The Federal Government is working towards introducing a new emergency passport, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), to replace the Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) by next year, 2026.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, made this known at the decoration of the 46 Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration (ACIs) who were promoted to Comptrollers of Immigration (CIs) yesterday in Abuja.

According to the CG, the agency is keen on bringing technological innovations that will enable it to better serve Nigeria and fulfil its constitutional mandate

She said: “I am looking forward to embracing 2026, which will also be part of all the reforms we’re introducing to optimise our services both in terms of our visa, passport production line, contactless solutions and new ones we’re putting in place, like the ENBIC (ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card), which we just started. We want to ensure that our processes are seamless and the STEP, which is also a new programme we’re going to launch early next year. It is going to be biometric-based, and it is going to be in alternative ways.”

The CG charged the decorated comptrollers to demonstrate heightened vigilance and uncompromising professionalism in the face of security challenges.

Nandap reminded the officers that promotion in a disciplined service is “neither automatic nor solely a function of years in service,” but earned through “sustained dedication, professional competence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to duty.”

She paid tribute to President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to institutional reforms and national security,” noting that ongoing transformation within the service is driven by the administration’s resolve to strengthen security institutions.

Acknowledging the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for providing “strategic direction, diligent oversight and resolute dedication to strengthening our operational capacities”, the Immigration Chief said the presence of stakeholders showed the collective support that sustains the men and women of this service.

She told the officers that their decoration symbolised the trust reposed in them and signalled an expectation of “enhanced leadership, sound judgment, accountability and exemplary conduct.”

Their roles at senior levels, she noted, require clarity of vision, decisiveness, empathy and the ability to mentor and inspire.

At this advanced stage of your careers, professional competence must be matched with strong leadership attributes.

“Considering the security challenges our nation faces, we must remain vigilant and unrelenting in the fight against multifaceted threats. Your actions will set the tone, and your conduct will continue to reflect the core values and reputation of this service.”

Nandap reaffirmed that the NIS would “not tolerate any form of indolence or unprofessional conduct,” urging officers to embrace innovation, adapt to emerging challenges and always place the interest of the Service above personal considerations.

The CG encouraged those not promoted to remain steadfast, saying, “There is a time for everyone. Keep working hard and your time will come.”

My Marriage Has Ended” — Actress Anita Joseph Confirms Separation From Husband, MC Fish

Nollywood actress Anita Joseph has confirmed that her marriage to entertainer Fisayo Olagunju, popularly known as MC Fish, has come to an end.

The actress made the disclosure in an emotional post shared on her Instagram page, explaining that she felt it was necessary to speak openly about the situation.

Reflecting on the challenges she has faced, Anita described marriage as a journey that can test one’s strength in unexpected ways. She revealed that she has recently been going through a period of deep introspection, pain and healing, adding that while she may not have all the answers, she is choosing to embrace grace, personal growth and faith as she moves forward.

“I may not have all the answers, but I’m choosing grace, growth and faith — one step at a time,” she wrote, before directly stating, “Calling a spade a spade, my marriage is over.”

The actress concluded her message with expressions that signalled acceptance and a desire for peace.

Anita Joseph and MC Fish were married on February 14, 2020, in a widely publicized Valentine’s Day wedding that drew significant attention at the time.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is pausing some of its business immigration visa programs to pave the way for a new pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs.

On December 19, the department announced it will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

Effective December 31 at 11:59 pm, IRCC will also stop accepting new SUV applications. An exception applies to applicants who have already received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but haven’t yet applied. These applicants must submit their SUV applications by June 30, 2026.

IRCC will also continue the pause on applications through the Self-Employed Persons Program, which has been on hold since April 30, 2024.

The federal government said these changes are part of the “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.” Details about the new pilot are expected in 2026.

Canada’s SUV program faced criticism in 2025 over long processing times. A government tool launched earlier this year showed entrepreneurs could face a ten-year wait to become permanent residents through the SUV program.

The government noted that the measures announced are partly aimed at “help[ing] address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs” and supporting the country’s Talent Attraction Strategy, as outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan.