release shows that “the Trump administration is the most transparent in history” and that it “has done more for the victims than Democrats ever have” by making the files public and cooperating with a separate congressional investigation.
Epstein’s case has drawn sustained public attention for years, fueled by his ties to wealthy and influential figures in the US and abroad, including Trump. Although Trump has the authority to release the documents, he previously opposed doing so and described scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein as a “Democrat hoax”.
He later reversed course as Congress moved toward passing the transparency bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate and signed into law on 19 November, triggering a 30-day deadline for disclosure.
Despite the law’s requirements, The Guardian report says it includes exemptions for materials “that would jeopardize an active federal investigation.”
It also requires the Justice Department, within 15 days of release, to provide Congress with a breakdown of records released and withheld, summaries of redactions, and a list of “all government officials and politically exposed individuals named or referenced in the published materials.”
Experts have cautioned that the document releases may still leave many questions about Epstein’s crimes and network unanswered.
During last year’s campaign, Trump pledged to release Epstein-related files, but his administration faced backlash this summer after the Justice Department said it would not release any such documents and claimed it found “no incriminating client list”, despite earlier remarks by Attorney General Pam Bondi that such a document existed.
The announcement prompted bipartisan criticism and renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s past ties to Trump, who has denied any knowledge of or involvement in Epstein’s criminal activities.
In mid-November, House Democrats released emails from Epstein’s estate dating from 2011, 2015, and 2019, including one in which Epstein claimed Trump “knew about the girls”. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the emails, accusing Democrats of “selectively” leaking them “to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump”.
Republicans later released more than 20,000 documents from Epstein’s estate, including emails with prominent figures. In early December, House Democrats released dozens of photographs highlighting Epstein’s links to figures such as Trump, Clinton, and Mountbatten-Windsor.
Responding to the images, Angel Ureña, a spokesperson for Bill Clinton, said the investigation was not about the former president. “There are two types of people here,” he said. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships after that. We’re in the first. No amount of stalling by people in the second group will change that.”
The released images represent a small portion of nearly 100,000 images provided to the House committee and were made public without captions or context.
This week, Democrats released another set of images from Epstein’s estate ahead of the Justice Department’s deadline. Among them were photos showing lines from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita written on a woman’s body, as well as images of travel documents and well-known individuals, including Bill Gates, Woody Allen, Noam Chomsky, and Steve Bannon, Trump’s former adviser.
The images were undated and released without context. The appearance of individuals in the photos, lawmakers stressed, is not evidence of wrongdoing.
(The Guardian)
NIGERIA NEWS
Police launch crime-free Christmas campaign in Jigawa
The Jigawa State Police Command has launched a statewide Crime-Free Christmas Campaign to encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, and issued to newsmen.
According to the statement, “The Jigawa State Police Command has successfully conducted a one-day nationwide Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), tagged the Crime-Free Christmas Campaign/Sensitisation.”
He said the campaign is part of proactive measures to ensure peaceful, safe, and crime-free Christmas and New Year festivities across the state.
He explained that the campaign was carried out simultaneously across all Divisional Police Headquarters in the state, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dahiru Muhammad, however, directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to mobilise critical stakeholders within their areas of responsibility and sensitise them on the dangers and consequences of social vices and criminal activities.
He said key areas of focus during the sensitisation included cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, vandalism, mob action, alleged witchcraft practices, footprint tracing, gender-based violence, and other related social vices capable of threatening public peace and security.
The Jigawa State Police Command reiterated its commitment to community-oriented policing and called on parents, guardians, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youths, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public to support the command in its ongoing efforts to fight criminality and promote peace, justice, and lawful conduct.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency communication channels.
The command assured the people of Jigawa State of adequate security deployment throughout the festive period and beyond.
NIGERIA NEWS
National Shame: Nigerian Leaders Padding Budgets, Forging Laws
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the federal government of Nigeria of making decisions that leave a lot of questions unanswered.
According to Peter Obi, the government is fast losing the trust of the people.
He demanded more accountability, transparency and respect for the rule of law from the government.
The former Anambra State Governor, in a post on Saturday via his 𝕏 account, submitted that there are discrepancies between laws passed by the legislature and what was ultimately published as law by the executive.
He lamented that with the current developments, the government has moved beyond budget padding to forging laws.
Specifically, Obi mentioned that the executive is introducing new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved.
Naija News understands Obi spoke against the backdrop of the allegations raised by House of Representatives member, Abdulsammad Dasuki, about discrepancies between tax reform laws passed by the National Assembly and the versions that were officially published by the executive arm.
The tax reform laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, are the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act and the Nigeria Tax Act.
The former presidential candidate, in his post on 𝕏, stressed that Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded, adding that the government cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.
He wrote, “Our national shame continues to unfold, evident in the decisions made by our leaders, even at the highest levels of government. This shame is highlighted by a deeply troubling—and frankly unacceptable—issue: the documented discrepancies between what the legislature passed and what was ultimately published as law by the executive. This is not merely an administrative oversight; it is a serious matter that strikes at the core of constitutional governance and reveals the extent of our institutional decay.
“We have transitioned from a Nigeria where budgets are padded to one where laws are forged—changes that impact taxpayers’ rights and, most importantly, access to justice.
“Even more alarming is the introduction of new enforcement and coercive powers that the House of Representatives never approved. These include an outrageous requirement for a mandatory 20% deposit before appeals can be heard in court, asset sales without judicial oversight, and the granting of arrest powers to tax authorities.
“Perhaps most disturbing is the silence of the Presidency on a matter involving allegations of forgery, institutional sabotage, and abuse of process. Who made these alterations?
“All of this must be made public. Nigerians need to understand what was signed, what was passed, and what was formally recorded. We cannot continue to ask citizens to pay more taxes while trust in governance collapses.
“We need leadership that follows due process, embraces transparency and accountability, and respects the rule of law. No nation can thrive where laws are forged and silence replaces leadership.
“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
NIGERIA NEWS
Adherence To Fiscal Federalism Panacea To Stability, Democracy
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the nation’s quest for the attainment of virile democracy will be a mirage unless the doctrine of fiscal federalism as entrenched in the constitution was adhered to.
Makinde made this assertion in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, during the launch of a Book titled “The Seyi Makinde Story, A testament to vision, courage and leadership” to mark his birthday, written by Chief Ali Obasi Odefa.
He reiterated that the nation must allow all voices to be heard, pointing out that one important issue the nation was currently facing was that of federation.
The erudite politician emphasised that the Igbos have a role to play in nurturing the nation on the part of true federalism.
Makinde recalled that Nigeria was negotiated as a federation, stating “how can we stay through to what was negotiated to us by practising federalism” he queried.
“Am calling on our brothers/sisters on this occasion of my 58th birthday, to play the same role and make the political environment competitive.
In a speech, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, represented by his deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Makinde for institutionalising good governance in Oyo State.
“Today we are here to launch a Book on Makinde and to celebrate his birthday. The book itself is a compendium of wisdom and experience”
“We are proud of Makinde in terms of delivery of good governance/infrastructure, if we have 80 percent of Governors like Makinde, the country will fare better”
In a remark, the author of the Book, Chief Ali Odefa Obasi, described Governor Makinde as a highly detribalized Nigerian.
“We are honouring Makinde to show appreciation and thank him for what he has done for us ”
Earlier, while delivering a lecture titled “2025 Birthday lecture in honour of Governor Makinde, Igbo Culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba”, Senator Ben Obi urged the government to incorporate the concept in order to foster a sense of unity and close ties.
“Adoption of the culture of Nwanne Di Na Mba will wittle down hostility among various nationalities in the country”
Reviewing the book, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ikwo, Dr John Otu, reiterated that the Book portrayed Governor Makinde as a good man with a garment of love for education and an innovative security approach.
The event had in attendance the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Adolphus Wagbara, the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Olufunke Makinde, the deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, a representative of Mr Peter Obi and members of the Ebonyi State Executive Counci.
Others include members of the National Executive Council of PDP, the wife of the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, members of the Yoruba community in Ebonyi State, leaders of Thought and stakeholders, among others.
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NIGERIA NEWS
“I Will Retire” – Governor Alex Otti Rules Out 2027 Presidential or Senatorial Ambition
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti has ruled out any ambition for the presidency, vice presidency, or the Senate in 2027, stating that he will retire from active politics after completing his tenure as governor.
- Speaking in Umuahia, Otti dismissed claims that his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu was politically motivated, stressing that his political involvement is mission-driven and not about lifelong office-holding.
- He emphasized his intention to step aside for younger leaders once his mandate is fulfilled.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that he will retire from active politics once he completes his tenure. Speaking Friday at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti dismissed rumors that he is seeking higher office, including the presidency or a seat in the Senate.
The Governor’s statement was a response to a viral video criticizing his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre. The critic alleged that the visit was a strategic move to build political capital for a future presidential run.
Addressing the speculation, Otti defended the right to free speech while clarifying his stance:
“In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right.”
He was emphatic about his lack of interest in remaining in the political spotlight after his time as governor ends:
“By the time I am done with governorship, I will retire. So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.”
Governor Otti explained that his entry into politics was mission-driven and that he intends to pave the way for a new generation once his work is complete:
“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people. So he was talking of the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means… the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.”
Otti concluded by noting that he believes leaders should know when to take the “exit door” rather than jumping from one political office to another.
NIGERIA NEWS
Ekiti govt dismisses surgeon over alleged kidney removal
The Ekiti State Government on Friday announced the dismissal of the surgeon, who led the surgical operation on a patient whose kidneys were removed, from the service of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with immediate effect.
The government also suspended other members of the surgical team for one month, pending further administrative review.
This followed the submission of the reports of the seven-member panel to the state Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani.
The panel, chaired by Francis Faduyile, a professor, was constituted 11 days ago to investigate the claim made by a patient, Joshua Afolayan, regarding a surgical procedure he underwent at EKSUTH.
Mr Filani said in a statement that the government approved the recommendation of the panel to dismiss the surgeon, whose name he did not disclose.
He said, “Upon careful review of the report and its recommendations, the Ekiti State Government has approved the following actions:
“That the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed from the service of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with immediate effect.
“All members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation are to be suspended from duty for a period of one month, pending further administrative review.
“The Ekiti State Government will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Joshua Afolayan and will also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
“In line with the recommendations of the Panel, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability, and patient safety.”
READ ALSO: ‘How alleged negligence at EKSUTH contributed to Ekiti APC chairman’s death’
The commissioner said that while the government continues to stand firmly behind the many dedicated and hardworking health professionals at EKSUTH and acknowledges their sacrifices and commitment to service, it would not hesitate to take decisive action where professional standards are breached.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring and sustaining public confidence in the Ekiti State health system.
“Necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure that incidents of this nature do not recur and that EKSUTH continues to serve as a centre of excellence in patient care.
“We thank the people of Ekiti State for their patience, and trust, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continued improvement in quality health care, compassion, and responsible governance,” he said.
Organ harvesting is a growing menace in Nigeria and across the world. Perpetrators have been found to target the organs of the dead and the living, prompting many countries to strengthen their laws to address gaps in their legal framework.
NIGERIA NEWS
TCN commissions 300MVA power transformer at Lekki 330/132/33kV transmission substation
The Lagos Region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully commissioned a new 300MVA power transformer installed at its 330/132/33kV Lekki Transmission Substation, Lagos State on December 19, 2025.
This is contained in a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager (GM), Public Affairs on Saturday.
The 300MVA power transformer increased the capacity of the substation from 300MVA to 600MVA at the 330kV side. This allows for more load on the 132kV side with redundancy and reliability during maintenance and planned outages.
This equally means more bulk power available for Eko Electricity Distribution Company to off-take to its customers in Lekki, Chevron Estate, Maroko, Agungi, and environs.
This project is part of the ongoing TCN-World Bank power projects aimed at enhancing power supply in Nigeria.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nigerian Lady Shows Message She Received From Friend Who’s Tired of Relationship, Sparks Reactions
- A Nigerian lady showed the message she received from her friend, who was complaining about being in a relationship
- She posted the screenshot of their chat, showing what her friend wished for, and it caught people’s attention online
- The screenshot went viral, and netizens shared their observations about what the lady’s friend said, sparking reactions
A Nigerian lady received an unexpected message from her friend, who was complaining about being in a relationship.
She and her friend were discussing relationships, and she decided to post their chat online.
A lady gets an unexpected message from her friend having relationship issues. Photo: @that_girlkarina
Source: TikTok
In a TikTok post by @that_girlkarina, the lady’s friend shared how marriage was deeper that what people taught.
She also shared what she would do, as she wished that the government would sign a new law regarding relationships.
See the chat below:
A lady shows chat from her friend who was tired of relationship. Photo: @that_girlkarina
Source: TikTok
She captioned the post:
“Sometimes you just gotta read your homegirl text and move on with your day. The last part.”
Read also
Nigerian lady tells mother she’s working out, posts her unexpected epic response: “Very hurtful”
See the TikTok post below:
Reactions trail lady’s friend’s message about relationship
@juan_ita said:
“I honestly don’t see anything wrong in marrying a friend tho. Not for sexual reasons but for lifetime companionship. Y’all still have your freedom to date whoever you want but we all know men will fail us one day but your home girl will be there for life. Just my opinion tho.”
@A! said:
“She’s too realll. I used to pray that I will marry once and marry right but now if it doesn’t work, i carry my bag and move.”
@Joie!! said:
“I don’t agree to this …… but it is my wish… everybody marry your home girls instead.”
@Betty butterrr said:
“And that’s on period abeg. Na my own hg go Dey cook for me, cuz I can’t think of cooking different things everyday abeg.”
@amara_devine said:
“Lol she’s so real. It’s not by “ours will be different “ you just never know, anything wey you see for your marriage take am.”
Read also
Abroad-based mum shares why she left her children in Nigeria and relocated to China, many react
@𝕺𝖑𝖆𝖒𝖎𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖎 said:
“Make government approve fast abeg this love of a thing don tire person jare na to marry my hg asap no time.”
@HADASSAH said:
“Omo this is deep ooo.”
@Bami said:
“I dey reason am some times if government say you can marry your fellows gender omo eh@Veemoney you for don born for me self these men eh.”
@BangOntrend With Kitan said:
“Na true she talk sha because relationship is becoming draining and something else.”
In related stories, a customer posted the message he got from his customer, while a businesswoman displayed the unexpected message she received from her client’s boyfriend.
US-based Lady posts message from Nigerian uncle
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a US-based lady asked her uncle to sponsor her trip to Nigeria after telling him that she had seen an affordable ticket.
She posted her uncle’s reaction on social media, as he gave her a response that she was not expecting while reminding her of the past.
The screenshot of the messages caught people’s attention as some agreed with the uncle while others sided with the lady.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
Drama as old National Anthem ‘accidentally’ played during APC meeting at villa
An awkward moment played out at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night after Nigeria’s old national anthem was mistakenly played during the All Progressives Congress (APC) national caucus meeting in Abuja.
The incident happened at the banquet hall of the State House, where top party leaders had gathered for the high-level meeting.
Confusion as Band Plays Old Anthem
As protocol demanded the rendition of the national anthem, the band unexpectedly began with “Arise, O Compatriots,” Nigeria’s former anthem.
President Bola AhmedTinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas were already seated when the music started.
They stood briefly, appearing confused as the wrong anthem echoed across the hall.
Quick Correction by the Band
Realising the mistake, the musicians quickly stopped midway and switched to “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” the anthem recently reinstated by the Tinubu administration.
The brief mix-up was corrected within seconds, allowing the meeting to proceed without further disruption.
Why “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” Returned
On May 29, President Tinubu signed a bill restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s national anthem.
The anthem was originally used between 1960 and 1988 before it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots,” which remained in use from 1978 until early 2024.
First Caucus Meeting Under New APC Chairman
Thursday’s gathering was historic as it marked the first APC national caucus meeting chaired by the party’s new national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Several governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC were also present at the meeting.
Defected Governors in Attendance
Governors who attended include Peter Mbah (Enugu), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
The presence of the defectors highlighted the APC’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Other Top Political Figures Present
Other dignitaries at the meeting included former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, members of the APC National Working Committee, APC governors, and principal officers of the National Assembly.
See below;
APC National CAUCUS MEETING….
You have to respond the leadership acumen of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR @officialABAT. pic.twitter.com/4NDoXLTLZZ
— Amb. Pst Okezie Atañi (@Onsogbu) December 19, 2025
NIGERIA NEWS
Gov Otti Reaffirms Retirement from Politics After Governorship, Dismisses Presidential Ambition
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has reiterated his long-standing commitment to retire from active politics after completing his tenure, emphasising that he has no intentions of pursuing the presidency, vice-presidency, or a senatorial seat thereafter.
Otti made the remarks on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia, in response to a viral video criticising his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, suggesting he might have political ambitions beyond his governorship.
Acknowledging the diversity of opinions in a democracy, the governor stated, “People are free to hold their opinions, but that does not mean they are right.
“I have said before, and I will say again, that by the time I leave office, I will retire. I do not have presidential, vice-presidential, or senatorial ambitions.”
He added that his focus is completing the mission entrusted to him and making way for younger leaders. “Some talk about the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means. If their assumption is that I am seeking such a position, it is mistaken. I will not appear on the ballot.”
On the importance of knowing when to exit public office, Otti said: “When you have fulfilled your responsibilities, you must take the exit door and allow others to lead.
“Returning to lower political offices after governorship is not the goal. That is not what we are here for.”
Regarding his visit to Kanu, Otti explained that it was a matter of responsibility, not politics. “Nnamdi Kanu comes from my state, Umuahia North. Ignoring a problem does not solve it.
“I opened discussions on his situation at the highest level 24 months ago. While legal processes are crucial, there are administrative avenues to address issues. Two wrongs do not make a right.”
He further stressed that his intervention is aimed at fostering peace and not influenced by political ambition. “Even those convicted to death can be pardoned. My visit is about discussion, negotiation, and peace, not politics,” Otti concluded.
NIGERIA NEWS
US Stops Green Card, Citizenship Applications for Nigerians
The United States has placed a temporary halt on Green Card and citizenship applications linked to Nigerians.
This action follows a new expansion of Washington’s immigration restrictions and affects several other countries recently added to a broader travel control policy.
The suspension targets legal immigration filings, including applications for permanent residency and naturalisation.
Many of those affected are Nigerians already living in the United States who were in the process of adjusting their status or applying to become citizens.
Under the new directive, immigration authorities have stopped processing petitions from nationals of countries covered by the latest travel restrictions.
This includes both full bans and partial entry limits, depending on the country involved.
Nigeria is among the countries facing partial restrictions. As a result, immigration-related requests tied to Nigerian nationals are now subject to the pause, creating uncertainty for families, workers, and students awaiting decisions on their applications.
Other African countries impacted by the policy include Benin, Senegal, Ghana, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Côte d’Ivoire, among others.
Some nations face complete entry bans, while others, like Nigeria, are under limited restrictions that still affect immigration processing.
The move is part of a wider immigration clampdown introduced in recent weeks. Authorities have also frozen asylum decisions and halted the processing of certain visa and immigration requests from specific nationalities.
US officials say the decision is linked to a security review of immigration systems.
According to the immigration agency, “USCIS is conducting a comprehensive review of anyone from anywhere who poses a threat to the US, including those identified in the President’s latest proclamation to restore law and order in our nation’s immigration system.”
Taken together, the latest policy changes affect a large portion of African countries and several nations in Asia and other regions. Analysts estimate that more than half of Africa is now impacted in one form or another.
The development has sparked strong reactions among Nigerians at home and abroad. Many have criticised the decision, describing it as unfair and damaging to long-standing diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Concerns have also been raised about the economic and social impact of the suspension, especially for families separated by immigration delays and professionals whose careers depend on legal residency status.
Former senator, Shehu Sani, reacted to the development, describing it as “a clear signal that migrants from developing countries are no longer welcome.”
