Author: Vardiafrica

Senegal will raise nearly $10 billion over the next three years through tax increases, renegotiations of energy contracts, and spending cuts as part of a comprehensive plan to stabilise public finances and restore investor confidence, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday. Speaking in Dakar, Sonko stated that the government will prioritise domestic resource mobilisation to reduce its dependence on external aid. The measures follow the discovery of $7 billion in previously undisclosed borrowing by the former administration, which pushed Senegal toward a debt crisis, Bloomberg reported. Under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the government plans to fund 90% of its economic recovery…

Niger Gov Bago orders closure of private radio station over alleged inciting violence, unethical practices, attracting condemnation Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has ordered the closure of Badeggi FM Radio Station, a privately owned media outfit in Minna, the state capital, for allegedly inciting violence and unethical broadcasting practices, a development which has attracted strong condemnation from various quarters in the state. Bago, who gave this order during the expanded Niger State APC Caucus meeting held at the Government House Minna, said the decision was taken because the daily activities of the radio station have been unethical. In a…

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has officially suspended its seven-day warning strike, four days after its commencement The National President of NANNM, Haruna Mamman, announced the suspension of the strike at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday. Mamman said the decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of the national executive council, where the signed memorandum of understanding was reviewed. According to him, the Federal Government has agreed to a time-bound implementation of all nine key demands presented by the association This comes a day after the leadership of the association met with the…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued an advisory to citizens holding United States visas, warning against misuse and violation of visa terms following concerns raised by the U.S. government over visa abuse. In an official statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinlabi Akinsola, the Service advised all visa holders to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their U.S. visa applications. “Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation,” the Service stated. Akinsola warned that breaches of visa conditions—including…

A baby boy has been born to an Ohio couple from an embryo that was frozen for more than 30 years, reportedly setting a new world record. Lindsey, 35, and Tim Pierce, 34, welcomed their son, Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, on Saturday. Ms Pierce told MIT Technology Review her family thought “it’s like something from a sci-fi movie”. It is believed to be longest that an embryo has been frozen before resulting in a successful live birth. The previous record-holder was a pair of twins who were born in 2022 from embryos frozen in 1992. The Pierces had tried to have a child for…

MTN Nigeria’s market capitalisation has crossed N10 trillion after the telecommunications company’s (telco) share value appreciated by 16.9 percent between Monday and Friday. The telco is the second company to cross the N10 trillion mark after Dangote Cement’s valuation reached N12.8 trillion in January 2024. As of Monday, MTN’s capitalisation was N8.62 trillion, however, at the end of trading on Friday, the telco’s valuation grew to N10.07 trillion, representing an increase of N1.45 trillion within five days. The growth was driven by strong demands for MTN’s shares, as the company’s share price increased by N69.40 kobo, from N410.6 kobo to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked Nigerian youths to leverage their digital platforms to develop solutions that address the nation’s challenges, emphasising the promotion of digital literacy and accountability across all sectors of the society. Speaking on Friday at the Progressives Digital Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President appraised Nigeria’s growing community of digital creators and innovators, describing them as “builders of the future,” but cautioned on their digital footprints, saying they must reflect the best of Nigeria. President Tinubu also challenged the youth, urging them to let their actions embody a generation that refuses to wait for…

In a move aimed at curbing recurring industrial actions by trade unions, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025. The policy, according to officials, is designed to regulate the conduct of trade unions and promote harmonious relations between employers and employees. The development comes amid a nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), now in its third day, and growing dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s labour landscape. The government has confirmed that the contentious circular which triggered the recent health workers’ strike has been withdrawn, and it…

Nigerians have begun accessing affordable long-term mortgage facilities at a single-digit interest rate of 9.75 percent, according to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). The mortgage facility, which offers repayment periods of up to 20 years, is part of a major initiative to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at around 20 million units. Dr. Armstrong Takang, the Chief Executive Officer of MOFI revealed that several beneficiaries from across the country’s geopolitical zones have successfully tapped into the facility less than a month after its launch. He said the programme is anchored on the newly established MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it would resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the country beginning August 25, 2025, just as the country edges closer to critical off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls. The electoral body made the announcement on Friday in a public statement widely circulated on its verified social media platforms. INEC revealed that the registration process will follow a hybrid format, starting first with online pre-registration and then physical data capturing at designated centres nationwide. The statement, titled “2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (#CVR)”, reads: ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION. Website: www.cvr.inecnigeria.org Starts August…