Author: Vardiafrica

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has fixed the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, at $0.779 per litre as it officially transitioned to a dollar-denominated pricing system for refined petroleum products. The new pricing template, which took effect on Monday, July 13, 2026, also pegs Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) at $1.087 per litre and aviation fuel at $0.942 per litre, while coastal deliveries of petrol have been priced at $1,044.62 per metric tonne. The move effectively ends naira payments for petrol, diesel and aviation fuel purchased from the refinery, marking a significant shift from the naira-based transactions…

The US has launched its third consecutive night of strikes on Iran hours after Donald Trump said Washington would reinstate a maritime blockade on the country and, in an apparent policy reversal, charge ships for safe passage. “These strikes will continue imposing a heavy cost on Iranian forces and degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz,” the US military’s Central Command said. Trump had earlier told the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt: “We’re going to hit them very hard tonight and we’re going to hit them hard tomorrow – and there’s not a damn…

The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements that could undermine ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling terrorism and kidnapping, following his call on the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The warning formed part of resolutions adopted on Tuesday after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers in Oriire, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation. While commending the…

Nigeria and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China have signed an agreement to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion, in a move aimed at strengthening trade and boosting investor confidence. The agreement was signed virtually on Monday by Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, on behalf of Nigeria, and Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, on behalf of Hong Kong. According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the agreement will eliminate the double taxation of income earned across both jurisdictions, prevent tax evasion…

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Monday held talks with a senior United States delegation led by Frank Garcia, the recently appointed US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, in a move aimed at advancing security collaboration between both countries. The meeting, which took place in Abuja, marked Garcia’s first official visit to Nigeria since taking office on June 1, 2026. His trip is part of a broader diplomatic mission across West Africa that includes stops in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali from July 11 to July 18. Following the engagement, Ribadu said discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership…

Argentina have made a special request to FIFA regarding their choice of kit ahead of the blockbuster 2026 World Cup semi-final clash against England in Atlanta. The tournament holders booked their place in the last four with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against the Three Lions, who edged a 2-1 win over Norway in the quarter-finals. According to reports, Argentina have contacted football’s governing body requesting permission to wear their all-blue away kit instead of their iconic light blue and white striped home shirt. A final decision on the matter is expected to…

The Federal Government has suspended its proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE), following public concerns over the move. In a statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government announced the withdrawal of a June 18, 2026 letter that had communicated the proposed adjustment in examination fees. According to the statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the decision was taken to allow for broader consultations and a fresh review of…

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries under false pretences and money laundering before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik subsequently granted the former minister bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the matter for commencement of trial Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations that he forged a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a…

President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that every Nigerian is enrolled in the national identity database before the end of 2026, the agency’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, has said. Coker-Odusote, who appeared on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said the directive forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to establish a comprehensive national identity system capable of supporting effective governance, planning, and service delivery. “The President has given us till the end of this year to make sure that we capture every single Nigerian,” she said. According to her, NIMC is working…

Tensions escalated in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, as protesters forced their way into homes in search of suspected undocumented immigran Anti-immigration South Africa on Thursday intensified their campaign against undocumented migrants by conducting door-to-door raids in Johannesburg, forcibly removing foreign nationals from their homes and handing them over to police, in a move that has heightened fear among migrant communities and strained relations with neighbouring countries. In Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, protesters broke down doors and searched homes where they believed undocumented immigrants were living. Those they apprehended were escorted to waiting police vans, including a woman and…