Author: Vardiafrica

The Rivers State Government has called for the establishment of effective mechanisms to monitor and implement resolutions reached at the 2026 Niger Delta Law and Development Summit. The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, made this call during the opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Law and Development Summit, 2026, held at the EUI Event Centre in Port Harcourt yesterday. Represented by His Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the Governor emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved through the effective implementation of laws, policies, and good governance. The State Chief Executive commended the NDDC for reviving the…

FIFA has banned fans from bringing refillable water bottles into World Cup venues in a last-minute policy change that will force thirsty supporters to pay for bottled water, The Athletic reported on Wednesday. As recently as last month, FIFA’s official stadium code of conduct included a clause which read: “For the avoidance of doubt, empty, transparent, reusable plastic bottles, up to (1 liter in) capacity, may be brought into the Stadium.” However The Athletic reported on Wednesday that those guidelines had now been tweaked to explicitly ban refillable bottles. “For the avoidance of doubt, reusable water bottles may not be…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has approved a special compensation package for eligible Band A electricity customers affected by grid generation constraints that disrupted power supply across the country between February and March 2026. In a public notice issued on Thursday, the Commission announced the release of Directive No. NERC/2026/002 on the Special Compensation of Band A Customers Arising from Grid Generation Constraints.NERC explained that the directive was introduced in response to significant generation shortfalls experienced within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) during the two-month period, which hindered Distribution Companies (DisCos) from delivering their committed service levels to…

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored state governments to accelerate business-enabling reforms to unlock the full potential of the $750 million World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme. This, he said, has become necessary to attract domestic and global capital, enhance local infrastructure, and drive subnational economic growth. Senator Shettima, who spoke on Tuesday during a stakeholder meeting on optimising the implementation of the SABER programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted that a fully implemented SABER programme would help create a more predictable and transparent business environment. He also listed other benefits of the…

The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu has inaugurated the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), the women-led grassroots mobilisation platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. At the Inauguration, the First Lady said the initiative would help promote the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. She noted that the platform, which was designed to represent commitment, patriotism, service, and the collective aspiration for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria underscores the importance of women to national development. She said; “History has consistently shown that women are the backbone of thriving societies. “ TTB would help…

Some filling stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and in other locations across Lagos and Ogun states have reduced petrol prices below N1,300 per litre.This follows a price cut announced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sunday.The refinery adjusted its ex-depot gantry price of petrol down to N1,250 per litre from N1,275 per litre, while also slashing the price of diesel to N1,700 per litre from N1,800 per litre.According to Dangote officials, the price review reflects a recent decline in global oil prices and reinforces the company’s commitment to making refined products more affordable while providing cost relief to Nigerian consumers…

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal seeking a probe of military spending despite growing concerns over the worsening security situation across the country. Instead, the upper chamber focused on condemning recent bandit attacks in Oyo and Kwara States, urging security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of those still in captivity and calling for the expansion of the Safe School Initiative to protect vulnerable learning institutions nationwide. The debate began with a solemn moment of reflection as senators mourned the death of a teacher and other victims killed during attacks in Oyo State. This follows a motion sponsored by…

The Federal Government said it has tightened health screening and surveillance at land borders, airports, and seaports nationwide following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease. The development comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday, scaled back the number of suspected Ebola cases in central Africa to 116, down from more than 900 previously, with 330 cases now confirmed. In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare noted that although there was currently no confirmed Ebola case in…

Members of the NDDC Board, led by the Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence at the weekend. The NDDC delegation, which included the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, thanked the President for his “visionary leadership, steadfast commitment to national development, and unwavering support for the Niger Delta region.” According to the NDDC Managing Director, the meeting with President Tinubu afforded the Commission the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s progress in delivering its mandate, particularly in executing strategic projects across…

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to immediately discontinue the practice of placing civil servants on a mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave, clarifying that such a provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules, PSR. The directive was contained in a circular dated May 13, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack. The circular was addressed to top government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, service chiefs, and other key public sector institutions. According to the circular, some MDAs have been wrongly interpreting…