General news

• US clarifies Abuja embassy not closing despite visa processing shake-up

  11-08-2026 12:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The US Department of State has clarified that its embassy in Abuja is not closing, following the realignment of routine visa processing services from Nigeria and several other African countries to designated regional visa hubs.The clarification comes after the U.S. announced changes to its visa operations across Africa, effective August 1, 2026, as part of an effort to strengthen security screening, improve efficiency and align its overseas operations with U.S. national interests.Under the new
  
  Read more

• C’River pegs presidential campaign ads at N150m, govs N100m

  12-08-2026 09:23 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ..PDP, ADC, others kick, say tariff outrageous, exorbitantBy Ike UchechukwuCALABAR — The Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency, CRISSAA, has fixed N150 million as the tariff for outdoor campaign advertisements by presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.Under the new tariff, governorship candidates are to pay N100 million, while senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates are required to pay N50 million, N25 million and N5 mi
  
  Read more

• Why I rejected Netherlands job – Slot

  12-08-2026 09:22 via punchng.com
  
  Former Liverpool coach Arne Slot explains his decision to reject the Netherlands national team job, preferring to remain in club football. Find out why.Read More: https://punchng.com/why-i-rejected-netherlands-job-slot/
  
  Read more

• Onoh hails Gov Mbah’s security, health, industrial reforms

  12-08-2026 09:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  …Says Enugu Aligning With Tinubu’s VisionBy Dennis AgboFormer South-East spokesperson of President Bola Tinubu, Denge. Josef Onoh, has commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for what he described as a deliberate and results-driven transformation of the state, particularly in the areas of security, healthcare, industrial revival and job creation.Onoh said the direction of the Mbah administration was increasingly aligning with the broader policy vision of President Bola Tinubu,
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Lawmaker backs West Africa petrol pricing benchmark

  12-08-2026 09:07 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), has pledged legislative support for the establishment of a transparent West African refined fuel pricing benchmark.Ugochinyere made the commitment at the West Africa Refined Fuel Market 2026 Conference in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Tuesday.The conference has the theme: “Funding West Africa Infrastructure and Distributio
  
  Read more

• US military operations killed 153 civilians in 2025 — Pentagon

  12-08-2026 08:58 via punchng.com
  
  Pentagon report reveals US military operations killed 153 civilians in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years. Learn more about the strikes in Yemen.Read More: https://punchng.com/us-military-operations-killed-153-civilians-in-2025-pentagon/
  
  Read more

• Meet Liverpool’s 18-year-old defender blocked from competitive football by Brexit rules

  12-08-2026 08:58 via punchng.com
  
  Liverpool’s 18-year-old defender, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, is blocked from competitive football due to post-Brexit work permit rules. Learn how this impacts his carRead More: https://punchng.com/meet-liverpools-18-year-old-defender-blocked-from-competitive-football-by-brexit-rules/
  
  Read more

• I’ve no regret over my statement, they started it, we suffered — Jingir

  12-08-2026 08:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoKADUNA — Islamic cleric and leader of the Izala Scholars Council, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, has said he has no regret over his recent declaration of support for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, despite criticisms trailing the statement.Jingir, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored by our correspondent on Wednesday, said his position was not politically motivated or intended to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but was based on what he descri
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Customs intercept explosives, expired noodles, narcotics at Seme Border

  12-08-2026 08:52 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Godwin OritseThe Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted explosive materials, expired noodles, narcotics, foreign rice, cigarettes and other prohibited items in a major crackdown on smuggling and cross-border criminal activities.Disclosing this to stakeholders at the border yesterday, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, said intelligence-led operations and sustained surveillance resulted in the seizures.He said Customs officers interc
  
  Read more

• eTranzact partners SMEDAN to expand digital access for SMEs

  12-08-2026 08:47 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Elizabeth AdegbesaneTranzact International Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, through digital payment solutions, as it deepens its partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, to promote financial inclusion.The commitment was made at the SMEDAN/eTranzact Town Hall Engagement, themed, “Financial Literacy and Inclusion for MSMEs: Leveraging Fintech Innovation,” in Lagos.Speakin
  
  Read more

• Osun Police summon APC senator, Fadahunsi over ‘kill Accord’ comment

  12-08-2026 08:44 via vanguardngr.com
  
  OSOGBO — The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, over his alleged comment directing supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to “kill” members of the rival Accord Party during the state governorship election.The summons followed the circulation of a video on social media in which the senator, while speaking in Yoruba during an APC campaign in Ilesa on Tuesday, allegedly made the controversial re
  
  Read more

• Morning recap: Senator summoned over ‘kill them’ comment as Osun election tension rises, 10 cops killed in Kebbi bandit attack, other top stories

  12-08-2026 08:41 via punchng.com
  
  Stay informed with our Nigeria news recap. Get updates on the Osun election, Kebbi bandit attack, Air Peace flight disruptions, and more top stories.Read More: https://punchng.com/morning-recap-senator-summoned-over-kill-them-comment-as-osun-election-tension-rises-10-cops-killed-in-kebbi-bandit-attack-other-top-stories/
  
  Read more

• CBN opens second sandbox for virtual assets, data-driven finance

  12-08-2026 08:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday opened applications for the second cohort of its Regulatory Sandbox Programme, introducing dedicated tracks for virtual assets and data-enabled financial services.Applications open today and close August 31, 2026, with the programme providing a controlled environment for innovators to test new financial products, services, business models and technologies under CBN supervision.The CBN, in a statement signed by Acti
  
  Read more

• FG backs regional petrol pricing benchmark for West Africa

  12-08-2026 08:37 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By By Obas EsiedesaThe Federal Government has backed the establishment of a regional petrol pricing benchmark for West Africa, saying the initiative will strengthen energy security, deepen cross-border trade and enable the region to determine the value of its refined petroleum products.The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, stated this yesterday at the 2026 West Africa Refined Fuel Market (WAFRFM) Conference in Abuja, where regulators, refiners, traders an
  
  Read more

• Police warn against electoral violence, ban non-state security outfits in Osun

  12-08-2026 08:36 via vanguardngr.com
  
  ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against violence, intimidation and thuggery ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.The Force, in a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process would face the full weight
  
  Read more

• Importers incur excessive demurrage over empty container return delays – APFFLON

  12-08-2026 08:28 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Kafayat KokumoImporters using the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports are facing mounting financial losses as difficulties in returning empty containers continue to attract avoidable demurrage and detention charges, the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has said.In a statement made available to Vanguard, APFFLON National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said many importers were unable to return empty containers within the stipulated
  
  Read more

• Police summon Osun senator over killing comment

  12-08-2026 08:27 via punchng.com
  
  Osun State Police summon Senator Francis Fadahunsi for allegedly threatening Accord Party members ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.Read More: https://punchng.com/police-summon-osun-senator-over-killing-comment/
  
  Read more

• Police bar Amotekun, vigilantes from Osun gov poll

  12-08-2026 08:27 via punchng.com
  
  The Nigeria Police Force has barred Amotekun, vigilante groups, and other non-state security outfits from the Osun governorship election to ensure a peacefRead More: https://punchng.com/police-bar-amotekun-vigilantes-from-osun-gov-poll/
  
  Read more

• Chelsea face Luton, Spurs get Charlton, all EFL second round fixtures

  12-08-2026 08:04 via punchng.com
  
  Discover all the EFL Cup second-round fixtures, including Chelsea vs Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur vs Charlton Athletic. Get the full draw details here.Read More: https://punchng.com/chelsea-face-luton-spurs-get-charlton-all-efl-second-round-fixtures/
  
  Read more

• US-Iran crisis pushes oil to $87, Nigeria gains $22/barrel

  12-08-2026 08:04 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Udeme AkpanThe latest disagreement between President Donald Trump and Iran over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up oil prices by 5 per cent to $87 per barrel from $83 per barrel in the global market.This was even as Bank of America (BofA) warned that oil prices could continue to rise as the world heads into winter if the two parties fail to reach an agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.Francisco Blanch, Bank of America’s head of commodities and derivatives resea
  
  Read more

• Nigeria’s capital importation rises 256.9% to $2.82bn 

  12-08-2026 08:01 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigeria’s capital importation rose by 256.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to $2.82 billion in April 2026 from $0.79 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, indicating increased investor confidence in the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.However, capital importation declined by 26.7 per cent month-on-month (MoM) from $3.85 billion in March 2026 to $2.82 billion in April, largely due to declines in foreign portfolio investment (FPI), foreign direct investment (FDI) and
  
  Read more

• Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, August 12, 2026

  12-08-2026 07:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The naira remained broadly stable against the United States dollar on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rate trading around the mid-₦1,360 band while the parallel market hovered in the low-₦1,400 range.Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NFEM platform showed the official exchange rate at about ₦1,364 per dollar, reflecting only marginal movement from recent sessions. The official rate is derived from the volume-weig
  
  Read more

• UK gives councils more power over betting, vape shops

  12-08-2026 07:49 via punchng.com
  
  New UK measures empower councils and residents to control high street development, targeting betting shops, vape shops, and adult gaming centres to revitalRead More: https://punchng.com/uk-gives-councils-more-power-over-betting-vape-shops/
  
  Read more

• Cristiano Ronaldo marries long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez

  12-08-2026 07:49 via punchng.com
  
  Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his long-term partner Georgina Rodriguez in a private ceremony in Portugal. Get details on their wedding.Read More: https://punchng.com/cristiano-ronaldo-marries-long-term-partner-georgina-rodriguez/
  
  Read more

• Aniocha South LGA Chairman, Chukwunwike hosts Delta Social Media Summit Team

  12-08-2026 07:06 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Showcases Projects Across All WardsThe Delta Social Media Summit Team led by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Mr Ossai Ovie Success today carried out a project inspection tour in Aniocha South Local Government Area following a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman, Hon.Jude Chukwunwike at the Council Secretariat in Ogwashi-Uku.The inspection showcased the Chairman’s commitment to grassroots development across the 11 wards of Aniocha South, in line with
  
  Read more

• New book advocates stronger govt focus on tourism

  12-08-2026 07:00 via punchng.com
  
  Elizabeth Agboola’s new book, “Tourism as Capital,” urges governments to view tourism as a strategic economic asset, driving investment, jobs, and nationalRead More: https://punchng.com/new-book-advocates-stronger-govt-focus-on-tourism/
  
  Read more

• BATN Foundation, Lagos deepen partnership with poultry initiative

  12-08-2026 07:00 via punchng.com
  
  BATN Foundation and Lagos State launch “Chicks to Plate” project, training 200 farmers in modern poultry farming to boost food production and create liveliRead More: https://punchng.com/batn-foundation-lagos-deepen-partnership-with-poultry-initiative/
  
  Read more

• NCAA deploys RFID technology to curb baggage mishandling

  12-08-2026 07:00 via punchng.com
  
  The NCAA is deploying RFID technology at Nigerian airports to track luggage, reduce lost bags, and improve passenger experience. Learn how RFID baggage traRead More: https://punchng.com/ncaa-deploys-rfid-technology-to-curb-baggage-mishandling/
  
  Read more

• Expert calls for FAAN’s 5% airport revenue contribution

  12-08-2026 07:00 via punchng.com
  
  An aviation expert urges the House of Reps to compel FAAN to contribute 5% of its airport commercial earnings to aviation safety agencies, ensuring adequatRead More: https://punchng.com/expert-calls-for-faans-5-airport-revenue-contribution/
  
  Read more

• Embraer grows profit 38% to $218.6m in Q2

  12-08-2026 07:00 via punchng.com
  
  Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced a 38% surge in Q2 2026 adjusted net income to $218.6 million, driven by higher revenue and strong operatiRead More: https://punchng.com/embraer-grows-profit-38-to-218-6m-in-q2/
  
  Read more

Follow @GeneralNews_NGR on Twitter!