Author: Vardiafrica

The national grid, on Friday, collapsed for the first time this year. According to data obtained from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), the power generation dropped to zero megawatt (MW). The NISO data showed that load allocation to the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) dropped to zero MW as at 1 pm on Friday. The distribution companies, including Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abuja, and Yola, recorded zero allocation. In 2025, the nation’s power grid collapsed multiple times, with the last incident recorded on December 29. The repeated system failures have occurred despite upgrades designed to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted formal approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island and the immediate take off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun State. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the executive approval on Thursday, 22 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state’s long-standing pursuit of oil-producing status and maritime expansion. The Governor disclosed this development while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, at the State House in Abeokuta. The projects, now integrated into a broader strategic framework known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone,…

The Presidency has reversed its earlier decision and has withdrawn the appointment of former Kebbi State Governor, Usman Saidu Dakingari, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Turkey, less than 24 hours after the announcement was made.A statement issued on Thursday night by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the posting of four ambassadors-designate from the more than 60 nominees confirmed in December. They included former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Kayode Are, who was named ambassador-designate to the United States. Former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, was posted to France,…

The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially taken effect today. This comes one year after US President Donald Trump ordered the country’s withdrawal from the WHO just hours after taking office. Under the agreement between the US and the organisation, the withdrawal takes effect after a mandatory one-year notice period, which ends today. One of the conditions for withdrawal in the agreement, which is for the US to pay its agreed financial contributions in full, has not been met. However, the WHO has no mechanism to compel payment or block the withdrawal. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the posting of four ambassador-designates, out of the 68 confirmed by the Senate last December. This was confirmed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday. According to the statement, Tinubu confirmed the postings of Ambassador Ayodele Oke as the ambassador-designate to France, and Colonel Lateef Are as the ambassador-designate to the United States of America. Also confirmed by the President is the posting of Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, former ambassador to South Korea, as the high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom. Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former…

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and restoring security across the country, following a plenary session of the Nigeria – United States Joint Working Group to address the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation of Nigeria, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on Thursday, in Abuja. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing the press, said the engagement was part of sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security partnerships and deliver tangible results for citizens. “This is the third high-level engagement with senior United States officials since November 2025.…

Oil giant Shell Companies in Nigeria on Thursday announced plans to invest US$20 billion in the Bonga South West oil project. NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari disclosed this while speaking with State House correspondents after President Bola Tinubu received in audience Shell Companies CEO Wael Sawan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The NNPCL boss said the US$20 billion investment would have a ripple effect on the economy, creating jobs and resuscitating moribund fabrication yards. Chief Ojulari said the economic climate established by President Tinubu’s administration had restored investor confidence. He added: “I think what this has shown…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has dismissed speculations about a possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying he remains comfortable in the party despite recent political realignments. Makinde made this known after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, where he was asked about reports that some PDP governors and leaders had defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Responding to the question on whether he was considering a move to the APC, the governor said he had no such plans, stressing that his loyalty to the PDP remains intact. “I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde said. “Again, we…

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olugbenga Oladipo, and his entourage, comprising representatives of other security agencies, to the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. Ogbuku described the visit as significant, coming early in the year, and underscoring the importance the NDDC placed on security as a foundation for development. He stated, “Without security, there will be no development. Our roles are intertwined, and we are all working towards the mandate of Mr President. No matter what we have done so…

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, met with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the State House, Abuja. Makinde arrived at the State House moments after Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently said he would not support Tinubu’s re-election, citing concerns about the survival of democracy in the country. Makinde also detailed his rift with Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying the former governor of Rivers had vowed to “hold PDP” for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections without consulting other party stakeholders. In the buildup to the 2023 presidential…