Author: Vardiafrica

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…

The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies. “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said. He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve…

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented a proposed ₦1.854 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking his first appearance before the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, since the political crisis that split the legislature in 2023. The session opened with Amaewhule walking into the chambers in full speaker regalia ahead of the governor’s arrival. A motion to receive the governor was moved by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo, before Governor Fubara entered to formally present the bill. Presenting the estimates tagged “Budget of Resilience for Growth…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld the statutory authority of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to investigate consumer complaints relating to airline ticket pricing, affirming that such investigations do not amount to price regulation. In a judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, Justice B.F.M. Nyako dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited, which challenged the Commission’s authority to investigate allegations of exploitative airfare pricing. The court ruled that the FCCPC’s investigative powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, FCCPA, 2018, are separate from its powers to regulate prices. According to the judgment,…

A report by Bloomberg showed that Nigeria’s benchmark stock index has returned 67 per cent in dollar terms since the start of the year, outperforming the South Korean KOSPI index, which gained 66 per cent. Bloomberg tracked 92 stock exchanges globally to arrive at the figures. South Korea lost its lead following the slipping of the KOSPI into a technical bear market this week, slumping by 22 per cent from its June 19 peak. This downturn was driven by weakened investor sentiment as market participants re-evaluate the outlook for artificial intelligence (AI)-related and technology stocks, dragging the Asian market into…