Author: Vardiafrica

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to implement the National Single Window at Nigeria’s ports by 2026. Vice President Kashim Shettima said the initiative aims to harmonise port documentation, reduce human contact, and enhance transparency in cargo clearance. He described the plan as a “game changer” for port operations. Speaking at the second meeting of the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said the policy targets a major reduction in cargo clearance time. “By the end of 2026, we aim to reduce average cargo clearance time in Nigeria to under seven days,” he said. According to…

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio to attend a project commissioning in her constituency. Akpabio read the the invitation letter, which was also extended to other senators, during plenary on Thursday. The event is scheduled for Sunday in Ihima, Kogi State, to mark Natasha’s second year in the Senate. “In marking my second-year anniversary as serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow Distinguished Senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State,” the letter read. The letter specifies Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s residence at Plot 101,…

King Charles III has formally stripped Prince Andrew, his younger brother, of his “prince” title and ordered him to vacate his Windsor residence. The decision comes amid renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement on Thursday, Buckingham Palace said the King “has today initiated a formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew”. The statement added that the 65-year-old royal “will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor”. The palace also confirmed that “formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease” on Royal Lodge, Andrew’s Windsor mansion, which…

As part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and stimulate investment across the pharmaceutical ecosystem, the federal government has signed three landmark agreements with the European Union (EU) and ECOWAS, on Thursday. These agreements, which are part of the EU Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, will support a new generation of local producers and innovators that will build a stronger and more resilient health sector in Nigeria and West Africa. The agreements cover key areas including local manufacturing of health commodities, immunisation and nutrition commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), quality…

Ogbuku spoke during a two-day strategic retreat tagged “Niger Delta Critical Stakeholders’ Agenda Setting on Unlocking Agricultural Potential of the Niger Delta Region,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He noted that agriculture remained the most sustainable pathway to economic growth, peace, and food security in the region. According to him, “This retreat is aimed at rubbing minds as a people to ensure that there is food security in the Niger Delta so that we can build an agricultural hub that can feed this nation. We have the potential and comparative advantage in terms of aquaculture. This is the time…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) earlier today hosted a mediation meeting with representatives of Oando Energy Resources at the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The engagement follows a petition submitted on September 17, 2025, by the Okiama and Fierebaghama communities, alleging neglect and non-compliance with provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 by Oando Energy Resources. In response, the Board had earlier agreed to convene a roundtable dialogue to foster mutual understanding and an amicable resolution between the company and the affected host communities. The meeting was chaired by…

The African Union has unveiled a US$30 billion investment plan to modernize aviation infrastructure across the continent under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), as part of efforts to accelerate economic integration and sustainable growth. Announcing the plan at the Third Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Mataboge said the aviation sector is a strategic driver of continental integration and a key enabler of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063. “Aviation is not merely a mode of transport; it is an engine of integration and a…

The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made an unscheduled visit to a training centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where selected youths from the Niger Delta region are currently undergoing a 21-day intensive training on Fire Alarm and CCTV Installation. The training, which commenced on October 6, 2025, is one of the numerous human capacity development initiatives sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills. During the visit, Hon. Ekpo stated that his decision to visit the centre was to encourage the trainees…

President Bola Tinubu has decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks. The short ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The new Chief of Defence Staff, (formerly Lieutenant General) Olufemi Oluyede, was decorated with the new rank of General. The new Chief of Army Staff, (formerly Major General) Wahidi Shaibu, was decorated with the rank of Lieutenant General, the Chief of Naval Staff, (formerly Rear Admiral) Idi Abbas, was decorated as Vice Admiral, while the Chief of Air Staff, (formerly Air Vice Marshal) Kelvin Aneke, was decorated with the rank of Air…

The Senate has confirmed Bernard Doro as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following a brief screening session that lasted less than 30 minutes. Doro, who becomes the third ministerial nominee from Plateau State, used the opportunity to outline his vision for fostering an inclusive humanitarian ecosystem in the country. He promised to create a humanitarian ecosystem that is inclusive, guided by impartiality and independence. Doro told lawmakers during his appearance that he will create synergy between security agencies to better target the individuals affected by crises, which he notes is always a challenge. He believes technology can…