Author: fatimah

Nigeria’s former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been accused of receiving bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties from industry figures, allegations presented by British prosecutors at her corruption trial on Tuesday. Alison-Madueke appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on the opening day of proceedings, where she faces multiple bribery-related charges linked to her time in office between 2011 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Prosecutors told the court that individuals seeking “lucrative oil and gas contracts” with Nigeria’s state-owned petroleum corporation provided Alison-Madueke with “significant financial or other advantages,” conduct they argue…

The Malawian government has appealed for international assistance as torrential rains continue to trigger severe flooding across the country, worsening the suffering of affected communities. According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), at least 40 people have been killed, while thousands have been displaced and left homeless. The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including major roads, cutting off several parts of the country and hampering relief efforts. DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni said Malawi is overwhelmed by the growing needs of flood victims and called on development partners for urgent support. She noted that the nation is…

Nigeria experienced another nationwide power outage on Tuesday after the national electricity grid suffered a second system collapse within five days. The latest breakdown was confirmed by data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which showed that power generation dropped to zero megawatts at about 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, while overall output later fell to 39 MW. According to NISO, the collapse resulted from a system-wide disturbance triggered by the simultaneous tripping of multiple 330kV transmission lines and the disconnection of some grid-connected generating units. The development follows a January 23 grid failure and adds to a series of…

The Central Bank of Nigeria has temporarily allowed the use of expired National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) licences to ease disruptions in import documentation. In a circular issued on January 26 by its Trade and Exchange Department, the CBN said authorised dealer banks may process Form M applications using NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025. The apex bank explained that the approval, effective immediately, stems from a temporary NAFDAC dispensation and applies solely to Form M processing due to challenges arising from the migration to the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II. According…

The Malian government has completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in a company specializing in the manufacture of explosives for civilian applications, marking a new phase in the reforms reshaping the country’s mining sector. Following a meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Koulouba Palace, authorities approved legislation allowing the State to hold a 51 percent stake in the Central Mali Industrial Company, known as FARATCHI-CO-SA. The firm was established through a partnership with the Chinese company Auxin, formalized under a shareholders’ agreement signed in November 2024. Officials say the move is intended to improve oversight of civilian…

Members of the Public Enterprise Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly have engaged the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and the National Audit Office (NAO) over persistent delays and operational challenges at the Port of Banjul. The discussion took place during a joint session, where a follow-up audit report on cargo handling at the port was reviewed. Presenting the findings, NAO Deputy Audit Manager Binta Ttawally said vessel turnaround times had worsened significantly. She noted that containerised cargo now takes between seven and 17 days to clear, while bulk cargo requires eight to 15 days, compared to two to three days…

The Sudanese Armed Forces have announced a significant military breakthrough, reopening the strategic Dilling road in South Kordofan nearly two years after the area fell under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a statement released by the military, the army said the road was reopened following what it described as a successful operation that led to the defeat and destruction of RSF units in the area. The army claimed the operation resulted in substantial losses in both personnel and equipment for the paramilitary group. Military officials said operations would continue until what they described as “all…

Sixteen officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have been indicted over alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government, following the completion of investigations by a Special Investigative Panel. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation had been concluded and that the officers would be subjected to a military Court Martial. He explained that the probe uncovered actions at odds with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces, adding that the process was strictly disciplinary and intended to preserve internal discipline and cohesion. In October 2025, rumours of an alleged…

Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has announced that 2026 will be a year of intensified development and national self-improvement, calling on citizens to prepare for a renewed drive towards industrialisation and infrastructure expansion. Captain Traoré made the remarks at the Koulouba Palace during the country’s first official flag-raising ceremony of the year. Reflecting on achievements recorded in 2025, the president highlighted notable progress in agriculture, pointing to the successful cultivation of crops previously considered unviable in Burkina Faso. These include wheat, pineapples, grapes, as well as cocoa and coffee. He stressed that the administration’s objective is not export-led…

Niger and Algeria have agreed to resume cooperation in the oil sector, signalling renewed momentum in bilateral energy relations between the two countries. The announcement was made on Monday during a working visit to Niamey by Algeria’s Minister of State for Energy, Mines and Hydrocarbons, who confirmed that discussions had been held on restarting joint oil exploration activities. Speaking to Nigerien state television, the minister said both governments had reviewed key projects and finalised plans to begin drilling operations in the Kafra oil block. He added that an Algerian energy company is expected to arrive in Niamey in the coming…