Author: Vardiafrica

Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Saturday to commiserate with the Nigerian Army and the state government over the recent attack on military personnel in Benisheikh. The attack had left several senior officers and soldiers dead. Shettima was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, among other top government functionaries in the state. He said that the heart of President Bola Tinubu bleeds with the bereaved families of those who lost their lives. “On behalf of the President, I wish to convey our deep, heartfelt condolences to the officers and men of the…

The Federal Government has approved the deployment of a contactless biometric passenger verification system, known as VPASS, across Nigeria’s domestic airports as part of efforts to strengthen aviation security, enhance data integrity, and improve revenue generation. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), disclosed this during the signing of the concession agreement today 9th April, 2026 at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja. He explained that the initiative is designed to eliminate discrepancies in passenger data arising from inconsistent airline records, while also addressing unauthorized boarding practices. Keyamo said the system will ensure…

Iran’s negotiating team arrived in Islamabad yesterday for peace talks with the United States, even as Tehran insisted on measures it said needed to be addressed first, throwing last-minute doubt over the meetings scheduled in Pakistan.This comes as US President Donald Trump warned that American warships were being prepared for a potential strike on Iran if ongoing talks fail to deliver a deal. Emphasising military readiness, Trump said the ships are also being equipped with advanced weapons. Trump had announced a two-week ceasefire in the six-week war on Tuesday, just hours before a deadline after which Trump ‌had threatened to…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) today, Friday, 10th April 2026, during which, among other issues, the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise was considered. Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election. The voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.…

ACI Europe has warned that airports across Europe could run out of jet fuel within weeks, raising fears of widespread flight cancellations and rising travel costs. According to the airport body, fuel reserves may last less than three weeks unless oil shipments resume through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been heavily disrupted due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. “If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality,” ACI Europe said. The group warned that shortages…

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the growing hardship caused by rising fuel prices, while urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, noting that the country is still better positioned compared to some others. The President spoke on Friday during his visit to Bayelsa State, where he inaugurated a number of projects Addressing concerns over the economic situation, Tinubu said, “I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let’s just thank God together that you are better off.” Tinubu compared Nigeria’s situation with that of other African countries, noting that challenges are not…

A plan to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz “as quickly as possible” was discussed on Thursday between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump.  Starmer informed Trump of the UK’s efforts to convene partners to agree on a “viable plan” to restore free navigation in the waterway, a critical route for global trade. “They agreed that now there is a ceasefire in place and agreement to open the Strait, we are at the next stage of finding a resolution,” Downing Street said in a statement. “The leaders discussed the need for a practical plan to get shipping moving again…

Speaking during an Enlightenment Session on Good Governance and Ethical Conduct for NDDC staff in Port Harcourt, Bello emphasised that ignorance of the law would not be an excuse for offenders. He called for a continuous effort to promote transparency, accountability and professionalism in the NDDC, stating that “asset declaration is not optional but an obligation that must be fulfilled by all public servants.” Bello advised the NDDC staff to ensure they complete the Code of Conduct form and declare their assets to avoid being charged with wrongdoing. He noted that the Code of Conduct Bureau was not established to…

US Vice-President JD Vance is en route to Islamabad, Pakistan, where he will lead high stakes talks with the Iranians as part of efforts to broker peace since a ceasefire was struck on Tuesday. Vance boarded Air Force Two moments ago on Friday and is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Saturday. “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” the vice-president told reporters on the tarmac ahead of his departure. “As the president of the United States said, if the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the…

Pope Leo XIV embarks Monday on an 11-day visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea for his first major international trip since becoming pontiff last year. From dialogue with Islam to peace efforts, inequality and human rights, the US-born pontiff will address a myriad of issues as he covers more than 18,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) across the African continent. Leo, who took over as head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in May, will make 11 speeches, preside over seven masses and visit a dozen locations during the trip which lasts until April 23. The 70-year-old’s words and actions,…