Author: Vardiafrica

The Dangote Refinery has increased its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to N1,245 per litre, marking a fresh adjustment in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. The new rate represents an increase of about N70 from the previous price of N1,175 per litre, raising concerns among marketers and consumers over a potential rise in pump prices nationwide. Industry stakeholders say the adjustment is expected to impact the retail cost of petrol, as marketers may be forced to reflect the new ex-depot rate in their pricing. This development could further strain Nigerians already grappling with high living costs and inflationary pressures.…

Iran threatened to target recreational and tourist sites worldwide and insisted it was still building missiles. Friday’s show of defiance came nearly three weeks into U.S.-Israeli strikes that have killed a slew of Tehran’s top leaders and hammered its weapons and energy industries. Iran fired on Israel and energy sites in neighboring Gulf Arab states as many in the region marked one of the holiest days on the Muslim calendar. Iranians were also marking the Persian New Year, known as Nowruz, a normally festive holiday that is more subdued this year. With little information coming out of Iran, it was…

Britain has approved the United States’ use of its military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant shift in its stance on the escalating conflict. The British government confirmed on Friday that ministers had authorised the move following a meeting to assess the situation, including Iran’s actions in the strategic waterway. “They confirmed that the agreement for the U.S. to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes U.S. defensive operations to degrade the missile ⁠sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the…

President Bola Tinubu has departed London, following the conclusion of his two-state visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, Tinubu, who was accompanied by his wife, Oluremi, had discussions with King Charles III and different groups in the UK. He attended a state banquet organised in his honour on Wednesday. On Thursday, the President met with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer on Downing Street, where he reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the diplomatic ties between the two countries. “What we are facing is not a small challenge. Currently, the entire world is challenged. Nigeria is not immune, so…

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering migration partnership, organised immigration crime, border security, and expanded business visas for UK firms operating in Nigeria. The agreements were announced in a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on its X handle on Thursday, as part of ongoing engagements during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was quoted as saying that the deals “reflect Nigeria’s push for a transparent, rules-based migration system that is safe, orderly and mutually beneficial,” adding that they would help tackle “abuse…

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, March 19, criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of failing to condemn Israel and the United States’ war with the Islamic republic, while voicing concern over Tehran’s retaliation. On Wednesday, Macron called for imposing a moratorium on strikes after Iran attacked Qatar’s key Ras Laffan facilities, part of the world’s largest gas field. The strikes followed an attack on Iranian facilities in the same gas field, which it shares with Qatar. The following day, the French president warned of a “reckless escalation” as Iran struck a series of Gulf energy sites after…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attended the signing of a £746 million financing agreement in London between Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, led by Wale Edun, and Citibank. The deal, signed in the United Kingdom on Thursday, March 19, is aimed at modernising the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. It is expected to ease congestion, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall trade capacity. Both ports are among the country’s most vital infrastructure, forming the backbone of its maritime trade and logistics network. The Lagos Port Complex, widely known as Apapa Port, serves as a major gateway for imports…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up a major gas field in Iran if it attacks the US’s Gulf Arab ally Qatar again. Trump’s threat came after a day in which Israel hit Iran’s South Pars – part of the world’s largest natural gas field. Tehran retaliated by striking an energy complex in Qatar, causing “extensive damage” and leading to a spike in energy prices. While Israel has not officially confirmed its attack on the gas field, the US president said the US “knew nothing” about its ally, which had “violently lashed out” at Iran “out of anger…

President Bola Tinubu has met Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. They met on the steps of 10 Downing Street in central London on Thursday. The president’s historic state visit to the UK is the first state visit by a Nigerian president in 37 years (since the last one before the return to democracy in 1999). Tinubu arrived in the UK on Tuesday, where he was received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The visit included royal engagements, a state banquet, and discussions on various bilateral issues. It involved…

Lionel Messi became only the second player in history to reach 900 top-level career goals when he scored in Inter Miami’s match against Nashville SC on Wednesday. The Argentina international scored the landmark goal after just seven minutes at Geodis Park in Tennessee in the Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 second leg tie. The 38-year-old forward has found the back of the net 81 times in 92 appearances since signing in June 2023 to help Inter Miami win the League Cup and MLS Cup. Messi – regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time – has also scored a…