Author: Vardiafrica

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced that the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train service will resume operations next week following the completion of repairs and safety checks on the affected track section. The service had been suspended after a train derailed on August 26, 2025. Confirming the development, NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, said the corporation had “worked tirelessly to ensure both the infrastructure and rolling stock are restored to the highest safety standards in line with global best practices.” He noted that 512 of the 583 passengers on board the affected train had been refunded, with efforts ongoing…

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members to halt gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery with immediate effect. A letter signed by the General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, on Friday, the union accused the refinery management of disengaging unionised workers and embarking on a “mission of misinformation and propaganda” instead of engaging meaningfully with the union. PENGASSAN instructed all its branch chairmen, particularly the NGIC branch, to ensure that gas supply to the refinery was cut off without delay. The directive also included shutting all crude oil supply valves to the refinery…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has announced the immediate dissolution of the State’s Pensions Board, directing the State Accountant General’s office to temporarily assume its functions until a new board is constituted. The directive was contained in a Government Special Announcement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Friday by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Inyingi Brown. The statement instructed members of the dissolved board to hand over all properties and assets of the agency to the Director of Administration of the Pensions Board. However, no reason was provided for the dissolution of the board. “The Executive…

The United States has restored the maximum validity periods for all categories of nonimmigrant visas for Ghanaian nationals following Ghana’s agreement to accept West African deportees, but similar restrictions for Nigerians remain in place. The B1/B2 visitor visa is now valid for up to five years, with multiple entries allowed, while the F1 student visa’s maximum validity has been restored to four years, with multiple entries permitted. “The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that the maximum validity periods for all categories of nonimmigrant visas for Ghanaians have been restored to their previous lengths. The maximum validity allowed for the…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out a new cashless and contactless payment system as part of its drive to modernise airport operations across the country. Announced in a statement posted via X on Thursday, September 25, FAAN revealed that the initiative—dubbed ‘Operation Go Cashless’—was launched in partnership with payment platform Paystack. The new system is scheduled to go live on September 29 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. FAAN explained that the initiative responds to growing demands for secure, transparent, and 0lmodern transaction methods, aligning Nigeria’s aviation sector with international…

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday announced plans to introduce free digital ID for both nationals and those residing in the country in a bid to curb illegal migration. The government said the drive will also make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare, and welfare, while streamlining access to tax records. The new digital ID will be held on people’s phones, and there will be no requirement for individuals to carry their ID or be asked to produce it, said the government. However, it will be “mandatory as a means of proving your right to…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), attempting to justify his country’s genocide in Gaza and denouncing Western allies as global criticism over the nearly two-year war mounts. Speaking at UNGA in New York on Friday, the increasingly isolated Israeli leader railed against the “disgraceful decision” by some Western countries in recent days to recognise a Palestinian state. “It will be a mark of shame on all of you,” he said. age terrorism against Jews, and against innocent people everywhere.” Netanyahu, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged…

The fight against trafficking in drug in Nigeria has received a major boost as Germany has donated a newly built canine facility to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Speaking on the donation, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) said that the donation of the newly built facility to NDLEA by the German government will boost ongoing efforts against the menace of illicit drugs in Nigeria. Marwa, said on Friday at the inauguration of the new modern canine complex built and donated to NDLEA by the German government,…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been commended for its significant strides in delivering basic infrastructure across the region. The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, said this during a stakeholders’ engagement forum on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), in Port Harcourt, for proposed road projects in Rivers State. He lauded the NDDC’s commitment to sustainable development and its efforts towards addressing the long-standing infrastructural gaps in the Niger Delta communities. The forum, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, focused on three critical projects: The construction of a 4km Bonny…

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a team of between eight and 10 members to determine the fitness of the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to stand trial. Justice James Omotosho asked the NMA to ascertain whether the health challenges claimed by Kanu could prevent him from further standing trial. Justice Omotosho issued the order while ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward at the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for an alleged life-threatening…