New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Peter Obi says Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar arrested because he visited him in Kaduna

    Peter Obi says Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar arrested because he visited him in Kaduna

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Labour Party candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has raised an alarm over the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar.

    In a statement on Tuesday titled “Troubling Developments in Our Polity that Must Be Nipped in the Bud,” Obi alleged that the revered religious leader was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.

    A portion of the statement reads: “This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue.”

    The presidential hopeful stressed that Nigeria must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. He noted that suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democracy, insisting that the government must understand this fact and act accordingly.

    Obi further emphasised that the country’s fragile democracy requires protection, urging leaders to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in dealing with citizens. “I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens. -PO,” the statement concluded.

  • AU Chairperson Youssouf meets former Tanzanian President Kikwete in Addis Ababa

    AU Chairperson Youssouf meets former Tanzanian President Kikwete in Addis Ababa

    AFRICA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Tuesday received H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, in Addis Ababa.

    According to a press release from the AU’s press section, the meeting focused on evolving regional dynamics, with particular emphasis on the situation in the Horn of Africa. The exchange provided an opportunity to reflect on ongoing peace, security, and mediation efforts, as well as broader prospects for stability and sustainable development across the continent.

    The statement reads in part: “H.E. Mr Youssouf expressed his appreciation for President Kikwete’s exemplary leadership and distinguished record of service in advancing good governance, regional diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation. He underscored the continued relevance of President Kikwete’s insights and experience in informing Africa’s collective efforts to address emerging challenges.”

    On his part, President Kikwete expressed gratitude to the Chairperson for the warm reception and extended his congratulations on his leadership. He reaffirmed his readiness to support and collaborate with the Commission in advancing its mandate and contributing to the achievement of the African Union’s shared objectives.

  • Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    Strait of Hormuz blockade forces Australia to lower diesel standards amid deepening fuel shortages

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Australia has temporarily lowered its diesel standards for six months in a bid to ease nationwide fuel shortages, as hundreds of petrol stations report running out of key fuel types.

    Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that the “flashpoint” for diesel has been reduced from 61.5 to 60.5 degrees Celsius, a move designed to expand supply options from international refiners in the United States, Canada, and Europe. He stressed that the adjustment would have no impact on engines or emissions, while giving Australian refineries greater flexibility to meet demand.

    The decision comes amid mounting pressure on fuel reserves following instability in global energy markets linked to the war in the Middle East. Bowen revealed that 20 per cent of the country’s fuel reserve has already been released, but six scheduled shipments for April were cancelled, forcing reliance on alternate sources.

    Latest figures show widespread shortages: in New South Wales, 164 stations are without diesel and 289 without at least one fuel type; Queensland has 55 stations without diesel and 35 without unleaded; Victoria reports 162 stations with outages; South Australia has 46 affected, while Western Australia and Tasmania report smaller disruptions. The Northern Territory and ACT remain unaffected, though flooding has impacted supply in some areas.

    Reports of informal rationing have emerged, with service stations limiting purchases or restricting jerry can refills. The government has urged Australians to buy only the fuel they need, while the opposition has launched a website, nofuelhere.com.au, to collect community reports of shortages.

    Shadow ministers have called for biofuels to be prioritised as a backup supply, while truck drivers are set to receive new protections under amendments to the Fair Work Act to shield them from rising costs.

  • ECOWAS ministers convene extraordinary meeting on food security to confront global crisis

    ECOWAS ministers convene extraordinary meeting on food security to confront global crisis

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday held an extraordinary meeting of agriculture ministers to address the impact of the international crisis on food security in West Africa and the Sahel.

    In a statement issued March 24, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Department for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, led by Commissioner Kalilou Sylla, confirmed that the meeting was organised in cooperation with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). 

    The online session, held on March 23, focused on the effects of soaring oil prices and global disruptions on the fertiliser sector and regional food systems.

    The meeting brought together agriculture ministers, regional agencies, and technical and financial partners. It resulted in proposals for both medium- and long-term operational frameworks aimed at safeguarding food sovereignty and security. 

    Key measures include immediate regional framework agreements to secure strategic volumes and build emergency reserves before prices escalate further, as well as the deployment of liquidity swap lines via central banks to ease foreign currency shortages faced by importers.

    This extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s determination to strengthen resilience against external shocks and ensure sustainable food systems for millions across West Africa and the Sahel.

  • Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    Nigeria shortlists 65 student innovators for venture capital grant

    ABUJA, NIIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The Federal Government has shortlisted 65 student innovators from a pool of 30,639 applicants for the final stage of the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG).

    According to a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the applicants were drawn from 404 tertiary institutions nationwide, reflecting the depth of innovation and entrepreneurial potential within Nigeria’s university system.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a strategic investment in nurturing future innovators and job creators. He noted that the performance of the shortlisted candidates demonstrated creativity and ambition, adding that the programme would strengthen a pipeline of entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.

    Launched in December 2025 in partnership with the Bank of Industry, the S-VCG provides up to N50 million in equity-free funding to support student-led ventures at the commercialisation stage, enabling them to scale solutions, create jobs, and boost innovation-driven development.

    The selection process involved AI-based screening, independent human validation, and assessment by a committee comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the investment ecosystem. Criteria included scalability, feasibility, founder capability, and impact potential.

    Finalists will participate in a venture development bootcamp from March 26 to 29, featuring pitch sessions, workshops, and investor feedback. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on March 29.

    Dr Alausa emphasised that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting innovation and supporting student entrepreneurship as a driver of national development.

  • Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    Philippines deploys vessels to shield fishermen amid Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have deployed vessels to safeguard Filipino fishermen following continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard ships in the Bajo de Masinloc area. The move comes after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported intimidation last weekend.

    In response, two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol boats were dispatched to the area, providing protection and logistical support such as fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend fishing operations and ease rising fuel costs.

    PCG Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns, Jay Tarriela, confirmed the deployment, noting that PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also ordered a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight. The aerial patrol documented six China Coast Guard vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia ships, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship operating nearby.

    Significantly, the PCG recorded a China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intent to conduct a “clearing operation” within coordinates spanning 15°05’N, 118°10’E to 14°14’N, 118°25’E.

    The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to defend Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea, pledging to uphold international law and protect the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen against external threats.

  • APC screening committee tells Chairman Yilwatda to ‘take a bow’ as 2026 convention screening kicks off

    APC screening committee tells Chairman Yilwatda to ‘take a bow’ as 2026 convention screening kicks off

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention 2026 has formally screened the Party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. In recognition of his leadership, the committee, chaired by Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, asked him to “take a bow,” a gesture symbolising commendation and respect.

    The APC had earlier announced that all aspirants who purchased and submitted Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for national offices at the convention were required to attend the screening exercise scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

    In a statement issued on March 22, 2026, and signed by H.E. Isa Yuguda, Secretary of the Aspirants’ Screening Committee, the party clarified that all aspirants must appear in person and arrive promptly with relevant supporting documents for verification.

    The screening marks the official commencement of the convention process, setting the stage for what the APC describes as a transparent and orderly exercise in line with its internal democratic procedures.

  • Governor Umo Eno inspects Victor Attah Airport upgrade, driving Uyo toward West Africa’s emerging aviation hub

    Governor Umo Eno inspects Victor Attah Airport upgrade, driving Uyo toward West Africa’s emerging aviation hub

    UYO, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State in Southern Nigeria, has inspected the ongoing remodelling and upgrade works at the Victor Attah International Airport, which is being prepared to commence international flight operations.

    Following the tour, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the steady progress achieved by the contractors. He noted: “We are putting all critical requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority in place to ensure a smooth and successful take-off. While a few gaps have been identified, steps are already being taken to address them and fast-track completion.”

    The governor commended the contractors for their diligence and praised the officials of the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, for their strategic contributions. He described the project as a landmark effort in transforming Victor Attah International Airport into a major aviation hub in West Africa.

    Governor Eno further urged the Ibom Air team to continue deploying their expertise as the state works toward positioning the airport as a regional aviation powerhouse, emphasising that the benefits will extend beyond Akwa Ibom to the wider subregion.

  • EU announces €288m grant to Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, and digital sectors

    EU announces €288m grant to Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, and digital sectors

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — The European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has announced €288 million in support for Nigeria’s healthcare, agriculture, finance, migration, climate, and digital public infrastructure sectors.

    The announcement was made at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Conference in Abuja under the EU-Nigeria Partnership. Stefano Signore, Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, said the project represents accelerated investment under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy. He noted that health and agriculture are priorities, aimed at improving standards, infrastructure, local manufacturing, and inclusion. He also emphasised stronger cooperation on sustainable migration, providing better life options for returnee migrants.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said the initiative builds on the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue, which launched the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy in Nigeria. Bagudu described the partnership as a deepening of ties anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and sustainable investment. Represented by Minister of State Doris Anite-Uzoka, he highlighted reforms under President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the economy, strengthen fiscal sustainability, and create an enabling environment for private-sector growth.

    Bank of Industry (BoI) CEO Olasupo Olusi said the partnership with the European Investment Bank channels long-term financing into healthcare and agriculture, central to Tinubu’s agenda for resilience and inclusive growth. Finland’s Under Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Jarno Syrjaia, announced Finland’s lead role in strengthening Nigeria’s digital public services and training three million technical talents. Finland’s HAUS and Estonia’s ESTDEV will implement the initiative, bringing European expertise in digital government and innovation.

    Uche Amaonwu, Country Director of the Gates Foundation, stressed the importance of supporting health manufacturing. He praised the BoI and PVAC for mobilising financing facilities to meet the needs of Nigerian health manufacturers.

    Breakdown of the €288m package includes: €23m for digital infrastructure, €108m in grants and loans to government, €50m for healthcare manufacturing, €5m for health and nutrition training, €85m for agribusiness lending, €1m for climate/agriculture expertise, and €16m for migration governance.

    The initiative underscores a modern partnership focused on shared prosperity, sustainable investment, and resilience.

  • Petroleum price hike: Gov Makinde approves N10,000 allowance for civil servants

    Petroleum price hike: Gov Makinde approves N10,000 allowance for civil servants

    POLITICS (Agency Report) — March 24, 2026 — Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved a N10,000 monthly transportation support allowance for civil servants.

    Makinde announced this on Monday during the supervision of the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo Town. He said the initiative would run for an initial three months, starting in March.

    The governor explained that details of the disbursement guidelines would be communicated through official channels. He noted the measure was part of the state’s strategic response to economic challenges, particularly rising transport costs driven by the ongoing energy crisis, which has affected workers’ welfare and productivity.

    Makinde said the support scheme was designed to ease financial strain on civil servants while sustaining efficient service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hostilities broke out on Feb. 28 between Israel and the USA against Iran, leading to a surge in petroleum prices globally.

    In Nigeria, the pump price of petrol jumped from N860 per litre to between N1,320 and N1,500 at filling stations. The situation triggered sharp increases in transport fares and food prices. (NAN).