Author: Vardiafrica

The National Economic Council (NEC) has received position reports on the establishment of State police from the 36 state governors. The NEC meeting was chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima and attended by state governors, deputy governors, ministers and some presidential aides. Briefing State House Correspondents shortly after the meeting which lasted for over 4 hours, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the state governors indicated an overwhelming support for the establishment of state police because of the security challenges bedeviling their states. However, he said the NEC postponed deliberation on the matter to January 2024. “Virtually every state…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Thursday executed the construction contract with Julius Berger PLC for the Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC), Otuabagi, Bayelsa State.The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe executed the contract at the Board’s liaison office in Abuja. The Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre (OMRC) is being developed by the Petroleum Development Technology Fund (PTDF), NCDMB, Shell Petroleum Development Company/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and the Bayelsa State Government, in the ratio of 40:30:20 and 10 respectively. The project is registered by guarantee, with the four organisations serving as partners. The contract…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has defended the demolition of properties in the nation’s seat of power, saying he won’t be swayed by blackmail. Wike said the structures being demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) are properties illegally built on government lands. “Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmailing,” the minister said during the distribution of operational vehicles to security agencies at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. “In fact, you cannot be in this kind of position and say you…

As part of reforms to improve Nigeria’s electoral system, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recommended computer-generated voting slips for voter accreditation during elections. “With the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed. Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation. This will not only save cost, it will also…

The Senate on Thursday sought an investigation into the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has set up an investigative committee to look into the matter. The committee will also invite the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have left many residents without homes. The motion, which was moved by Senator Ireti Kingibe of the FCT Senatorial District, expressed concern over the illegal demolition of structures in the nation’s capital and called for an immediate stop to further demolitions. The Senate resolved to set up an investigative…

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a valedictory session for Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo who represented Edo Central. Senator Okpebholo was a member of the 10th Senate (2023+2024) until his election as Governor in September 2024. He was victorious at the poll after winning 11 of the 18 local government areas of Edo state. Speaking at the valedictory session, the Senator representing Edo North, former governor Adams Oshiomhole, described Okpebholo as a humble, resourceful, committed and intelligent man. “We’re happy that in 30 days, Edo people are aware that there is a new governor in town: humble, resourceful,…

The Senate has summoned the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Peer Lubasch, over the company’s refusal to honour invitations to provide details on the Odukpani-Itu Highway project. The Odukpani-Itu Highway is located in Cross River State and Akwa Ibom states. It connects the town of Odukpani in Cross River State to Itu in Akwa Ibom State, serving as a critical link for transportation and economic activities in the South-South region. According to a motion sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu, Julius Berger has neglected and refused to honour invitations to provide details of their role in the project, despite…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,  on Thursday directed the immediate deployment of personnel to strategic locations, and key areas, and identified hotspots across the country to curb traffic and highway robberies, as well as other criminal activities. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative aims to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property during the festive season. “The IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across all states. This initiative is aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal…

Vice President Kashim Shettima is chairing the 147th Meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC). The meeting is holding at the Council Chamber of the State House Abuja and is being attended by governors and some deputy governors from across the 36 states as well as some ministers, heads of agencies, and presidential aides. In its 146th meeting held over three weeks ago, NEC issued three states and the FCT one week to submit their reports on the establishment of state police. It had also expressed reservations about the new Tax Reform Bills and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to…

The Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday held its 93rd ordinary session at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.The session chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar will focus on critical governance, economic policies and regional integration issues. In his opening address, the ECOWAS President, Omar Touray, commended President Bola Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for the support given to the regional bloc.He, however, noted that the gathering of the Council couldn’t be more timely considering the persistent challenges confronting the region.Touray also told the Council that 30…