Author: Vardiafrica

The federal government, on Monday, said it is actively seeking international investors for a $25bn undersea gas pipeline project to supply gas to Europe. The proposed project, when completed, will see Nigerian gas flow through Morocco into European markets via an undersea pipeline along the West African coast. Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking during a meeting with Vitol Group, the world’s largest independent energy trader, at the Presidential Villa, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms that will position Nigeria as a premier investment destination in the energy sector. Quoting the VP, “Most important is the leadership. President Bola…

Courts across Nigeria remained shuttered on Monday as members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) launched an indefinite nationwide strike, bringing legal proceedings to a halt and leaving lawyers, litigants, and judges locked out of courtrooms. In Abuja, the gates of the Federal High Court were firmly closed early in the morning, preventing access to scheduled hearings. Prominent human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju took to social media to express his frustration, writing, “Federal High Court gate locked. We can’t go in for our matter this morning because of industrial action by judiciary workers.” The strike stems from unresolved…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he derives joy from stepping on the toes of ‘big men’. Wike, who made this known during a media chat in Abuja, said all property owners in Abuja who are yet to pay their ground rent must do so or face the music. The former Rivers State governor took a swipe at some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) including Bode George, saying that the PDP must pay the ground rent for its secretariat in Abuja. Wike said his predecessors in the FCT including now Bauchi State Governor Bala…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will appear in court on Tuesday in the defamation case filed against her by the federal government. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s court appearance was confirmed by her lead counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), on Sunday. However, it was not confirmed whether or not she would also be arraigned on Tuesday. Idahosa stated that the suspended senator representing Kogi Central would comply with the court’s directives. Akpoti-Uduaghan is accused of making defamatory statements during a live television broadcast and a private telephone conversation. The statements allegedly targeted Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. Filed on May 16, 2025, at…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Jamaica 5-4 on penalties to win the Unity Cup at the Brentford FC Stadium in London on Saturday. The Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes as Eric Chelle’s side pegged back after going ahead twice through Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, before triumphing in the shootout. Victory means Nigeria defended her Unity Cup title in the second edition, with the West African nation adding to their 2004 triumph. Benjamin Frederick and Felix Agu were handed Super Eagles debuts, with Cyril Dessers retaining his starting berth upfront alongside Simon and Chukwueze.…

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has been appointed into the Executive Board of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO).By the appointment, Ogbe becomes Nigeria’s representative on the Board of the 18-member continental body, which has its headquarters at Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Ogbe was picked for this role by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who doubles as the Chairman of the NCDMB Governing Council. The notice of the Executive Secretary’s appointment was conveyed in a congratulatory letter signed by the Director of…

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has advised second-term governors to be circumspect in selecting their successors. According to the Senate president, governors who settle for successors simply because they kneel before them might be setting themselves up for betrayal when they finally leave office. The former Akwa Ibom governor stated this on Saturday at the commissioning of the first 30 kilometres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the Lekki area of Lagos. Akpabio stressed the place of vision in leadership, urging second-term governors, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC), to prioritise visionary leadership over patronising loyalty. The event was…

Nigeria’s advertising watchdog has launched a formal investigation into 9mobile over N1 billion debt related to unpaid advertising services, following petitions from industry stakeholders. According to a statement issued on Friday, May 30, by the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Olalekan Fadolapo, the inquiry stems from complaints filed by members of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) against Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, the operator of 9mobile. ARCON stated that despite outstanding payments owed to multiple advertising agencies, 9mobile has continued to engage new agencies for fresh campaigns, prompting the regulatory body to step in. “It was also…

President Bola Tinubu has sent a delegation to Niger state to condole with the government and people of the state following the flood that ravaged Mokwa and surrounding communities. The flood claimed the lives of at least 151 persons, displaced many, and destroyed homes and critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The delegation, comprising the Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, and Nentawe Yilwatda, the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, was received by Yakubu Garba, the deputy governor of Niger state. During a courtesy visit to the state government, the minister delivered the president’s condolences…

The federal government is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite technology to identify and support impoverished Nigerians living in urban slums, according to Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, Yilwatda said the use of AI has enabled a major expansion of the National Social Register, which now includes nearly 20 million Nigerians. Yilwatda explained that the social register, initially designed to capture only the rural poor, has grown from 13 million to 19.7 million individuals. He stated that President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to extend the register to cover…