Author: Vardiafrica

Air Peace has denied any wrongdoing by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha, who have been charged by the United States for alleged obstruction of justice. A statement released by the US Attorney’s Office said that Onyema has been charged in a superseding indictment with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to the government to end an investigation of him that resulted in earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering. Also charged is Eghagha, the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, for allegedly participating in the obstruction scheme,…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says international customers owe $5.79 million for electricity supply in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024. The debt amounts to N9.41 billion when converted using the official exchange rate of N1626.32/$ as of October 10. In its latest quarterly report, the agency said market operators (MO) issued an invoice of $15.60 million to four firms in three countries. Out of the aforementioned value, the electricity regulator said only $9.81 million was paid The firms are Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE both from the Benin Republic; Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger; and Odukpani-CEET from Togo. Under an international treaty, Nigeria sells…

ĵAs the Federal Government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday announced the implementation of N73,000 minimum wage for state government workers. The governor also expressed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people of the state. Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the kick-off of his campaign in Ondo town, Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election. The governor declared that despite the fact that the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, “Ondo will go a step further by paying…

A bill seeking to establish Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages has passed first reading in the house of representatives.  The bill is sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, and eight other lawmakers: Inuwa Garba, Nasiru Shehu, Alex Ikwechegh, Bako Useni, Amobi Ogah, Akin Rotimi, Halims Abdullahi, and Felix Nwaeke. The university, which is to be located in Aba, Abia state, aims to promote the study and use of Nigerian languages and culture for national development. The institution will offer academic and professional programmes, including diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate research with a focus on Nigerian languages and cultures.…

The Government of Namibia has sought assistance from Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bolster its efforts in combating corruption. Namibia emphasized Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s anti-corruption fight and expressed a desire to learn from its success. This request was made during a visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja where he highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in the fight against corruption across Africa, stating that “Nigeria occupies an exalted position in the fight against corruption, and its expertise needs to…

The Brazilian government has begun closing down several betting sites in the South American country. Already, more than 2000 betting sites, including those that sponsor popular football team Corinthians and other first-division clubs, have been shut. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government has warned sites that failed to sign up to new regulations due to take effect in January. The new rules seek to combat fraud and money laundering and protect users, by for example banning minors from betting. The country is making the moves as part of a push to regulate online gambling. According to Brazil Finance Minister,…

President Bola Tinubu has left the United Kingdom for Paris, France in continuation of his annual leave. This was disclosed by the senior special assistant on political and other matters, Ibrahim Masari, on Saturday. During his visit to France, he is expected to attend an ‘important engagement.’ Tinubu had left Nigeria on October 2nd for the United Kingdom for a two-week vacation. The development was after the President departed the country two weeks ago for the UK on vacation. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja today for the United Kingdom to begin a two-week vacation, part of his yearly…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Libya in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru emerged as the hero with a decisive goal in the 86th minute, converting a cross from Moses Simon. Despite Nigeria’s dominant performance, with 15 shots and 64% possession, they struggled to break down Libya’s tight defense until the late winner. The victory marks Nigeria’s second win in three qualifiers under interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen, moving the Super Eagles to the top of Group D with seven points​( Nigeria will face…

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council with a charge on members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes. The Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement. He tasked the council to set national road safety strategy targets and ensure effective coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety objectives. “The establishment of NARSAC aligns with recommendations from the World Bank’s Country Capacity Review, which highlighted areas for improvement in Nigeria’s road traffic management,” the statement reads. He…

Guinea’s military junta chief General Mamady Doumbouya has banned ministers from traveling abroad without his permission and recalled all those currently out of the country, his office announced. The statement, issued on Thursday, is effective immediately and until the end of the year, the government’s general secretary said. “On the instructions of the president”, read the statement, “it is required of all ministers on mission abroad to finish up and return to national territory”. Several ministers are currently abroad. Government spokesman Ousmane Gaoual Diallo said the decision was made to cut back on public spending. The measure “reinforces government efficacy…