Evening recap: FG unveils USSD loans, UK migrants face 10-year wait, other top stories

1. The Federal Government has launched a USSD-based loan service to help Nigerians with needs such as food and solar power. This new service allows users to access consumer loans using basic mobile phones, without the need for internet connectivity or smartphones. More details can be found at [this link](https://punchng.com/fg-introduces-ussd-code-for-loans-covering-food-solar-others/).

2. The UK government has introduced new rules requiring most migrants to wait a decade before being eligible for permanent settlement. Applicants must demonstrate their contributions and conduct over the course of ten years to earn the right to permanent residency. Further information is available [here](https://punchng.com/uk-migrants-face-10-year-wait-for-permanent-settlement-under-new-rules/).

3. The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, has defended the union's right to independently negotiate labor matters. His stance contradicts that of Trade Union Congress President, Festus Osifo, who argued for joint negotiations between the two labor centers. Additional context can be found [here](https://punchng.com/nlc-can-negotiate-alone-ajaero-replies-tuc-president/).

4. Tragedy struck on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when a footballer died in a crash involving a Mercedes-Benz C300 and a bus in the Magboro area of Ogun State. The accident occurred on Monday and is being investigated further. More information can be found [here](https://punchng.com/video-footballer-dies-in-lagos-ibadan-expressway-crash/).

5. The Nigerian government plans to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and replace it with new legislation. This change will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service, with details revealed by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week in Abuja. For more information, visit [this link](https://punchng.com/fg-to-repeal-1963-fire-service-act-rename-agency/).

6. Ahead of President Bola Tinubu's visit to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, barriers painted in Nigeria's national colors were erected around the Holy Ka'bah in Makkah. This gesture honored Tinubu, who was granted the privilege of entering the Holy Ka'bah during his trip. View the photographs [here](https://punchng.com/photos-green-white-green-barriers-surround-kabah-ahead-of-tinubus-visit/).