Major government sanctions, bans announced so far in 2022
By Zion Rufus
From government sanctions to nationwide injunctions, 2022 has so far recorded quite a whopping number of bans for a year which has barely neared its end.
CBN Bans Using Naira To Buy US Dollars in Nigerian Banking
In July, tagging it illegal, the Central Bank of Nigeria banned the use of the Nigerian Naira to buy Dollars, a move which sent tremors across foreign exchange markets.
CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele had threatened to arrest and prosecute perpetrators(including commercial banks) caught in the act, noting that the CBN would conduct investigations, and any individual found culpable would be barred from conducting bank transactions.
Ban on foreign models, voice artists
In August, in line with the government’s policy of developing local talent, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria announced the ban on foreign models and voiceover artists from advertisements in the country. With effect from 1st October 2022, all advertising materials are charged to employ only Nigerian talents as models and voice-over artists.
FIFA imposes stadium bans on Nigeria, Senegal
In May, FIFA issued a raft of sanctions worldwide after studying dozens of cases from World Cup qualifying games played since the start of the year. Nigeria was hit with a one-game stadium closure and fined 150,000 Swiss francs after fans invaded the pitch in Abuja following their play-off defeat by Ghana. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Lebanon received similar punishments following disturbances at games against Morocco and Syria respectively.
UAE Imposes Visa Ban On Nigerians Over Cult Clashes
In July, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly imposed visa restrictions on Nigerians after cult clashes between rival groups Eiye and Aiye erupted in Sharjah. Although no official statement was released by the UAE Government, multiple travel agencies and residents in Dubai have reportedly confirmed the development.
Nigeria’s ban on Ukrainian medical degrees
In June, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) issued an official statement on its website to inform the public that any dental or medical degrees obtained from Ukrainian universities in 2022 will not be recognised until regular academic activities resume.
Nationwide ban on motorcycles
The FG has recently enforced the nationwide ban on motorcycles, popularly known as Okada. In July, the Federal Government through the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami announced that it was considering placing a ban on commercial motorcycle and mining activities as part of its strategy to curb insecurity.
Lagos Bans MOT Taskforce Team
Lagos State banned indefinitely the activities of its Ministry of Transportation (MOT) Task Force team.
A statement by Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser on Transportation, Lagos State Government said that the decision to ban the taskforce team was reached after a thorough appraisal and review of its enforcement teams operating under the Ministry of Transportation, which he said needed to be scaled down.
The statement hinted that based on this new directive, the public is to report the activities of any unauthorized enforcement team disguised as MOT taskforce to the Ministry of Transportation for onward report to the Police for possible prosecution.
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