Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Travellers Urged to Prioritise Travel Insurance as Embassies Tighten Requirements
Industry experts warn that many Nigerians risk financial loss abroad due to inadequate travel cover beyond visa compliance
Industry experts warn that many Nigerians risk financial loss abroad due to inadequate travel cover beyond visa compliance
Nigerians preparing to travel from Lagos have been advised to pay closer attention to travel insurance policies, as embassies increasingly scrutinise documentation for visa approvals. This advice comes amid growing concerns on Friday that many travellers only purchase the cheapest available insurance, viewing it merely as a visa requirement rather than essential protection for overseas emergencies.
According to travel consultants, the practice of securing the bare minimum insurance has left numerous Nigerian travellers stranded or exposed to significant financial risks abroad, especially in cases of medical emergencies, cancelled flights, or lost baggage. Many only discover the limitations of their policies when claims are denied or assistance is unavailable in critical situations.
The trend has become more noticeable as embassies in Europe and North America now demand proof of comprehensive travel cover before granting visas. Industry observers note that, while travel insurance is mandatory for most Schengen and UK visas, the actual benefits—such as emergency medical care, evacuation costs, and compensation for trip interruptions—are often overlooked by applicants.
Travel sector professionals advise Nigerians to carefully review policy details before departure. “Travellers must ensure their insurance covers all possible scenarios relevant to their destination and itinerary,” one consultant stated. Stakeholders also encourage seeking guidance from licensed brokers or insurance companies registered with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), warning against unverified online vendors.
As Nigeria’s outbound travel numbers rebound post-pandemic, experts predict stricter enforcement from foreign missions and airlines regarding valid coverage. Travellers are urged to treat insurance not just as paperwork but as a vital safeguard against unforeseen events during international journeys.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Women Leaders Push Cross-Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Female Influence in Decision-Making
Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power
Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power
Women leaders from various sectors gathered in Abuja on Tuesday for the Women in Leadership Cross-Sector Convening, urging a united approach to boost women’s presence and influence in national decision-making. The event brought together senior and emerging professionals from law, health, finance, agriculture, government and civil society to tackle barriers limiting female leadership across Nigeria.
Key speakers at the conference included Organisation Effectiveness Consultant Habiba Balogun; WILAN Global Founder and Executive Director Abosede George-Ogan; Regional Director for Africa Centre For International Private Enterprise Lola Adekanye; and Founder of Will Way Paradigm Dolapo Agbede. They stressed the importance of breaking down sector-based silos and building strategic alliances to ensure women move beyond symbolic roles to actively shaping policies and institutional cultures at every level.
This call for collaboration comes as gender parity remains a challenge in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Despite increased advocacy for female participation, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. The Abuja convening provided a platform for participants to share strategies on fostering systemic change rather than settling for mere inclusion. Speakers highlighted that sustainable national growth requires women not just occupying seats at the table but also contributing meaningfully to decisions that affect society.
“Women must be empowered to influence outcomes at the highest levels,” said Habiba Balogun during her address at the event. Other panellists echoed this sentiment, noting that bridging divides between industries will accelerate progress towards gender equity nationwide.
Participants resolved to strengthen networks between professional bodies, advocacy groups and policymakers in order to drive reforms that support women’s advancement. The organisers indicated that follow-up sessions will focus on practical measures for implementation, aiming to translate discussions into actionable policy changes affecting governance and business practices.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSE Inducts 214 Engineers as Fellows in Abuja, Urges Federal Government to Address Soaring Cost of Living
NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony
NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) inducted 214 engineers into its Fellowship cadre during the Second Quarter Dinner held in Abuja on Tuesday. The event, which brought together leading professionals from across the country, saw NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu task the Federal Government with taking decisive measures to tackle Nigeria’s rising cost of living and escalating insecurity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Rabiu emphasised that government must prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid persistent economic hardship and a surge in criminal activities such as kidnappings nationwide. His remarks were contained in a statement signed by the Society’s Acting Executive Secretary, Abdulkadir Aliyu, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
The induction comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation and job losses, with official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing double-digit inflation for several consecutive months. Analysts have linked the current economic hardship to factors including naira depreciation and reduced purchasing power, further straining households across all geopolitical zones.
Rabiu reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to supporting national development efforts through collaboration with government, academia, industry players and other stakeholders. He stated: “The current situation demands stronger cooperation among all sectors so we can find sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.” The NSE president also warned that failure to address insecurity would undermine progress in all other areas.
While the Federal Government has announced new social intervention programmes in recent months, critics say more comprehensive policies are needed to reverse worsening living conditions. The newly inducted fellows are expected to contribute their expertise toward tackling these national challenges as part of their professional mandate.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses in Kirfi LGA, Bauchi State
Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless
Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless
A powerful rainstorm swept through Katsinawa, Bara Village in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of a 50-year-old woman, Aisha Sagir, and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu. The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on June 10, according to the Bauchi State Police Command.
Residents said the rainstorm was accompanied by strong winds that brought down several houses and destroyed livestock and other valuables worth millions of naira. The destruction has left many families displaced as they struggle to salvage what remains of their property in the aftermath of the storm.
Bauchi State is currently in its rainy season, and communities like Katsinawa often face severe weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods. The latest tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and disaster preparedness in rural parts of North-East Nigeria.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the command, confirmed that officers from Kirfi Division had visited the scene to assess the damage and maintain order among affected residents. “Preliminary reports indicate significant loss of property and two fatalities,” Abubakar said. He added that the command had sent a message of sympathy to the state government and assured residents of continued security presence.
As at press time, emergency relief agencies were yet to release an official response or announce plans for support to those affected by the disaster. Community leaders have called on both state authorities and relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance for displaced families. The incident comes as meteorological agencies continue to warn about heavy rainfall patterns across Bauchi State during this period.
