Author: Vardiafrica

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both sides seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent. French President Emmanuel Macron greeted his counterpart at the historic Invalides memorial complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades. The two national anthems rang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’s landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country. Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his…

The United Kingdom has launched Africa’s biggest visa application centre in Lagos State. It was opened on Wednesday through the UK’s new commercial partner – VFS Global. Residents of Nigeria travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications via VFS Global’s new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC) located in Abuja, Ikeja (Lagos), and Victoria Island (Lagos) which have commenced operations on 19 November. “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa. Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS deliver ever…

Workers in the Rivers State government civil service, on Wednesday, commended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara for implementing the N85,000 minimum wage he promised. On announcement of the new minimum wage for the workers, Governor Fubara had assured that implementation will commence from November salary. It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu in July this year approved N70,000 minimum wage nationally, following pressures by the Nigeria Labour Union as a way to tackle the current economic challenges in the country. Considering the impact of the civil servants in Rivers State, Governor Fubara announced N85,000 as the new minimum wage…

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and two others, have pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Former Governor Bello, who is the 1st defendant, vehemently denied the allegations before Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday, as they were read out to them. After taking their plea, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved an application for bail. But the EFCC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, opposed the application, saying it had expired in October. Making clarifications, the Defendant’s Counsel clarified this, saying that the…

The Federal Government has outlined a plan to attract significant investments in infrastructure upgrades, with the goal of tapping into the global hydrogen economy that is forecast to hit $200bn by 2030. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Ella, said integrating hydrogen into the nation’s energy ecosystem can significantly contribute to achieving our target of reducing carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2030. This was as Vice President Kashim Shettima noted that building human capital in hydrogen technologies is critical to the viability of a hydrogen economy in the country. The strategic call to begin the…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to attend the opening of the International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources 2024 (SIREXE). The event, scheduled from November 27 to December 2, 2024, will take place at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre. Shettima’s visit comes at the invitation of Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice Président, Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, on Wednesday. The SIREXE conference is an international event organized by the Ivorian government, focusing on “Policies and Strategy for the Sustainable…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced fresh guidelines for interbank foreign exchange (FX) trading via its Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS), effective from November 25, 2024. The new directive, signed by Dr. Omolara Duke, Director of the Financial Markets Department, mandates a minimum trade value of $100,000 for all interbank FX transactions. This move is aimed at enhancing market transparency, ensuring efficient trading, and strengthening compliance within Nigeria’s FX market. EFEMS aims to streamline trading and reduce risks The newly issued guidelines are designed to streamline interbank FX trading and reduce counterparty risks. By using EFEMS, the…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved free bus services for the people of the State through the State-owned Edo City Transport Service (ECTS). The initiative is part of Governor Okpebholo administration’s drive to entrench his policy direction, “A NEW EDO HAS RISEN”. The free bus service which covers Benin metropolis and the three Senatorial districts of Edo State (Intra and Inter city routes), is part of the commitment of Governor Okpebholo to enhance the welfare of all Edo people. “The bus services will ease the transportation stress. Our people who plan to move around within the Benin metropolis…

Newly elected Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his Deputy, Olayide Adelami presented their certificates of election to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday. The APC National chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Ekiti Governor Oyebanji witnessed the presentation, according to a statement by Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday. Last week, the Independent National Electoral Commission presented a certificate of return to Aiyedatiwa and his deputy. Advertisement The ceremony which took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja had in attendance the Ondo State governor-elect who is also the incumbent governor, his deputy,…

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery, marked by the official commencement of petroleum product loading on Tuesday A statement by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, said the president acknowledged the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all the country’s refineries. He also expressed gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group…