Author: Vardiafrica

As part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and stimulate investment across the pharmaceutical ecosystem, the federal government has signed three landmark agreements with the European Union (EU) and ECOWAS, on Thursday. These agreements, which are part of the EU Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, will support a new generation of local producers and innovators that will build a stronger and more resilient health sector in Nigeria and West Africa. The agreements cover key areas including local manufacturing of health commodities, immunisation and nutrition commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), quality…

Ogbuku spoke during a two-day strategic retreat tagged “Niger Delta Critical Stakeholders’ Agenda Setting on Unlocking Agricultural Potential of the Niger Delta Region,” held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He noted that agriculture remained the most sustainable pathway to economic growth, peace, and food security in the region. According to him, “This retreat is aimed at rubbing minds as a people to ensure that there is food security in the Niger Delta so that we can build an agricultural hub that can feed this nation. We have the potential and comparative advantage in terms of aquaculture. This is the time…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) earlier today hosted a mediation meeting with representatives of Oando Energy Resources at the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The engagement follows a petition submitted on September 17, 2025, by the Okiama and Fierebaghama communities, alleging neglect and non-compliance with provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 by Oando Energy Resources. In response, the Board had earlier agreed to convene a roundtable dialogue to foster mutual understanding and an amicable resolution between the company and the affected host communities. The meeting was chaired by…

The African Union has unveiled a US$30 billion investment plan to modernize aviation infrastructure across the continent under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), as part of efforts to accelerate economic integration and sustainable growth. Announcing the plan at the Third Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Mataboge said the aviation sector is a strategic driver of continental integration and a key enabler of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063. “Aviation is not merely a mode of transport; it is an engine of integration and a…

The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made an unscheduled visit to a training centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where selected youths from the Niger Delta region are currently undergoing a 21-day intensive training on Fire Alarm and CCTV Installation. The training, which commenced on October 6, 2025, is one of the numerous human capacity development initiatives sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical technical skills. During the visit, Hon. Ekpo stated that his decision to visit the centre was to encourage the trainees…

President Bola Tinubu has decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their new ranks. The short ceremony took place in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The new Chief of Defence Staff, (formerly Lieutenant General) Olufemi Oluyede, was decorated with the new rank of General. The new Chief of Army Staff, (formerly Major General) Wahidi Shaibu, was decorated with the rank of Lieutenant General, the Chief of Naval Staff, (formerly Rear Admiral) Idi Abbas, was decorated as Vice Admiral, while the Chief of Air Staff, (formerly Air Vice Marshal) Kelvin Aneke, was decorated with the rank of Air…

The Senate has confirmed Bernard Doro as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria following a brief screening session that lasted less than 30 minutes. Doro, who becomes the third ministerial nominee from Plateau State, used the opportunity to outline his vision for fostering an inclusive humanitarian ecosystem in the country. He promised to create a humanitarian ecosystem that is inclusive, guided by impartiality and independence. Doro told lawmakers during his appearance that he will create synergy between security agencies to better target the individuals affected by crises, which he notes is always a challenge. He believes technology can…

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged his administration’s full support to collaborate with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to create jobs and empower youth and women across the state. Governor Fubara made the pledge on Thursday when he received the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The governor said his administration would work closely with the NDE to ensure that the various employment and empowerment programmes of the Federal Government reach more people in Rivers State. He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s efforts…

The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion for Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country, with staff expected to receive payments immediately. A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, quotes the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying the disbursement was processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflecting the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to clearing inherited backlogs and improving staff welfare in tertiary institutions. Dr. Alausa added that the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF are finalizing the release of third party non statutory deductions and…

President Samia Suluhu Hassan had sought to solidify her position and silence criticism within her party in the virtually uncontested polls, with the main challengers either jailed or disqualified. In the run-up, rights groups condemned a “wave of terror” in the east African nation, which has seen a string of high-profile abductions that ramped up in the final days. A heavy security presence on Wednesday failed to deter hundreds protesting in economic hub Dar es Salaam and elsewhere, some singing: “We want our country back.” Unverified images on social media showed initially small protests escalated during the day with reports of police…