Deceptive overseas job, scholarship and training offers are being used by recruitment networks to exploit young people across West Africa, with some victims reportedly drawn into weapons-related work or frontline warfare. The author argues that deception, document confiscation, isolation and fabricated debts can turn these schemes into human trafficking and forced labour, while families and communities suffer lasting consequences. Nigeria and Ghana have publicly acknowledged the problem, but the column calls for cross-border intelligence sharing, digital monitoring, targeted public awareness, regulation of recruiters, and diplomatic support to extract and repatriate victims.

Human trafficking is a severe crime involving the exploitation of individuals through forced labor, prostitution, and other forms of servitude. Victims are often deceived with promises of a better life and coerced into situations of no return. The article highlights the significant impact on victims, who suffer from trauma, abuse, and various forms of deprivation. Mrs. Morenike Omaiboje of the Women Consortium of Nigeria emphasizes the need for awareness, legal action, and government commitment to combat this global menace. Organizations like NAPTIP, Love Justice International, and Trace Kenya play crucial roles in legal enforcement, transit monitoring, and victim reintegration.

Oyo State health workers faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic despite government funding and efforts to renovate primary health centres. Health workers reported inadequate relief packages, insufficient hazard fees, and lack of proper remuneration for vaccination efforts. Investigations revealed that relief materials were unevenly distributed, and promises made to frontline workers were not fulfilled. Citizens' Gavel highlighted a shortage of trained health workers and inequitable distribution of relief materials, with junior staff often excluded from receiving aid.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deployed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation in the Ekiti election on June 18, 2022, as mandated by the Nigeria Electoral Act 2022. BVAS, which replaces the Smart Card Reader, verifies and authenticates voters using their fingerprints or facial recognition. The system was previously used in various elections and has been praised for its effectiveness. The Ekiti election saw a 36.5% voter turnout, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Olatunji Oyebanji winning. Despite some issues reported by YIAGA Africa, the overall deployment of BVAS was deemed successful by observers, including the Center for Democracy and Development.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the Presidential Task Force on Apapa gridlock, established by President Muhammadu Buhari and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The task force aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Apapa, Lagos, caused by various factors including road conditions and middlemen activities. Allegations of extortion against the task force and other officials are addressed, with Comrade Kayode Opeifa denying such claims. The article highlights the role of middlemen in exacerbating the gridlock and the need for improved infrastructure and regulation to resolve the crisis.

Nelson Olanipekun, leading Citizens Gavel, urges Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to prioritize justice sector reform, highlighting severe issues such as high numbers of awaiting trial detainees, police brutality, overcrowded and unhygienic prison conditions, and lack of legal representation for detainees. Despite significant budget allocations, the treatment of inmates and detainees remains poor, with many not receiving adequate food or being informed of their charges. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to improve justice delivery and uphold detainees' rights.