Author: Vardiafrica

At a special session at the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference holding in Addis Ababa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, as one of Africa’s top four most prominent aviators. The announcement which was made by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi underscored the continental recognition of the Minister’s leadership and reforms. Alawadhi, in his remarks, cited Keyamo’s cutting-edge policy direction, strategic reforms, and unwavering commitment to global aviation standards as the basis for the recognition. He specifically highlighted Nigeria’s effective administration…

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu has approved the allocation of land to ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in Abuja. Wike spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by ambassadors-designate led by Dunoma Umar Ahmed, the permanent secretary, ministry of foreign affairs, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja. Addressing the envoys, the minister said the president’s decision stemmed from a desire to ensure that Nigeria’s representatives have a permanent stake and a residence in Abuja for when they return for periodic briefings. ​”The President believes that most of you do not have…

Nigeria may be heading into another round of fuel crisis as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by N75, raising fresh fears of nationwide pump price hikes and supply disruptions. Industry data obtained from Petroleumprice.ng and confirmed by a senior official at the refinery on Wednesday showed that the new petrol loading price has jumped from N1200 to N1275 per litre, while coastal supply prices rose to N1,215 per litre. The official, who confirmed the development to PUNCH, said, “Yes, the increase of PMS to N1,275 per litre is true. Coastal price…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by a disputed caretaker leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, also restrained former Senate President David Mark and other party figures from interfering in the functions and tenure of elected state executives. The decision came on Wednesday as a crucial pSupreme Court judgement on the lingering leadership crisis of the party is being awaited. On 22 April, the Supreme Court reserved judgement on an appeal brought by the Mr Mark-led faction of the party. Ms Abdulmalik…

World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will face a red card as part of a new initiative aimed at combating racism, world governing body FIFA said on Tuesday. In a statement following a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver, FIFA confirmed that the rule was one of two law changes that would be introduced at this year’s World Cup.“At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” FIFA said in a statement.The new rule…

The State Department said Tuesday that it is preparing a limited release of commemorative U.S. passports celebrating America’s 250th birthday that feature a picture of President Donald Trump, who would be the first living president to be featured in the travel document. The concept for the special passport, including a rendering of Trump’s stern-looking visage, had been under consideration for months before finally being approved late Monday. Between 25,000 and 30,000 of the new passports will be available to applicants at the Washington, D.C., passport office beginning shortly before July 4. It’s the latest instance of Trump having his name…

The Senate on Tuesday declared the seat of Ondo South Senatorial District vacant following the appointment of its occupant, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during plenary, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacancy in line with the Electoral Act. Akpabio also mandated the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, to formally notify INEC of the development, noting that the law requires the electoral body to fill the vacant seat. Ibrahim, who was known as one of the more outspoken…

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has launched a strong legal pushback against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the interim forfeiture of multiple properties, rejecting claims that the assets are proceeds of crime. In an affidavit before the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja and sighted by our correspondent on Monday, Malami maintained that all properties listed in the January 2026 forfeiture order were legitimately acquired through years of legal practice, business ventures, and declared income. The EFCC had secured the interim forfeiture order on suspicion that the assets were linked to illicit funds.…

The United Arab Emirates has announced its decision to withdraw from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and the broader OPEC+ alliance, with the move scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2026. The United Arab Emirates will leave OPEC next month, the government said on Tuesday. Emirati officials had long considered the possibility of exiting the cartel, citing concerns that production quotas had limited the country’s oil export capacity. According to a statement published by the Emirati state news agency, the decision was taken in line with the government’s “long-term strategic and economic vision” and its plans to accelerate…

The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow ($516,333,007) five hundred and sixteen million, three hundred and thirty-three thousand, seven US dollars in syndicated financing from Deutsche Bank AG. They approved it during the plenary on Tuesday in Abuja after the presentation of a report by the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management, Abdullahi Rasheed. The money is expected to fund the construction of sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway. President Tinubu wrote to the lawmakers, seeking a $516.3 million loan from Deutsche Bank to support the construction of the road.…