Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed airlines, airport operators and other aviation stakeholders to intensify public health surveillance measures following the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. In a circular dated May 18, 2026, the NCAA said the directive became necessary due to growing concerns over the spread of the disease and the critical role of the aviation sector in preventing cross-border transmission. The authority noted that although no confirmed case linked to the outbreak has been recorded in Nigeria, it is collaborating with the Federal Ministry…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has announced a reduction in the price of aviation fuel, also known as jet A1, to N1,650 per litre from N1,750 per litre. In a statement on Tuesday, the refinery said the move is aimed at easing cost pressures on airlines and ensuring an uninterrupted petrol supply across the country. The refinery also introduced a 30-day interest-free credit facility for marketers and airline operators backed by bank guarantees (BG), while transitioning from a dollar-denominated pricing structure to a naira-based model. “This is in addition to a 30-day interest-free credit facility backed by bank guarantees (BG)…

Togo has announced a visa exemption for all African nationals, in a move aimed at advancing continental integration and easing the movement of people across the continent. It joins countries like Rwanda, which has scrapped visa fees for African travellers. In a statement issued on Monday, May 18, the country’s Minister of Security, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba, said the decision took immediate effect and applies to all citizens of African states holding valid national passports. “The Minister of Security informs the national and international community of the decision taken by the President of the Council to grant, effective today, Monday, May 18,…

A fire outbreak has disrupted activities at the oncology unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, forcing the emergency evacuation of patients and medical personnel from the facility. The incident, believed to have been triggered by an electrical fault, was however swiftly contained before it spread to other sections of the hospital. Patients receiving treatment at the oncology department on Monday, including those undergoing emergency care and chemotherapy sessions, were moved to safer units within the hospital as a precautionary measure. Although the fire was extinguished without casualties, traces of smoke continued to linger around the affected area hours after the…

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said the deployment of Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin was aimed at defending democracy, ensuring security, and supporting peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region. Shaibu disclosed this on Monday while speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference held in Abuja. According to him, the deployment under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional security architecture and promoting collective responses to emerging threats across neighbouring countries. “Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals’ networks, degrade adversary capabilities and restore…

THE  Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the continuation of coordinated military operations with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) against Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Nigeria’s North-East, with fresh airstrikes reportedly killing more than 20 militants in the Metele area of Borno State. In a statement on Monday, May 16, the Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said the strikes were carried out following intelligence on the “convergence and migration” of terrorist fighters within the region. According to the military, the latest operation formed part of sustained offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and denying insurgents safe havens across the…

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum. Delivering the ruling, Justice Abdulmalik imposed a series of stringent conditions the defendant must meet before perfecting the bail. The court held that the proposed surety must reside in either the Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court registry. The surety is also required to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level…

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom has expressed confidence that Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing regional tensions and concerns surrounding visas and entry arrangements. Speaking after a meeting with Mehdi Taj in Istanbul on Saturday, May 16, Grafstrom described the talks as “excellent” and “constructive”. “We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran football association,” Grafstrom told Reuters. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.” Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States during…

President Museveni has endorsed plans for a proposed East African regional refinery championed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, saying the project aligns with Uganda’s long-standing position against exporting raw materials without value addition. The development happened on Sunday after Museveni met Dangote at Nakasero State Lodge. After the meeting, Museveni said the discussions focused on the proposed refinery and the wider need for regional industrial cooperation. “Today at Nakasero, I met Mr. Aliko Dangote and we discussed the proposed East African regional refinery,” Museveni said The President said Uganda had deliberately delayed crude oil production because government wanted to first…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. In a statement issued on Saturday, the WHO said the outbreak does not yet meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency under the International Health Regulations. The agency said the declaration followed consultations with authorities in DR Congo and Uganda over the escalating spread of the virus and the risk of cross-border transmission. According to the WHO, as of Saturday, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases, and 80 suspected deaths had been recorded in…