Author: Vardiafrica

US President Donald Trump has promised “very severe consequences” for Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to end the war in Ukraine. Both leaders are set to have a meeting on Friday. It is the first direct talk between both leaders since Trump’s return to the White House in January. While it is unclear what the demands or negotiations would be, Trump said the meeting would be a moment to feel out Putin’s parameters for ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on Wednesday in Washington, Trump warned “there will be consequences” if expectations were not met. Asked if that…

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive review of all deductions and revenue retention practices by major revenue-generating agencies. These agencies include the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The directive, given at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, is aimed at optimising public savings, enhancing spending efficiency, and freeing up more resources to finance growth. Tinubu specifically called for a reassessment of NNPC’s 30% management fee and 30% frontier exploration deduction provided…

A magistrate court in Ikeja has struck out the charges filed against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was accused of assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. Olanrenwaju Salami, the presiding magistrate, discharged Emmanson on Wednesday after the police withdrew the five-count charge. During the court proceedings, Olubunmi Adeitan, the police prosecutor, said the police decided to withdraw the charges following the discovery of new facts. Adams Otakpe, counsel to Emmanson, did not object to the withdrawal of the charges. After the position of the counsel, Salami struck out the five-count charge against Emmanson. On Monday,…

Google, in collaboration with GOMYCODE, has unveiled the “Build with AI” initiative, a transformative program aimed at equipping 1,000 Nigerian developers with advanced generative AI skills to drive innovation across Africa. Google’s Head of Developer Ecosystem for Sub-Saharan Africa, John Kimani, emphasized the initiative’s role in positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global AI landscape. “This program is designed to nurture a new wave of tech talent capable of creating solutions that are both locally impactful and globally competitive,” Kimani stated. The initiative targets critical sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and agritech, addressing pressing challenges while fostering economic growth.…

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will always partner with states committed to human, social, and economic development. He spoke on Wednesday through a post on X, a day after hosting Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, at the presidential villa in Abuja. Tinubu said he agrees with Soludo that those who profess progressive ideals must work together to deepen democracy, strengthen security, and transform the economy. “We discussed the bold reforms underway, the need to stay the course, and the importance of tackling insecurity through both decisive action and inclusive opportunities for our teeming youth,” the president said. “Our administration will continue…

Nigeria’s Federal Government has officially handed over the Foreign Carrier Operation Permit (FCOP) to Air Tanzania Company Limited, marking a new phase of cooperation between both countries in the aviation sector. The permit was presented at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development headquarters in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, who was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Ahmed Mohammed. Kana said the initiative would improve operational efficiency, safety, and collaboration between Nigeria and the United Republic of Tanzania, while also promoting international best practices in the industry. “The presentation of the Foreign Carrier Operation…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is joining European leaders in talks aimed at increasing pressure on US President Donald Trump to side with Ukraine during Friday’s summit with his Russian counterpart in Alaska. In an online call with Trump on Wednesday, the leaders are expected to reiterate that no decisions should be taken without Ukraine, including changing its borders by force. Trump has said any peace deal would involve “some swapping of territories” and it is believed one of Vladimir Putin’s demands is that Kyiv surrenders the parts of the eastern Donbas area it still controls. On Tuesday, Zelensky said such…

The Federal Government has overturned the lifetime flight ban imposed on Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and cut Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s suspension from six months to one month. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the development on Wednesday through his official X account, revealing that the decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, public appeals, and expressions of remorse from both parties. Emmanson, who had been held at Kirikiri Prison since her arrest on 10 August 2025, will be released this week following Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its criminal complaint. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to remove the…

The Federal Government has eased sanctions against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over his recent altercation with ValueJet staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Wednesday that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce KWAM 1’s no-fly ban from six months to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also engage the music star as an ambassador for airport security protocols. Keyamo said the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against the musician, citing his public show of remorse. The…

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformative national asset, calling it a vital step in bridging Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, boosting employment, and restoring public confidence in the country’s industrial capacity. Speaking during a tour to the refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi, praised the massive scale and strategic significance of the Dangote Group’s investments, stating that the projects are delivering tangible benefits to the Nigerian people. “Today, we have seen the massive Dangote Refinery project, as well as the fertiliser…