Author: Vardiafrica

In view of the recent hike in the price of petrol across the country, Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a ₦10,000 monthly transportation support fund for civil servants in Oyo State, to run for an initial period of three months. The governor made the declaration during the supervision of the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme, held in partnership with the Fashola Agribusiness Hub, Oyo. Makinde said the intervention was part of the state government’s broader response to prevailing economic pressures, particularly the rising cost of transportation, which has continued to impact workers’ productivity and welfare. According to him,…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to arraign the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i (M) and one Joel Adoga (M) at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in the Kaduna Judicial Division on Tuesday, the 24th March 2026. The suit with number FHC/KD/73/2026 has charges ranging from conversion of and possession of public property, to money laundering. Similarly, another charge, number KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, against Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i and one Amadu Sule (LEDA), has also been filed before a Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division. The charges in the State High…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its resolve to drive inflation down to a single-digit range, underscoring its commitment to price stability as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reform programme. According to a statement from the CBN, its Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, Muhammad Abdullahi, spoke during a strategic engagement with the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) and members of the academic community in Abuja. Abdullahi said the apex bank remains firmly on course to achieve its medium-term inflation target of between 6 and 9 per cent. He described the transition towards an inflation-targeting monetary policy…

Israel on Monday launched a new wave of strikes on Iran, triggering fresh threats from Tehran and intensifying a conflict that is now driving the worst global energy crisis in decades. Explosions were reported in Tehran, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they intercepted incoming missiles and drones as the conflict spread across the region. According to Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, at least 40 energy facilities across oil- and gas-producing countries have been “severely or very severely damaged,” with the war entering its fourth week. Iran has responded to the strikes with missile…

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has called for sustained investment in intelligence, technology, and security infrastructure to tackle rising insecurity in Nigeria, while emphasising the need for coordinated federal-state action to drive national development. The forum, composed of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, met on Sunday, 22nd March 2026, at Eko Signature, Lagos State, to deliberate on national development, democratic stability, and the translation of reforms into tangible improvements for citizens. Prior to the meeting, the governors paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu, discussing key issues including security, economic renewal, social welfare, infrastructure, and cooperative federalism. They commended…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said it is increasing its efforts to support development in the region through strong partnerships. Speaking at an important meeting with Ibom Air’s management in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, explained that working with private companies is key to improving the Niger Delta. He led the team and stressed that such partnerships will help speed up infrastructure projects and encourage more investors to come into the region. “Through partnerships, we will create a strong economy that will help local communities and attract investment,” Ogbuku said.…

Federal government approves dualisation of Bodo-Bonny Road to boost connectivity, with solar lighting and beautification planned along corr The federal government has approved the dualisation of the Bodo-Bonny Road to link the East-West Road. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this to journalists during a tour of projects in the South-South at the weekend, stating that President Bola Tinubu had directed that the road from the Bodo axis be expanded to connect with the East-West Road, a major transport artery in the region. Umahi further revealed that the president had also approved the installation of solar lights and tree…

The Confederation of African Football has officially recognised Morocco as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a controversial ruling that overturned the original final result. CAF’s official records now list Morocco as winners of the tournament, with Senegal recorded as runners-up and Nigeria in third place. The ruling came after a review by CAF’s Appeals Board on March 18, prompted by the events of the final played in Rabat. Initially, Senegal had secured a 1-0 victory in extra time, thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye. However, the match descended into chaos when Senegal’s players staged a…

A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Sunday met with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano State, sparking fresh political speculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. Also present at the gathering were Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson. Kwankwaso disclosed details of the visit via his social media platform, describing it as a festive gathering to mark the Sallah celebration. “Delighted to host Their Excellencies, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson at my Kano residence for this joyful Sallah celebration,” he wrote. “Wishing everyone…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that the French government has pledged to support Nigeria with equipment and training for its security forces in the fight against terrorism. Tinubu made this known on Sunday during a meeting with governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he observed the Eid-el-Fitr holidays following a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, the President held talks with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with discussions focusing on trade and security cooperation. Nigeria and the UK also explored…