Author: Vardiafrica

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated criminal proceedings against former Labour and Productivity Minister Chris Ngige. According to a charge sighted by Channels Television, Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday at the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja. The document, dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir alongside five other lawyers on behalf of the EFCC, details allegations that the former minister used his position to confer undue advantage on associates through the award of multiple contracts. In count one, the EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023, while serving…

The Rivers state house of assembly has accused Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of the state, of unapproved spending. Martin Amaewhule, speaker of the assembly, spoke on Thursday during a press conference attended by the state lawmakers. “From September, when we met the governor, till this day, the governor has been spending without our approval, awarding contracts to his cronies, particularly those who masterminded the burning of the Rivers house of assembly,” Amaewhule said. “The governor does not seek the approval of the assembly to spend.” ‘FUBARA LIED ABOUT WIKE NOT FIXING PEACE MEETING’ On Wednesday, Fubara said there is no lingering dispute between him and…

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, died on Thursday after collapsing in his office. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who confirmed the death in a in a press release on Thursday, described the development as a shocking and painful loss. According to a statement signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, the party said the news threw its National Working Committee, led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, into deep grief, along with members across the country, particularly in Bayelsa State. The statement stressed that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was known for honesty, consistency, and…

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, yesterday, unveiled plans to pay shareholders in US dollars when the company’s $20 billion oil refinery lists on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) next year. Speaking in Lagos, Dangote said investors will purchase shares in naira but receive dividends in dollars, a model designed to shield Nigerian shareholders from the country’s currency volatility. “You buy in naira, but you get dividends in dollars,” he said, describing a framework being developed in collaboration with the NGX and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The dollar payouts would be funded by $6.4 billion in expected revenue…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has honoured 203 staff at its 2025 Long Service awards for their contributions to the Commission’s progress and performance. The awards recognised employees who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service to the Commission. Speaking during the award ceremony at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the awards were meant to motivate and build staff confidence. Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, celebrated the awardees and prayed that the years ahead bring them fulfilment, growth, and continued success. He urged…

There was a rowdy session in the Senate on Thursday following the screening of an ambassadorial nominee, Reno Omokri. The Senate’s screening session descended into a heated confrontation as two lawmakers exchanged harsh words over Omokri’s consideration. Tension broke out when a motion had already been placed on the floor recommending that Omokri and others be asked to take a bow and leave. Senator Ali Ndume insisted that the motion must be seconded before any comments could be entertained However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole strongly objected, insisting he be allowed to speak before the motion was seconded. He argued that Omokri’s…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has promised that the second edition of the Niger Delta games to be hosted by Edo State in 2026 will be bigger and better. The NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and the Chairman, Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, gave the assurance during the inaugural meeting for the Niger Delta Games at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. He expressed delight at the success of the maiden edition, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025, and assured that the games in Edo State would be more colourful and exciting. Iyaye stated that…

Nigeria has reached a major milestone in its gas sector reform as the Federal Government unveiled the country’s first online gas trading, clearing, and settlement platform. Also known as the Gas Trading Licence, Clearing House, and Settlement Authorization, the platform is designed to bring transparency, efficiency, and competitiveness into the nation’s gas market. At the launch ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a “new dawn” for Nigeria’s gas industry. He said, “I am pleased to join you today on this occasion of the launch of the first Gas Trading…

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has flagged off the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, calling on stakeholders to recommit to building a future where every Nigerian child can become the best version of themselves. The programme, projected to cost ₦1 trillion over the next ten years, will support students across multiple levels through a range of targeted schemes. Speaking on Thursday in Lagos during the launch of the education scholarship scheme, the Vice President extolled Dangote’s philanthropic efforts, saying education is a burden carried by those who understand its transformative power. “Now is the time to recommit to building…

The Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is pleased to announce the commencement of recruitment of Fifty Thousand (50,000) Police Constables into the Nigeria Police Force, as directed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Following this Presidential directive aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing internal security and expanding the manpower base of the Nigeria Police Force, the Commission has approved the opening of the recruitment portal for applications from eligible Nigerians.Qualifications: General Duty cadre applicants must be holders of GCE Ordinary Level, SSCE/NECO or their equivalents witha minimum of five (5) credits…