News
Kano Pilgrims Board seeks Immigration Service’s support ahead of 2026 Hajj visa deadline
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has appealed to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for maximum cooperation to ensure the timely processing of international passports for intending pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Director General of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service Passport Control Office at Farm Centre, Kano.
Matawalle explained that with the deadline for the 2026 Hajj visa scheduled for February 8, 2026, a significant number of intending pilgrims were yet to receive their international passports, stressing that urgent intervention was necessary to prevent them from missing the visa deadline.
To address the challenge, he disclosed that the Board plans to introduce a special identification form that would enable Immigration officials to easily identify pilgrims requiring urgent passport processing.
Responding, the Deputy Comptroller of Immigration in charge of the Passport Control Office, Farm Centre, Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Hamisu Nguroje, assured the Board of the Service’s commitment to do everything possible to assist the pilgrims in meeting the set target.
Nguroje welcomed the initiative to introduce a special identification form, noting that it would strengthen cooperation and promote effective collaboration between both institutions for improved service delivery. He also expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and appropriate.
The Director General was accompanied by all directors of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board during the visit.
The engagement underscores ongoing efforts by the state government to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj process for pilgrims from Kano State.
News
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
