Author: Vardiafrica

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,…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the loss of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI, who were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State. The President also extended heartfelt condolences to the military and the families of the fallen soldiers, urging them to remain strong in the face of the loss. The Defence Headquarters confirmed the attack and the casualties, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday. According to the military, insurgents attempted to breach the facility’s defensive perimeter but were repelled by troops. It said the…

A faction of the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking orders to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to reverse its decision deleting the party’s top officials from its records. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, follows the removal of the names of Mark, listed as National Chairman, and Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary, from INEC’s official portal on April 1. In a motion on notice dated April 7, the embattled chairman, through his counsel, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, prayed the court to issue a mandatory injunction directing the electoral body to immediately…

A former Ghanaian President and Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, Nana Akufo-Addo has arrived in Benin Republic for the April 12 Presidential Election. The former President was welcomed at Cotonou International Airport by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin Republic, Amadou Diongue and Ghana’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakari Manaf. The Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission is responsible for coordinating a team of 20 long-term observers, 80 short-term observers and 25 young professionals who will be deployed on 12 April 2026 across…

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has urged oil and gas operators to deepen their impact in host communities through stronger partnerships, structured governance, and sustained collaboration. According to a statement, the call was made at the 2nd KEFFESO Host Community Development Trust Stakeholders’ Forum held at the Nigerian Content Tower, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, where the board emphasised that effective implementation of host community frameworks is critical to long-term socio-economic development. KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust is a development initiative for 11 oil-bearing communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, established under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. Funded by a three per…