Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated on Tuesday that the United States Mission Nigeria is reducing its staff in Abuja due to global security concerns involving Iran, rather than Nigeria’s internal political or security situation.

Speaking at the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission’s new headquarters, Akpabio dismissed claims that embassies were closing due to upcoming elections or local insecurity.

JomogNews had reported that on Wednesday, 8th April 2026, the United States Department of State had authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from its embassy in Abuja, citing a worsening security situation across Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory the department said the directive took effect from April 8, 2026, warning American citizens to reconsider travel to the country over rising concerns including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, and inconsistent healthcare services.

Speaking during the commissioning of the new NRS headquarters in Abuja, Akpabio dismissed claims that embassies were shutting down due to Nigeria election, noting that such assumptions were misplaced.

“Some people say that even now, some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are actually closing; many of the embassies are afraid of repercussions from their foes,” he said.

He explained that countries like the United States may take precautionary steps globally due to rising tensions with adversaries such as Iran.

“For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about a bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies,” Akpabio stated.

He cautioned Nigerians against linking such developments to domestic politics, particularly elections.

“But people are thinking, oh, Nigerian embassies are closing because election is coming. It’s not because election is coming. Election will come and go, and God will protect you,” he added.

Akpabio further reassured citizens of their safety, expressing confidence that Nigeria remains secure despite global uncertainties.

Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria.

The ceremony, attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants – placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders.

Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching,” he said. “In today’s technology-driven world, staying relevant requires constantly upgrading your skills. The world has moved from a pre-digital era to one powered by AI – where tasks that once took weeks are now completed in minutes. To thrive, you must learn, adapt, and evolve.”

He also stressed the primacy of character, noting that integrity remains the cornerstone of a successful banking career. “Integrity is the hallmark of a banker – once you lose it, you lose everything. What we truly sell is our reputation,” he stated, urging the graduates to uphold the highest ethical standards.

Mr. Lawal further encouraged disciplined financial habits, humility, and gratitude, reminding them that success goes beyond professional milestones to include lifelong learning, strong values, and respect for those who support one’s journey.

Congratulating the cohort, he urged them to embrace their careers with purpose and responsibility, noting that their contributions will be pivotal to the bank’s growth and the broader financial ecosystem.

The PGIT and PTIP programmes offer intensive training across banking and technology disciplines and have consistently produced high-performing professionals. The new hires will be deployed across key functions, supporting Polaris Bank’s strategic priorities in retail expansion, digital innovation, and superior customer experience.

Polaris Bank remains committed to empowering young Nigerians with opportunities to build impactful careers, as it continues to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth within the financial services sector.

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not attend the scheduled project commissioning in Lagos on Wednesday, because he was preoccupied with urgent national security matters.

Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, also defended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that ongoing military operations and intelligence efforts demonstrate that the country is gaining the upper hand against terrorism.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Sunday Dare said the President had remained actively engaged in national security matters, even while away from Abuja.

“The President prioritised national security developments over the event,” he said.

“Yes, the president is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the president has been busy with state matters.”

He added that recent security concerns across parts of the country required the president’s attention, noting, “You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”

Dare said Tinubu had been “busy taking constant briefs” and “has to prioritise when it comes to state matters, especially security”.

He further explained that the president remained actively engaged with security agencies, and was “monitoring development, working with the intelligence community, and taking constant security briefs.”

He assured Nigerians that the administration is consistently responding to threats and remains committed to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu while inaugurating the newly constructed Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge, a project his administration envisioned in 2002 but now delivered by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the projects reflected Lagos State government’s commitment to development and aligned with his Renewed Hope vision, which, he said, sought to build a modern country that would be fully digitally enabled and economically strong.

The bridge, a 5.04-kilometre transport corridor, is one of the three key Lagos projects inaugurated on Wednesday by Tinubu in the first of his two-day official visit to Lagos for commissioning.

Other projects include five-storey Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building and Lagos Multi-Agency Building, both in Alausa.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, congratulated Lagos residents, saying the projects delivered by Sanwo-Olu spoke to the importance of putting people’s wellbeing at the centre of development.

Tinubu said: “The Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge is more than an infrastructure; it is a bridge to opportunities. In a busy city like Lagos, vehicular movement is more than just commuting; it is associated with the city’s economic wellbeing. When traffic flows, productivity improves. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is made easier, living standards get improved.”

Tinubu thanked Lagos Government for making the new Administrative Complex after him, noting that he accepted the honour with humility.

Lagos State governor, Sanwo-Olu, said the projects were distinct but complementary investments, with each addressing a critical aspect of governance.

The bridge, he said, would address congestion and mobility around Ikeja-Maryland-Ojota corridor, while improving the quality of life for commuters.

He said the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge would improve efficiency of traffic circulation, with noticeable impact beyond the immediate environs of the bridge. He said the road project was completed with walkways, bicycle lanes, solar-powered street lighting and embedded service ducts.

“We have built, not just for today’s needs, but with a clear eye on the ever-expanding demands of the future. As part of this project, we have integrated a comprehensive stormwater management system to address the long-standing challenge of flooding along the Odo-Iya-Alaro corridor, thereby strengthening environmental resilience,” he said.