Author: Vardiafrica

Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has formally received Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal and his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. Welcoming the governor, VP Shettima said the end of insecurity in Nigeria is in sight, as President Tinubu is working to ensure peace across the country. He prayed for unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence, assuring that the President is doing his best to protect lives and property nationwide. VP Shettima added that security challenges in Zamfara and other troubled states will be addressed, and that Governor Lawal’s entry into the APC will…

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has raised concerns over the growing volatility in the global oil market, warning that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could worsen economic hardship across Africa if not urgently resolved. Speaking on the implications of the crisis, Dangote said that although Nigeria is not directly involved, the ripple effects of global oil price fluctuations would inevitably be felt. “It means quite a lot. We don’t have much to do with it, but I know the world is a global village. And it definitely will affect us, unfortunately, but we pray this situation will…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has convened a meeting with leaders of political parties at its headquarters in Abuja to unveil and deliberate on new electoral guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections. In attendance at the meeting are chairmen and secretaries of political parties, as well as their representatives. Among them are Senator Nenadi Usman representing the Labour Party, while Abdulrahman Mohammed and Samuel Anyanwu are representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The meeting is focused on presenting and discussing newly drafted electoral guidelines designed to govern the conduct of the 2027 polls. The development follows the enactment…

Bayo Adelabu, minister of power, has apologised to Nigerians over the poor electricity supply and incessant outages witnessed in recent months. Adelabu offered the apology at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja. “I want to apologise, coming from me as a minister of power, for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship being experienced,” he said. Adelabu said the apology was necessary given the dry season, which has caused extreme heat and disrupted businesses, schools, and industries. “It is not our wish to find ourselves in this situation, but it is some factors that are actually beyond our…

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has adjourned proceedings on the bail application of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to March 31st, 2026. The decision followed Tuesday’s hearing, during which legal arguments were presented by both the prosecution and the defense. At the court session, counsel to the defendant, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing constitutional rights and the need to allow the former governor adequate time to prepare his defense. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the charges against El-Rufai are serious and that granting bail could interfere with ongoing investigations.…

The European Union Monday announced expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package. The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of European Commission, Kaja Kallas. According to a statement by the Ministry, the investments, under its Global Gateway Strategy, will support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains, and migration management. The EIB Global, the development arm of European Investment Bank (EIB), and Bank of Industry (BoI)…

The chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Bayo Ojulari, has said that Nigeria could increase oil production ​by about 100,000 barrels per day ‌over the next few months to realistically help the global shortfall. Speaking with Reuters on the sidelines of the ongoing CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, the NNPC helmsman, when asked if Nigeria ​could help make up for the ​crude shortfall resulting from the US-Israel war on Iran, said the country was working towards it. His comment comes as the war continued to rage on and affect crude prices as well…

Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen successfully underwent surgery on Monday following an injury sustained during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 away match against Liverpool. The injury occurred in the second-leg match at Anfield on Match 18, when Osimhen clashed aerially with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté. The Nigerian international displayed remarkable resilience by attempting to play on with a bandaged arm, but was substituted at halftime as swelling and pain intensified. Galatasaray ultimately fell to a 4-0 defeat on the night, exiting the competition 1-4 on aggregate Confirming the operation in a statement on X, the club stated: “Our player…

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday moved to take over the Maitama residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Abuja. EFCC operatives, reportedly led by Folarin Sunday Dare, arrived in about five buses and, dressed in their red and black jackets, heavily armed, barricaded the road leading to Malami’s residence. A member of Malami’s household, Shehu Koko, confirmed during an interview with journalists in Maitama, Abuja that they met the former Minister of Justice at his residence. Koko stated that the EFCC operatives did not present any valid court order, but Malami chose…

Iran launched waves of missiles at Israel on March 24, a day after US President Donald Trump said there had been “very good and productive” talks aimed at halting the war unleashed by the United States and Israel now raging across the Middle East. Three senior Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr Trump appeared determined to reach a deal, but they thought it highly unlikely that Iran would agree to US demands. After Mr Trump’s Truth Social comment on March 23, Iran said no talks had yet been held. Its embassy in South Africa posted an image…