The government of Togo has announced the removal of visa requirements for citizens of all African countries visiting the country for short stays of up to 30 days.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by Togo’s Ministry of Security through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

According to the ministry, the policy is aimed at strengthening African integration and promoting the free movement of people across the continent.

Under the new arrangement, African nationals holding valid passports will be permitted to enter Togo without a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days.

“Togo takes a historic step in strengthening African integration. Henceforth, all nationals of African states holding a valid national passport may enter Togolese territory without a visa, for a stay of up to 30 days,” the statement said.

It added that the reform reflects the commitment of the country’s leadership to making Togo a hub of openness, mobility and cooperation within Africa.

“Through this major reform, the President of the Council reaffirms his commitment to making Togo a space of openness, mobility, opportunities, and cooperation at the heart of the African continent,” it added.

However, travellers will still be required to complete an online travel declaration on the official government platform at least 24 hours before arrival to obtain a travel clearance slip.

The ministry said the policy reinforces Togo’s dedication to regional integration and stronger diplomatic and economic ties among African nations.

The decision follows similar visa-free initiatives adopted by countries such as Rwanda.

In a related development, the Nigeria government has also begun implementing a 30-day visa exemption policy for Rwandan nationals entering the country.

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has directed that an apology be made to Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), and members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

In a statement on Monday, the commission said the directive follows the receipt and consideration of a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026, incident involving its personnel and medical staff of the teaching hospital.

The EFCC said Olukoyede expressed regret at the discomfort that the unfortunate episode caused for staff of the hospital and members of the public.

“Pursuant to the receipt and consideration of a preliminary report on the May 12, 2026 incident involving personnel of the Commission and medical staff of the Uyo University Teaching Hospital, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed that an apology be made to Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, and members of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA,” the statement reads.

He acknowledged that the wellbeing of Nigerians is at the core of the commission’s mandate and reiterated that the EFCC would carry out a full investigation into the incident, assuring that officers found culpable would face disciplinary measures.

The EFCC chairman said the commission is determined to work with stakeholders to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.

He added that the “unfortunate incident” would not deter the commission from pressing ahead with the execution of its mandate in any part of Nigeria.

He also appealed to the NMA and other professional bodies to continue supporting the EFCC in its anti-corruption efforts.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has reaffirmed that it is committed to enforcing the Federal Government’s directive mandating all Prospective Corps Members to present a compliance certificate from the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, NERD.

The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, stated this in his keynote address at the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Mobilization Workshop themed, “Strengthening Institutional Accountability and Compliance in the NYSC Mobilization Process for Effective Service Delivery,” held in Abuja.

He appealed to Corps Producing Institutions to adequately sensitize their students and ensure strict compliance with the initiative.

General Nafiu emphasized that the mobilization process was not the sole responsibility of the NYSC, urging regulatory bodies, security agencies, and relevant ministries to provide the necessary support through policy guidance, capacity building, and enforcement of compliance standards.

He said, “When we work in synergy, we ease the path for our Prospective Corps Members, ensuring that their transition from student to national service is smooth, transparent, and credible.

“Let us be bold in confronting the obstacles before us and creative in fashioning solutions that will stand the test of time.

“Let us build a more accountable, transparent, and efficient mobilization process for the benefit of all,” he said.

Earlier in her address, the NYSC Director, Corps Mobilization, Mrs. Rachel Ideawor, described the Pre-Mobilization Workshop as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between the Scheme, Corps Producing Institutions, and other critical stakeholders.

She noted that although significant progress had been made in enhancing the NYSC mobilization process, there was still a need to optimize service delivery across the entire mobilization value chain.

“I urge our Student Affairs Officers to approach their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, ensuring that the information provided accurately reflects the true profiles of Prospective Corps Members,” Ideawor said.