Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N899 per litre. The product previously sold at N1,020. According to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the new price was fixed by the NNPCL. Quoting a document released by NNPCL’s Commercial Department, the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, said the reduction was based on regional pricing scheme and that under the arrangement, it would sell for N970 per litre in parts of the South South region. The development comes two…

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new electronic gate (E-gate) at the departure wing of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The inauguration was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo on Friday. The minister who disclosed in a post on his X handle, explained that the E-gate is to enhance passenger comfort and security, underscoring the government’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN’s Managing Director, joined the minister at the commissioning ceremony

The Federal Government has unveiled a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy with the aim of positioning Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who inaugurated the AI Academy on Thursday in Abuja, said the programme is set up in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation. While emphasising that the online programme is free, the minister called on all Nigerians particularly students, youths and civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunity to be part of a movement that would redefine the future of the nation. Registration…

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has announced the unveiling of the Nigeria Police Force Insurance Co. Ltd. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Ogunjobi on Friday, said the company is a groundbreaking initiative designed to safeguard the welfare of police personnel and extend comprehensive insurance services to the general public. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Monday, December 23rd, 2024, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja by 11:00 am. The statement added “Recognizing the indispensable role of police officers in maintaining national security, NPF Insurance Co. Ltd aims to provide robust financial protection and support…

The house of representatives has passed a bill seeking to extend the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act to June 2025. The bill passed the third reading at the lower legislative chamber during plenary on Thursday. Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader of the house, who moved a motion for the consideration of the appropriation bill, said it would allow the full implementation of the capital components of the budget. During the presentation of N49.7 trillion as the 2025 budget proposal before a joint sitting of the senate and house of representatives on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu said his administration attained “remarkable milestones in implementing” the…

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the victims of the tragic incident at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed innocent lives and left many others injured. A day after the tragic incident, 35 minors have been confirmed dead in a stampede at a funfair held at Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, the state capital. The President in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, extended his condolences to the government and people of Oyo State and, most importantly, to the grieving families who have lost their children in the unfortunate event. “President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to commence interest-free loans for traders in the state starting January 2025. He disclosed this on Thursday at the New Festival Hall of Government House in Benin during a congratulatory visit from the Edo State Association of Commodity Market Women and Men. The governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to boosting economic growth and improving the livelihoods of traders. According to him, the free-loan initiative is aimed at providing much-needed financial support to Edo traders, ensuring that they have the resources to expand their businesses without the burden of daunting interest rates.…

For failing to pay their Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate revocation of 762 plots of land owned by top politicians and corporate organizations. The FCT Minister also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and companies to pay their outstanding bills for their plots or risk withdrawal of the Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) of their properties. The two public notices issued on Thursday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealed that the plots are located in the Maitama II District of the FCT. Muhammadu Buhari Trust…

Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has reduced the price of its petrol to N899.50K per litre to provide relief for Nigerians ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday season. In a statement, the company’s spokesman Anthony Chiejina said the price reduction is designed to ease transport costs during the festive period. The refinery also said consumers can purchase an additional litre of fuel on credit for every litre bought on a cash basis. The private-owned refinery had in November lowered the price of its petrol to N970 per litre. “To alleviate transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery…

The website of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has been taken over by hackers.  The NBS announced the takeover of its website in a post on X on Wednesday night. The Bureau in its post on X said it was working to recover the website where it publishes crucial statistics concerning key sectors in the country. The post read, “This is to inform the public that the NBS Website has been hacked and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored. Thank you.” It seems the attempts to…