This represents a 41 percent increase from its N9.16 trillion budgeted deficit for the review period.

Details of data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Quarterly Economic Reports for 2024 showed that the deficit increased by 0.77 percent Year-on-Year (YoY) compared to N12.85 trillion recorded in 2023.

Further breakdown of data showed that in 2024 the FG expenditure stood at N21.5 trillion, up by 12 percent YoY from N19.19 trillion in 2023, but down by 25.2 percent from the 2024 budget of N28.76 trillion.


However, revenue grew YoY by 34.8 percent to N8.55 trillion in 2024 from N6.34 trillion in 2023 and down by 56 percent from the 2024 budget of N19.56 trillion.

In its fourth quarter 2024 Economic Reports, the apex bank noted that FG’s expenditure rose by 2.22 percent to N5.6 trillion on account of higher personnel cost and interest payments.

“At N5.6 trillion, provisional aggregate expenditure was 2.22 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter, but was 22.09 per cent short of the quarterly target of N7.19 trillion. “The rise in expenditure relative to the preceding quarter was associated with the increase in interest payments and personnel costs, which rose by 6.98 and 23.31 per cent, respectively.

“Further analysis of total expenditure showed that recurrent (75.13 percent) accounted for the largest share outlay, with the remainder split between capital (17.1 percent) and transfer payments (7.77 percent).


On revenue, CBN said: “FGN retained revenue rose in the review period, due to higher receipts from the federation account, non-oil excess, and FGN independent revenue. At N2.52 trillion, provisional FGN retained revenue was 10.40 per cent above the level in Q3’24, but was 48.57 per cent below the benchmark.

Nigeria’s economy achieving stability, says Edun

“The fiscal operations of the FGN resulted in a narrower deficit in Q4’24. Provisional data showed that primary deficit narrowed by 22.62 per cent, relative to the level in the preceding quarter.

“The overall deficit also reduced by 3.61 per cent to N3.08 trillion during the review quarter, reflecting the improved balance that resulted from a more than proportionate increase in revenue over expenditure.”

“This levy will apply to all imported goods except humanitarian aid and will serve to finance the activities of our union,” the statement noted.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council in the United Kingdom has indicted 1,238 Nigerian nurses and midwives in the widely spread exam fraud concerns at Yunnik test centre in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The NMC also said 717 Nigerian nurses and midwives are being probed for the exam fraud at the Ibadan centre.

The council, which disclosed this exclusively to our correspondent in an email correspondence, noted that 1,955 Nigerian professionals were impacted by the concerns at Yunnik test centre because they took their tests there.

Earlier, the Home Office asked some Nigerian nurses and midwives being probed for an exam fraud that occurred in Nigeria to leave the UK.

According to Nursing Times, the nurses, who are still awaiting the outcomes of their appeals, have had their visas revoked by the UK.

In 2023, the UK’s council launched a probe into the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, and commenced investigation following an alert it received about unusual data coming from the centre’s site.

Analysis of data from the test centre showed that the nurses were sitting their Computer-Based Test in record time.

The CBT is one of two aspects of a test of competence that some foreign nurses must complete as part of their NMC application, usually sat in their home countries.

Giving the breakdown, the council highlighted that four groups of professionals were affected by the concerns at the Yunnik test centre in Ibadan.

It stated, “Professionals on the register, who achieved their CBT in a time we believe is more likely than not to indicate that they obtained their result fraudulently (48).

“Applicants wishing to join the register, who achieved their CBT in a time we believe is more likely than not to indicate that they obtained their result fraudulently (669).

“Professionals on the register, about whom we did not take forward allegations of fraud but whose CBT was invalidated (467).

“Applicants wishing to join the register, about whom there was insufficient evidence of fraud but whose CBT was invalidated (771).”

It said the pattern of test taking at Yunnik was in stark contrast to other sites in Nigeria and globally, and indicated widespread fraud whereby hundreds of people at one site were passing the test in times which are highly improbable.

It noted that its regulatory approach to addressing this meant that all affected individuals would be given the opportunity to obtain a new, valid CBT result, with our test provider, Pearson VUE, covering the candidate exam fee.

“Those registrants in group three would then be able to stay on the register with no further action needed. Those applicants in group four would be able to progress to a complete application and join the register if all requirements have been met (including English language requirements, health and character requirements etc).

“Those in groups one and two had the opportunity to retake their CBT, however this would not guarantee remaining on, or joining, the register. Those registrants in group one were referred to an Independent Panel to consider the concerns under our ‘fraudulent entry’ process.

“Those applicants in group two are, upon obtaining a new CBT and demonstrating that they have met all other requirements, having their applications reviewed by an Assistant Registrar. This is because even with a new CBT, there remain concerns relating to our Guidance on health and character, given what happened at Yunnik,” it added.

The council further clarified that the numbers of applicants quoted were the number of in-train applications, not the number of completed applications which had been submitted.

It said upon obtaining a new, valid CBT result, individuals would still need to complete and submit their application to us, before an AR could review it and take a decision.

On where the council is, it emphasised that the Assistant Registrar has considered 202 complete applications for those with fraud concerns.

“183 have been refused on the basis that they do not meet the character requirements for registrations. Nine applications have been approved. We have concluded nine registration appeals for applicants seeking to appeal an Assistant Registrar’s decision. Three have been allowed and six have been dismissed.

“Since the hearings started in March 2024, 12 registrants have had a fraudulent entry hearing outcome. Of those, 10 have been removed from the register after fraud was found proved by an independent panel, and two people have been allowed to remain on the register after the panel found fraudulent entry was not proved,” it noted.

On support the council is offering to nurses awaiting a decision, it said it is a priority for the council to resolve cases as swiftly and safely as possible and it is working closely with all parties, including representatives, to schedule the remaining hearings in accordance with their requirements and availability.

“We have a dedicated team in place to progress cases. Where possible, we continue to schedule hearings sooner for individuals who tell us about extenuating circumstances.

“We understand that being involved in our regulatory processes can be distressing for people, and we are currently working to better understand this impact so that we can find more ways to support people.

“In terms of the things we have done or currently do for those involved in this particular concern: We have worked with employers to help them uphold their duty of care to people. As part of this, we provided comprehensive FAQs to ensure, as far as we can, a clear and consistent understanding of what’s happened and what it means for people,” it stated.

It further said the council worked with Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK to provide their members with as much information and clarity as we can about our regulatory work and what it means for them.

“We worked similarly with unions and representative bodies to provide clear and consistent information about our processes, as well as signposting to support and wellbeing resources.

“We extended our Careline to applicants to our register, as well as to those already on the register. The Careline offers independent emotional and practical support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for nurses and midwives involved in our regulatory processes.

“We increased our access to safeguarding professionals to advise colleagues when there may be safeguarding actions we need to take,” it concluded.

The mass exodus of Nigerian health workers, particularly nurses and midwives, has reached alarming levels in recent years, as many seek better opportunities abroad.

The former Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar, said over 15,000 nurses and midwives left the country in 2023.

Abubakar further noted that 42,000 nurses left the country in the last three years, stating the number kept increasing every year.

In 2022, the former President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Michael Nnachi, said over 57,000 nurses have left Nigeria for greener pastures abroad from 2017 to 2022.

As of August 2024, the MNC stated that a total of 13,656 nurses and midwives educated in Nigeria were practising in the UK.

Ahmadu Musa Kida has been appointed as the new board chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), News360 Nigeria reports.

He has a strong background in engineering, the oil industry, and sports.

Here are seven key things to know about him:

1. He hails from Borno State– Kida is originally from Borno State and has [/b]built an extensive career in both the energy sector and sports administration.

2. A trained engineer with international credentials– He earned a degree in civil engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1984 and later obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.

3. Started his career at Elf Petroleum Nigeria – Kida began working in the oil industry as a trainee engineer at Elf Petroleum Nigeria before joining Total Exploration and Production.

4. Rose to the top in the oil sector– After years of experience, he became the Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services at Total Nigeria in 2015, showcasing his expertise in the energy industry.

5. A former basketball player– Kida was actively involved in basketball before transitioning into leadership roles in the oil sector.

6. President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF)– He has played a key role in shaping Nigerian basketball, serving as the president of the NBBF board.

7. Held leadership roles in other energy firms– Before his appointment as NNPCL chairman, he was an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

With his vast experience in the petroleum industry and sports management, Kida’s appointment as NNPCL chairman signals a new phase of leadership for the national oil company.

A young man identified as Samuel Njoroge is been sought by the police after he allegedly killed a mother of three kids identified as Naomi Chebet in Kenya.

Naomi was found murdered in her rented apartment under a mysterious circumstances on Sunday morning, which left her relatives with no clue on who the murderer is.

However, Samuel Njoroge, was suspected to be the murderer after he posted a cryptic message on his Facebook wall. Samuel was seemingly confessing to the act in the message.

The deceased who shared three kids with Samuel separated from him but later got back with him in the first week of March and everyone thought they were in good and perfect terms

The dead body of Naomi was discovered dead by her brother, Harrison, with disturbing injuries that suggest a brutal attack.

According to a Harrison, a neighbor was on phone in the evening of Saturday, March 22, at around 9 pm, when he saw Naomi entering the house with Samuel.

But everything took a different turn at approximately an hour and a half later, at 10:30 PM, when he saw Samuel leaving the house wearing a mask.

Harrison, who works late nights, returned home between 12 am and 1 am. Upon arrival, he found Naomi lying on the couch, covered with a blanket. Assuming she was resting after a long day at work, he chose not to wake her.

Naomi remained in the same position for a long while which alarmed Harrison. He uncovered the blanket and made the grim discovery, his sister was unresponsive and had been dead for hours.

Samuel then sent a chilling message: “Mm nilimuuwa coz ya upuzi, mbona anijibu” (his exact words; “I killed her because of nonsense, why isn’t she answering me?”). A message whose words were cold and merciless. As if that was not enough, he took to his social media page and posted: “Wewe kufa uniodokee malaya wewe.” (“Die and leave me alone, you prostitute.”) It was evident that he had ended Naomi’s life and felt no remorse.

As at the time of this report, the family of the deceased are seeking justice for their daughter while the culprit is sought after.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the military will expand its operation in Gaza and seize "large areas" of the territory - incorporating them into what he described as "security zones.".

In a statement on Wednesday, Katz said the expanded operation aimed to "destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure", and would require a large-scale evacuation of Palestinians.

It comes after local hospitals said at least 15 Palestinians were killed in the territory overnight.

There is a growing sense that a new major Israeli ground offensive is looming in Gaza, with reports that Israeli forces began operations in Rafah overnight.

This week, Israel's military ordered an estimated 140,000 people in Rafah to leave their homes and issued new evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza.

Israel has already significantly expanded a buffer zone around the edge of Gaza over the course of the war, and seized control of a corridor of land cutting through its centre.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Israel said they were "horrified to wake up" to the news of the expanded military operation. In a statement, the group urged the Israeli government to prioritise securing the release of all hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel launched its renewed Gaza offensive on 18 March, blaming Hamas for rejecting a new US proposal to extend the ceasefire and free the 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the original deal they had agreed to in January.

The humanitarian situation across Gaza has dramatically worsened in recent weeks, with Israel refusing to allow aid into the Gaza Strip since 2 March - the longest aid blockage since the war began.

Last month the UN announced it was reducing its operations in Gaza, one day after eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders and a UN staff member were killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

More than 50,399 people have been killed in Gaza during the ensuing war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Ebonyi State Government has arrested seven supervising commissioners and a local government chairman over delays in completing 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis in Ishielu Local Government Area, News360 Nigeria reports.

The arrested officials include:

Professor Omari Omaka (Commissioner for Tertiary Education)

Victor Chukwu (Commissioner for Environment)

Mr. Ifeanyi Ogbuewu (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism)

Uchenna Igwe (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters)

Dr. Moses Ekuma (Commissioner for Health)

Felix Igboke (Commissioner for Project Monitoring)

Mr. Timothy Nwachi (Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area)


The government accused them of failing to meet the contract’s terms and conditions, resulting in project delays.

Dr. Ilang Donates, Chairman of the State Executive Council Committee on the housing project, stated that the decision to arrest the officials was taken after they failed to ensure timely completion.

"The Governor is deeply unhappy about the slow pace of work. This project is meant to provide relief to displaced victims, and any delay is unacceptable. Those responsible for supervising the work will be held accountable," Donates said.

Mrs. Maria Okohu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, described the situation as an act of sabotage by contractors and some commissioners who failed to ensure strict supervision.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police has issued invitation letters to officials who were absent at the time of the arrests.

A raid by the Lagos State Police Command has shut down an illicit internet fraud training facility, known as a "Yahoo School", in the Iju area of the state.

Four main operators of the facility, identified as Chibuike Ihejika, Stanley Ihejika, Obiora Oyediba, and Emmanuel Oyedibe, were arrested alongside six trainees, including a 12-year-old boy, Minachi Udochukwu.

The other six suspects are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud: Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.

According to police reports, the operators recruited their trainees from Anambra State and engaged them in internet fraud, confiscating the proceeds from their illicit activities.

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has announced a record profit of ₦1.86 trillion for the 2024 financial year.

This marks a 59% increase from the previous year, with total income reaching ₦1.89 trillion. The fund’s net assets also nearly doubled to ₦4.35 trillion.

The NSIA says this growth came from smart investments in infrastructure, a strong portfolio strategy, and gains from currency markets.

This is the Authority’s best performance since it was established, and it reflects President Bola Tinubu’s push for better management of Nigeria’s sovereign wealth and public assets.

The result is expected to boost investor confidence and support long-term development across the country.

Oil Theft Drops by 73% – NEITI Report Shows Major Progress

Nigeria has recorded a major victory in the fight against oil theft.
According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, oil theft dropped by 73% in the past year.

This is a huge improvement from previous levels, where theft was affecting over half of oil production in some areas.

The drop is thanks to stronger security efforts and better government coordination under the Tinubu administration.

Experts say this progress could lead to more foreign investment, increased oil production, and thousands of new jobs.

It’s a big step forward for Nigeria’s oil sector and the wider economy.

Niger's military leaders have released more than 50 detainees, including former ministers in the government they toppled in 2023.

Among them are the former ministers of defence, oil and finance, as well as several senior army officers, convicted or accused of plotting previous coups.

Ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been under house arrest since the 2023 military takeover, was not on the list of those released despite international calls for him to be freed.

When the BBC asked about President Bazoum's continued detention, Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda cited "national security and sovereignty" concerns.

"The question of his release is an internal matter in Niger and only concerns Niger," Justice Minister Aliyou Daouda told the BBC.

Bazoum is accused of undermining national security and high treason.

The release of the others is among the recommendations of a national conference held in February, along with extending the rule of General Abdourahamane Tiani by five years.

The freed ministers and officials were arrested after the July 2023 coup which brought General Tchiani to power, and had been held for alleged conspiracy to undermine state security and authority.

This move could be an attempt by the junta to reconcile the country and gain popular support.

Similar amnesties have been granted by military governments in Burkina Faso and Guinea.

Since seizing power, General Tchiani's administration has strengthened relations with Russia and cut ties with France.

It has also urged the ex-colonial power to withdraw its military bases from the country.

Niger's relations have also soured with its neighbours. Along with Mali and Burkina Faso, where the military has also seized power, it has withdrawn from the West African regional bloc Ecowas.

Japan is a country that is making the largest amount of investment to the United States, so we wonder if it makes sense for (Washington) to apply uniform tariffs to all countries.

We need to consider what's best for Japan's national interest. We're putting all options on the table in considering the most effective response.

(Trump) has preserved a number of important elements of our relationship, the commercial relationship between Canada and the United States. But the fentanyl tariffs still remain in place, as do the tariffs for steel and aluminum.

We are going to fight these tariffs with countermeasures, we are going to protect our workers, and we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7.

President Trump's announcement of universal tariffs on the whole world, including the EU, is a major blow to the world economy.

Uncertainty will spiral and trigger the rise of further protectionism. The consequences will be dire for millions of people around the globe.

We are already finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel. And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail.

Ireland does not believe in tariffs - Ireland hasn't started this.

We will work with the European Union - the government's fundamental objective is to protect Irish jobs.

The decision by the US tonight to impose 20% tariffs on imports from across the European Union is deeply regrettable.

I strongly believe that tariffs benefit no one.

My priority, and that of the government, is to protect Irish jobs and the Irish economy.

The tariffs are wrong... We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the goal of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players.

Latin America, including Colombia, benefits primarily from Trump's tariff policy.

But Colombian businesses must take advantage of these opportunities. Agro-industrial and semi-industrial products from countries outside Latin America are becoming more expensive in US markets, and if we can produce those goods more cheaply, it's time to export them there.

We will only make US imports more expensive if they take away our jobs. But we won't raise tariffs if their goods help create higher-value jobs.

Trump's decision to impose tariffs by geographic area and not by product type allows us to improve our competitive position on a Latin American scale, and Colombia would benefit if its business community helps us lower energy rates and if the board of the Central Bank abandons the cult and begins to lower interest rates to reduce financial costs.

It's not labor costs—labor is not a cost—that impede competitiveness; labor is investment, because it generates wealth. The costs that must be reduced are those of lack of association, financial costs, land rents, and energy costs, to gain greater competitiveness.

It is time to implement a shift in the export matrix toward higher levels of added value generation.

The export matrix must change toward greater added value, greater decarbonization, and a more global approach, diversifying the destination of our products.

China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests," the ministry said, as the world's largest economies look set to spiral deeper into a trade war that stands to upend global supply chains.

The Brazilian government is evaluating all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization, in defense of legitimate national interests

Spain will protect its companies and workers and will continue to be committed to an open world.

New Zealand's interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely ... New Zealand's bilateral relationship with the U.S. remains strong. We will be talking with the administration to get more information, and our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have.

I do not know where he got his numbers from but we won't retaliate.

The Federal Council acknowledges the US tariff decisions. It will quickly determine the next steps. The country's long-term economic interests are paramount. Adherence to international law and free trade remain core values.

As the global trade war has become a reality, the government must pour all its capabilities to overcome the trade crisis.

A trade war is in nobody's interests.
We have prepared for all eventualities -- and we will rule nothing out.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George has accused President Bola Tinubu of travelling to France when Nigeria is experiencing series of insecurity crisis.

George said it was shameful that while Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore, Tinubu’s administration was focused on trivial matters like recalling suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, disclosed this in a statement he signed, titled: ‘Whither Nigeria, my beloved country.’

He said, “Today, and with the series of crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness and other vices in the country, President Bola Tinubu has taken off to Paris, France for reasons best known to him and his handlers.

“Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland, but the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Senate are only interested in recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. What a shame!

“Aside from the fact that history is a faithful record of the past, it is also a prophecy of what is coming. That is why Fela’s song is still apt, decades after. Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.”

On Wednesday, President Tinubu jetted out of Nigeria to France.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said the president is expected to “return to Nigeria in about a fortnight”.

How Nigerian Doctor Defrauded Desperate Migrants, Job Seekers Of Millions Of Naira In UK Relocation Scam —Report

He said each job vacancy secured from a UK care home was worth £2,000 ($2,600), with an additional £500 ($650) commission.


Many unsuspecting Nigerians dream of relocating to the United Kingdom for a better life, but fraudulent agents exploiting the UK’s Health & Care Worker visa scheme have turned this dream into a nightmare.

In an undercover investigation, BBC Africa Eye exposed Dr Kelvin Alaneme, a Nigerian doctor and founder of CareerEdu, who has been running a fraudulent operation, charging desperate job seekers exorbitant fees for non-existent jobs in the UK care sector.

Secret recordings by the BBC captured Dr. Alaneme boasting about his operation. Believing he was speaking to a potential business partner in the UK care industry, he offered her a role in his network, saying: “Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire.”

He said each job vacancy secured from a UK care home was worth £2,000 ($2,600), with an additional £500 ($650) commission. These job slots were then sold to unsuspecting Nigerian job seekers, many of whom ended up stranded in the UK with no work and no means of survival.

Under UK law, charging candidates for jobs is illegal. Yet, Dr. Alaneme openly admitted that desperate job seekers had no other option.

“They [the candidates] are not supposed to be paying because it's free. It should be free,” he acknowledged. But he justified the scam, adding: “They are paying because they know it’s most likely the only way.”

One victim, Praise, narrated his account of the ordeal. He paid over £10,000 ($13,000) to Dr Alaneme, believing he had secured a job at a care company called Efficiency for Care in Clacton-on-Sea. However, upon arrival, he discovered that the job was a lie.

“If I had known there was no job, I would not have come here. I came here to do a job,” he lamented, revealing that he was left on the verge of homelessness.

Investigations revealed that Efficiency for Care had a shocking employment record. While it officially had 16 employees in 2022 and 152 in 2023, Home Office documents showed that it had issued a staggering 1,234 Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign workers between March 2022 and May 2023.

In July 2023, the UK government revoked the company’s sponsorship licence, effectively banning it from recruiting foreign workers.

However, the company continues to operate and denies any involvement in fraudulent recruitment.

Dr. Alaneme also described another scheme, where fake payroll records were created to give the illusion that migrants had legitimate jobs, allowing them to remain in the UK illegally.

The BBC confronted him with the findings, but he denied running a scam. He insisted that CareerEdu only offered “legitimate services” and that the money paid by victims, such as Praise, was handed over to a recruitment agent for transportation, accommodation, and training.

He even claimed he had tried to help Praise secure another job for free.

The BBC also uncovered another scam run by UK-based recruiter Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh. Victims across the UK claimed Agyemang-Prempeh defrauded them of nearly £67,000, promising them care worker jobs that never existed.

Some of the Certificates of Sponsorship he issued were outright fakes, replicas of legitimate Certificates of Sponsorship documents from genuine care companies.

Confronted with these allegations, Agyemang-Prempeh feigned innocence, claiming he too had been “scammed” and had unknowingly distributed fake certificates.

“I am not authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship,” he told BBC reporters.

Matthew Bond, CEO of Borderless, a tech company specialising in immigration compliance, shed light on why the scam thrives.

“A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued by a business that says, ‘I’m going to sponsor this individual.’ Without that, you can't get a visa or travel to the UK for work,” he explained.

“Because so many people want these jobs, rogue agents have taken advantage of the system, charging candidates tens of thousands of pounds for these certificates.”

Another victim, Harry (not his real name), shared his heart-wrenching experience. He lost nearly £9,500 (17 to 18 million Naira) to these scams.

“I sold my properties, resigned from my job, took out loans from family and friends – all to move to the UK. Now, I have nothing,” he said, his voice heavy with regret.

“These scammers keep getting rich, using people's sweat—people that have laboured. Many of us travel with not just our dreams, but the dreams and hopes of our families. Now, everything is gone.”

The UK Home Office, responding to BBC’s investigation, vowed to crack down on fraudulent recruitment practices.

“The government has announced robust new action against shameless employers who abuse the visa system, with tough measures that will ban businesses who flout UK employment laws from sponsoring overseas workers,” a spokesperson said.

While the UK government is stepping up enforcement, thousands of victims are still struggling with the financial and emotional wreckage caused by these fraudulent schemes.

This investigation was conducted by Africa Eye and the BBC's Global Disinformation Unit.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=191CuNRGoos?si=7Wym8-IKiFyx27Zf