Author: Vardiafrica

MTN Nigeria’s market capitalisation has crossed N10 trillion after the telecommunications company’s (telco) share value appreciated by 16.9 percent between Monday and Friday. The telco is the second company to cross the N10 trillion mark after Dangote Cement’s valuation reached N12.8 trillion in January 2024. As of Monday, MTN’s capitalisation was N8.62 trillion, however, at the end of trading on Friday, the telco’s valuation grew to N10.07 trillion, representing an increase of N1.45 trillion within five days. The growth was driven by strong demands for MTN’s shares, as the company’s share price increased by N69.40 kobo, from N410.6 kobo to…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked Nigerian youths to leverage their digital platforms to develop solutions that address the nation’s challenges, emphasising the promotion of digital literacy and accountability across all sectors of the society. Speaking on Friday at the Progressives Digital Summit held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President appraised Nigeria’s growing community of digital creators and innovators, describing them as “builders of the future,” but cautioned on their digital footprints, saying they must reflect the best of Nigeria. President Tinubu also challenged the youth, urging them to let their actions embody a generation that refuses to wait for…

In a move aimed at curbing recurring industrial actions by trade unions, the Federal Government has approved the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025. The policy, according to officials, is designed to regulate the conduct of trade unions and promote harmonious relations between employers and employees. The development comes amid a nationwide warning strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), now in its third day, and growing dissatisfaction across Nigeria’s labour landscape. The government has confirmed that the contentious circular which triggered the recent health workers’ strike has been withdrawn, and it…

Nigerians have begun accessing affordable long-term mortgage facilities at a single-digit interest rate of 9.75 percent, according to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). The mortgage facility, which offers repayment periods of up to 20 years, is part of a major initiative to address Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at around 20 million units. Dr. Armstrong Takang, the Chief Executive Officer of MOFI revealed that several beneficiaries from across the country’s geopolitical zones have successfully tapped into the facility less than a month after its launch. He said the programme is anchored on the newly established MOFI Real Estate Investment Fund…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it would resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the country beginning August 25, 2025, just as the country edges closer to critical off-cycle elections and the 2027 general polls. The electoral body made the announcement on Friday in a public statement widely circulated on its verified social media platforms. INEC revealed that the registration process will follow a hybrid format, starting first with online pre-registration and then physical data capturing at designated centres nationwide. The statement, titled “2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (#CVR)”, reads: ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION. Website: www.cvr.inecnigeria.org Starts August…

Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday increasing tariffs on Canadian goods imported to the United States from 25% to 35%. The new import tax rates go into effect on Friday, according to a White House factsheet. The tariff would cover all products not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Goods transshipped to another country to evade the new tariffs would be subject to a transshipment levy of 40%. Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said he was “disappointed” by the decision, which comes after months of tariff threats from the Trump administration and escalating trade tensions that have sowed anger in Canada. US…

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, says that the Commission has opened a new chapter after the conclusion of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Speaking during an interactive meeting between the executive management and staff of the Commission at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that the performance of the Commission was now a reference point in the country. He noted: “People are now willing to do business with us. We are now telling our stories ourselves. We have embraced our failures, made amends, and are now moving forward into a…

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has visited Ghana over the recent demands by some Ghanaians for the deportation of Nigerians from their country. Over the weekend, a group of Ghanaians staged a protest demanding that Nigerians be sent back to their home country, alleging that their behaviour does not align with Ghanaian values. The protesters, who were mostly traders from the local retail market, carried placards and other items, while stating that their Nigerian counterparts were causing problems and were allegedly involved in criminal activities. While speaking to newsmen after a meeting with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for one year. This was made known on Thursday in a statement issued by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga said CG Adeniyi’s tenure, which was due to expire on August 31, 2025, was extended for him to consolidate on the ongoing reforms of the present administration. The presidential aide further stated that the extension of tenure for Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to enable him complete critical initiatives of the government such as modernisation of the…

Nigeria is once again making strides in space science as six indigenous crop seeds from the country head to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a multinational agricultural experiment. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in a statement by the Director of Media, Dr Felix Ale, says NASA’s Crew-11 Mission is scheduled for launch today, the 31st of July 2025, from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Nigeria’s biological payload comprises okra, cowpea, guinea corn (sorghum), amaranth, maize, and melon; staple crops selected for their nutritional value and adaptability. Scientists will observe how these…