The visit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both countries, including cooperation in trade, investment, security and migration.
Foreign
Mining dispute: FG Alleges Plot To Embarrass Tinubu During UK Visit
The Federal Government has alleged that an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, is planning what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against Nigeria during the planned state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said the alleged move was aimed at discrediting ongoing reforms in the mining sector and misleading the international community about the circumstances surrounding the revocation of certain mineral licences.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, the ministry dismissed claims that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Tomori said the Federal Government had no legal or contractual relationship with any company known as Jupiter Lithium, stressing that Nigerian mining laws prohibit foreign companies from directly holding mineral titles.
“Earlier in the week, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kehinde Bamigbetan, authored a response to what we described as a tissue of falsehoods sponsored by Jupiter Ltd in a publication titled ‘Nigeria Seizes British Lithium Project Under Armed Guard.’
“Our response, titled ‘In Nigeria’s Mining Sector, The Law Is No Respecter of Persons,’ exposed the activities of one Steve Davis and Hamish MacDonald, whose enterprise in the mining sector eventually met the full weight of the law.”
According to the ministry, the controversy stemmed from the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to an Australian national, Steve Davis.
The government said the revocation followed the company’s failure to meet statutory financial obligations under Nigeria’s mining regulations.
Tomori stated that Basin Mining Ltd lost its mineral titles after failing to pay statutory annual service fees amounting to N2.494bn for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.
The unpaid fees covered mineral titles 45454ML, 45117ML, 45118ML, 40532ML and 40533ML, which were revoked after due notice was served on the company in line with existing regulations.
The ministry also dismissed claims that the titles were reassigned to a Chinese firm, describing the allegation as a fabrication intended to mislead the public and the international community.
It further alleged that Davis had interests in several mining companies operating in Nigeria, including Comet Minerals Ltd, Basin Mining Ltd, Range Mining Ltd, Northern Numero Ltd, Sunrise Minerals Ltd and Iron Ore Mining Ltd.
According to the government, such arrangements are often used by speculators to acquire mineral titles without undertaking actual mining operations.
The ministry said the practice had contributed to the problem of dormant mining licences and illegal mining activities in the country.
It noted that the Federal Government was determined to end such practices as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the mining sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria cannot and will not be intimidated or blackmailed into abandoning reforms by the antics of any individual or company,” Tomori added.
“Our commitment to transforming the mining sector into a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product is unwavering.”
The ministry urged Nigerians and international stakeholders to disregard what it described as attempts by “discredited individuals” to undermine the country’s reform agenda.
Nigeria has intensified efforts in recent years to develop its solid mineral resources, including lithium, gold, iron ore and rare earth elements, as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy away from crude oil.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an invitation from King Charles III, who will host the Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle.
Foreign
BREAKING: Ambassador to US Sacked
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday dismissed his ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, in a move that had been expected following a government reshuffle last month.
The sacking, announced by decree, happened, however, as Kyiv was lobbying Washington hard to obtain more Patriot air defence missiles to block Russian strikes.
In a Facebook post in which she also posted a letter asking to be relieved of her duties, Stefanishyna said the decision was her own and “dictated by personal circumstances”.
She called her posting to Washington “the greatest honour” of her life.
“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” she added.
Stefanishyna, a former deputy prime minister and justice minister, was nominated as ambassador in July last year.
The role is crucial for Ukraine, which depends on US arms deliveries and intelligence-sharing in the conflict against Russia.
Relations between Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump have been strained and, at times, stormy.
But the billionaire Republican former real estate mogul has recently been more encouraging towards the Ukrainian leader.
According to Ukrainian media, Stefanishyna is under investigation by the country’s anti-corruption agency on suspicion of wrongdoing, although she has not been formally accused.
Zelensky, who made a controversial government reshuffle in July, has not yet announced who will replace Stefanishyna as ambassador in Washington.
Business
UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa
The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.
According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.
1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.
The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.
2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.
3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.
Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.
4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.
5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.
6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.
7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.
Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child
8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.
9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.
10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.
The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.
Additional documents may be requested
The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.
For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.
Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.
Business
Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily
Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.
On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada
According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.
Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.
A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.
1. Job Bank
The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.
2. Jobs GC
Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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