Author: Vardiafrica

Minister of Power, Dr Joseph Tegbe, says Nigerians should not expect an overnight transformation in electricity supply, noting that the sector’s problems have accumulated over several decades. Speaking on Monday after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, Tegbe said reforms already underway would deliver gradual improvements across the power sector. Fcfffffcfffccffffffffcfffcfcrccffrxrcrcfrbcfrrccfdcfrdc r r He explained that while there are early signs of progress, longstanding issues affecting electricity generation, transmission and distribution require sustained interventions and consistent execution. “The challenges that have kept this sector below its potential were decades in the making. They will not be fully…

Authorities have begun an investigation into the train accident along the Warri–Itakpe rail corridor near Agbor in Delta State, which killed four persons. According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Funsho Adebiyi, said the investigation is to ascertain the cause of the incident. “A full investigation into the cause of the accident has commenced, while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected,” the statement read. The ministry explained that four coaches capsized while one coach derailed. It said 482 persons were onboard,…

President Tinubu had nominated Tegbe and Enikanolaiye to fill the vacancies, and both nominees were subsequently cleared by the Senate on May 6, 2026. President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, June 8, 2026, swore in Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power and Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the appointments followed the resignations of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who left their positions to pursue political ambitions. President Tinubu had nominated Tegbe and Enikanolaiye to…

The Senate has pledged to commence urgent deliberations on the establishment of state police this week as part of efforts to address the growing insecurity across the country, with an indication that it will be transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for further legislation. Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the matter had gained priority among other issues in the ongoing constitutional review process and that “all stakeholders across the federation are on the same page with the National Assembly on the establishment of State Police.” Bamidele explained that…

President Bola Tinubu has received Michael Randrianirina, Madagascar’s president, at the State House in Abuja. Randrianirina arrived at the State House forecourt at about 2:57pm on Monday and was welcomed by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs. After a short reception, the Madagascar leader was led to Tinubu’s office for talks. This is not the first meeting between both leaders. On the sidelines of the Africa forward summit in Nairobi last month, Tinubu and Randrianirina discussed African solidarity, trade, and economic cooperation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said. Last January, the leaders also met in Dar es Salaam for the Mission 300 Africa energy…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has identified Nigeria as one of the most expensive countries in the world for airline operations, warning that the high-cost environment is hindering the growth and sustainability of carriers in the country. The concern was raised by IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Al-Awadhi, during the association’s Annual General Meeting held in Brazil. Al-Awadhi acknowledged ongoing efforts by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to reform the sector and improve the operating environment. However, he stressed that airlines in Nigeria continue to grapple with enormous operational…

President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigerian troops and other security personnel on the front lines of the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, describing them as the nation’s shield against forces threatening peace and security. In a post on his official X handle on Monday, the President praised the sacrifices and resilience of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies working to protect lives and property across the country. “You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities,” Tinubu said. He noted…

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo says President Bola Tinubu has approved a $500 million investment to rebuild Lagos airport and position it as a major aviation hub on the continent. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Invest Lagos 3.0 summit on Monday, Keyamo said the federal government was undertaking a major transformation of the airport infrastructure in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s role in regional and international air travel. “The president has approved $500 million, not what he borrowed, (but) from the sweat of the savings of the country to rebuild the…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with CypherCrescent Limited, has announced an upcoming digital research capacity development programme designed to equip undergraduate students in Nigeria with modern technology skills, advanced research methods, and industry-relevant digital competencies. Students of science, engineering and technology disciplines in public universities, who are at 300 and 400 level, including those currently on industrial training (IT), are eligible to apply for registration, using the contact address [email protected] or www.cyphercrescent.com. In a statement on Wednesday, the NCDMB said the programme, themed ‘Catch-the-Researcher-Young Programme (CRYP), is created to prepare young talents for a future…

Israel said Sunday that Iran launched missiles at it in the first such bombardment since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, further complicating mediation efforts for a deal to end the war. Iran’s state broadcaster confirmed the missile launches and cited the armed forces as saying that “if Israel responds to Iranian attacks or does not stop its attacks on Lebanon, Iranian attacks will continue.” Israel’s military said it intercepted all missiles from Iran but warned “the defense is not hermetic,” adding that sirens sounded in several areas of the country. Multiple explosions were heard in northern Israel, but…