Author: Vardiafrica

Nigeria has finally approved the use of an alphanumeric digital postcode system for the country, 17 years after it was first considered. According to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, the system was okayed at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, in line with the ministry’s strategic blueprint. He said working in collaboration with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), the ministry will introduce a modern, geospatially intelligent addressing system that improves accuracy across the country and enables faster and more reliable mail and parcel processing. “Beyond strengthening postal operations,…

The Federal Executive Council has approved the implementation of a transformative Exit Benefit Scheme that grants retiring Federal Civil Servants a gratuity equal to 100% of their total annual emolument. A statement in Abuja which indicates that the new development is Effective from January 1, 2026, notes that this landmark scheme signifies a major milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the welfare architecture of the Civil Service and ensuring that officers who have devoted a minimum of ten years of service to the nation retire with dignity and financial security. It says the approval follows extensive deliberations and…

Anthony Joshua continues his physical rehabilitation more than two months after the devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two people close to him. The 36-year-old former heavyweight champion has been sharing footage on Snapchat showing intensive treatment being carried out on his ribs, which appears to involve painful therapeutic work The crash on 29 December killed his personal trainer Kevin “Latz” Ayodele and his long-standing recovery therapist Sina Ghami. Joshua accompanied the images with a message: “Rehabilitation protocol. When you go thru certain things, you realise that you are stronger than you think you are.” The…

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative and effectively ending Nigeria’s hopes of qualification. In an accreditation notice issued to journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA listed the six participating nations: Bolivia, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname. The confirmation comes after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenged their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025. Nigeria had drawn 1-1 with DR Congo before losing on penalties. The NFF filed a protest, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during…

President Bola Tinubu has formally sworn in Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector General of Police, marking a major leadership shift in Nigeria’s policing landscape at the State House in Abuja. The inauguration took place on Wednesday at the Council Chambers just before the Federal Executive Council session, with key questions about national security, protest risks and the future of policing dominating discussions following the ceremony. During the event, Tinubu also administered oaths of office to six commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission and two for the Federal Civil Service Commission, drawing ministers and senior officials to…

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately suspend the controversial cashless policy due to traffic congestion at airport gates nationwide. The directive comes barely four days after the policy was rolled out, sparking massive gridlock at major airports nationwide. The cashless system, which was introduced to streamline revenue collection and reduce cash handling at airport entry points, had drawn widespread complaints from travellers and airport users who experienced long delays while attempting to gain access to airport premises. Advertisement Motorists were reportedly stranded for hours at airport gates as officials struggled to manage…

Nigeria’s police authorities are taking a new step towards strengthening the country’s security architecture as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a committee on state police. During his inaugural Conference with Senior Police Officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Disu charged the seven-member committee to be professional, emphasizing the importance of state police to the security of the country. The IGP told the committee that the task before them is “both significant and timely,” and one that will shape the “framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.” “In carrying out…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 10 for the commencement of trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, over alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. The Department of State Services (DSS) had arraigned the duo on February 27, but proceedings were adjourned after Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted them bail. During the resumed sitting on Wednesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that his office had taken over the case and required time to review the case files. Counsel to the Malamis urged the court…

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and warned of possible protests in the Federal Capital Territory linked to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The mission urged American citizens in Abuja to remain indoors as a precaution. In a security alert posted on X by the U.S. Mission Nigeria, the embassy said there is a high likelihood of demonstrations in Abuja and referenced past protests that turned violent. The advisory applies specifically to Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory and is effective for March 4. “SECURITY ALERT: POSSIBLE PROTEST IN ABUJA…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ruled in favour of electricity consumers, ordering distribution companies (DisCos) to refund a total of ₦20.33 billion in outstanding meter costs. The directive, outlined in Order No: NERC/2026/025, which amends a previous 2023 order, was signed on February 27, 2026, by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing & Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye. Under the new order, DisCos are required to reimburse affected customers fully over 12 months, starting March 1, 2026. The refunds pertain to meters purchased under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, in which customers initially pay for meters…