Author: Vardiafrica

The Federal Government has commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, assuring the team that Nigerians remain proud of them despite their semi-final exit from the tournament. In a statement released on Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government praised the players for representing the country with pride, dignity and resilience throughout the competition. “Nigeria remains proud of you,” Idris said, noting that the Super Eagles displayed character, teamwork and commitment even in defeat. He said the players’ conduct and fighting spirit embodied the values associated with…

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has made it clear that any potential move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will depend entirely on firm political guarantees, particularly concerning the control of Kano State and the protection of his supporters. He stated this on Wednesday at his Miller Road residence in Kano while receiving party leaders and members from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas. Kwankwaso said he remains open to political realignment but will not risk repeating past mistakes. ​According to him, discussions about joining the…

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of the university education system and ensuring stability. The new agreement replaces the 2009 pact that triggered several industrial actions over unresolved issues. The signing and unveiling of the agreement took place on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad. ‘We’re optimistic’ Speaking at the unveiling of the…

Visa applications from Nigeria, Russia and at least 73 other countries will no longer be processed by United States embassies and consulates as Washington moves to tighten immigration screening over concerns about welfare dependence. The US Department of State has directed consular officers to pause visa processing for the affected countries from January 21, pending a broad reassessment of screening and vetting procedures. The directive was contained in an internal memo first reported by Fox News. Under the instruction, visa officers are to refuse applications using existing provisions of US immigration law while the review is ongoing. The pause applies…

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that his involvement in Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms has exposed him to serious threats to his personal safety. Oyedele made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja at a governance colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. Addressing participants at the event, Oyedele underscored the complexity and risks associated with reforming entrenched systems, particularly those that challenge powerful interests. “Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need…

The impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, has suffered another setback as two more members of the State House of Assembly have withdrawn their support for the process. They called for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in the state. Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, made their positions known barely 48 hours after two other lawmakers announced a similar decision. Although the legislators maintained that the Governor and his deputy may have breached constitutional provisions, they said their change of stance followed interventions…

The Federal Government has conferred various honours on serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and post-service contributions to national development. The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall State House on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026, in Abuja. Among the recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutrnant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres. Other recipients of…

The Federal Government said it is relying on green finance to drive its energy transition, with President Bola Tinubu unveiling plans for a $2 billion climate fund on Tuesday. The President, while speaking at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week summit, said the country’s Climate Investment Platform will mobilise $500 million for climate-resilient infrastructure. According to him, the National Climate Change Fund targets a $2bn capitalisation to back projects that cut emissions and boost resilience. Tinubu also announced that Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates had signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost trade and investment across various sectors,…

Ugandan authorities cut internet access and limited mobile services across the country on Tuesday, two days before an election in which President Yoweri Maseveni will stand for a contentious seventh term after four decades in power. The Uganda Communications Commission ordered mobile service providers to shut down public internet connections from 6 p.m. (1500 GMT) in order to curb “misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud and related risks”. Security forces have detained hundreds of opposition supporters in the run-up to the election and repeatedly fired live bullets and tear gas at campaign events in support of Museveni’s leading challenger, Pop star Wine. “The UCC…

The Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, led by Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has constituted a Project Verification and Payment Committee. This followed one of the resolutions reached at the 9th meeting of the 7th Governing Board of the Commission held on December 8, 2025. The Board approved the constitution of a Project Verification Committee by Management to verify all infrastructure, electrification, desilting, environmental, and water projects for the purpose of capturing them in the Commission’s Directorate of Finance and Accounts’ Digitised platform for payment purposes. The setting up of the Committee was sequel to the Federal Government’s directive…