Author: Vardiafrica

Citizens of Nigeria and Pakistan might be restricted from applying for United Kingdom (UK) visas, the UK Home Office has announced. According to The Times, a UK-based publication, the UK is moving to prevent citizens of countries that are likely to stay in the region beyond the approved duration and eventually seek asylum. Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were highlighted as countries in this category. To prevent this, the UK Government has said citizens of these countries may face tougher restrictions when applying to work or study in the UK. “Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive…

The Federal Government has approved the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP)—a landmark blueprint poised to reshape Nigeria’s power landscape, enhance sector governance, and drive investment across the electricity value chain. The approval was granted at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). This was disclosed by Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, in a statement issued in Abuja. According to Tunji, the NIEP—initially drafted in December 2024 and submitted to President Bola Tinubu—serves as a comprehensive national…

Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, says some major oil marketers and traders are bent on frustrating President Bola Tinubu’s attempts to restructure the country’s economy. Dangote spoke to State House journalists after a meeting with the president in Abuja on Monday. On May 1, Dangote said he is still fighting for the survival of his $20 billion refinery. Responding to inquiries about his statement on being determined to fight cabals in the oil sector to a standstill, Dangote clarified that his comments were not related to the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. He said the…

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this on Monday after the FEC meeting in Abuja. Mohammed said the policy would soon be backed by an executive order. “This policy means Nigeria comes first in all procurement processes; no foreign goods or devices that are already being produced locally will be procured without a clear and justified reason,” the minister said while briefing correspondents at the State House. “Now this seeks to foster a new business culture that will be bold, confident, but also very, very Nigerian. It aims at making the government invest in our people…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated a significant step in its digital transformation by launching the Electronic Currency Declaration Form (e-CDF) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This pilot programme, which commenced on 9 April 2025, aims to enhance transparency in cross-border financial disclosures and bolster anti-money laundering efforts.​ During the initial phase, the e-CDF system successfully recorded 69 currency declaration transactions. Outbound declarations comprised 51 transactions, amounting to approximately $1.2 million, while inbound declarations totalled 18, with a declared value of around $177,786.88. ​The Guardian The e-CDF platform aligns with international standards on anti-money laundering (AML) and…

All 133 Catholic cardinals eligible to vote for a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, ahead of the conclave beginning this week. They will enter into seclusion in the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 pm (1430 GMT) on Wednesday, voting in secret until one of them secures the required two-thirds majority to become the next head of the Roman Catholic Church. Summoned following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the group — representing 70 countries across five continents. The 133 “Princes of the Church” who will vote — all those aged under 80, minus…

Rwanda’s foreign minister confirmed Sunday that the East African nation’s government is in “early stage” talks with the Trump administration about possibly taking in migrants deported from the United States. “It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing,” Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe told Rwanda TV. He added that the Rwandan government is in the “spirit” of offering “another chance to migrants who have problems across the world.” Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration is seeking nations that are willing to accept…

Airtel Africa has announced a partnership agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to customers across its operational footprint in Africa. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding digital access on the continent, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach regions. To operationalise this milestone, SpaceX has secured the necessary operating licences in nine of the 14 countries where Airtel Africa maintains a presence, with regulatory processes underway for the remaining five. Once finalised, this arrangement will allow Airtel Africa to integrate Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology into its service offerings, enabling broader coverage and higher connectivity resilience. Through this…

Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Sweetcrude Limited, has announced the detailed selection criteria for the inaugural Champions of Nigerian Content Awards, designed to honor outstanding contributions to local content development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the NCDMB Conference Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the awards will recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Nigerian Content in 2024. The ceremony will coincide with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF), further spotlighting industry excellence and contributions to national economic transformation. The 12 Award Categories…

Ogbuku, who spoke during the NDDC Quarterly Management Meeting with Staff at the Commission’s headquarters complex, called on the staff to brace for new challenges in developing the oil-rich region as the agency delivers more people-oriented projects. The NDDC boss expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s recent achievements, especially in project delivery. He said the interventionist agency had lined up projects to mark President Tinubu’s second anniversary. The NDDC Chief Executive Officer assures that while the staff give their best in discharging their responsibility, the Board and Management will not hesitate to meet their welfare needs. He said: “With your support,…