Author: Damilola

A missile struck a helipad within the compound of the Embassy of the United States in Baghdad on Saturday, according to Iraqi security officials. Two officials confirmed the incident to the Associated Press, which also reported that footage from the scene showed a plume of smoke rising above the diplomatic complex in the morning. The embassy compound in Baghdad is one of the largest American diplomatic missions globally and has been targeted several times in recent years by rockets and drones launched by Iran-aligned militia groups. Images circulating on social media also showed smoke and dust billowing above the embassy…

The president of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said the upper chamber plans to pass the 2026 appropriation bill on March 31 when lawmakers reconvene from the Sallah recess. Akpabio made the disclosure during Thursday’s plenary shortly before the senate adjourned for the holiday break. He explained that although senators are on recess, committees will continue their assignments, particularly ongoing budget defence sessions with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), alongside consultations with the appropriation committee. Akpabio urged the senate leadership to ensure the committee on appropriations completes the harmonisation of its report before lawmakers return. “I hope the leader…

Dangote Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N1,175 per litre. The refinery had announced N100 reduction earlier in the week as global crude oil prices continue to climb. The price was adjusted upward after it had briefly been lowered to N1,075 per litre on March 10, 2026. The earlier reduction had sparked a surge in demand from depot operators. Data from Petroleumprice.ng also confirmed the change, noting that the development disrupted trading activities across several petroleum depots. Loading operations at the refinery were also briefly suspended as the company carried…

Mojtaba Khamenei says Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to exert pressure on its adversaries. Khamenei made the remarks on Thursday in a recorded message — his first public address since assuming leadership on Sunday following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. Earlier, on March 2, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the strait had been “closed,” warning that any vessel attempting to navigate the route would be set “ablaze”. Rising tensions in the region have already disrupted global shipping. Several major container lines have halted voyages through…

Nine members of the senate on Thursday announced their defection from their respective political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Godswill Akpabio read their letters of defection during plenary. Among those who switched parties is Aminu Tambuwal, representing Sokoto south, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ADC. Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia south, also moved from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the ADC. Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra central, left the Labour Party (LP) for the ADC. In his letter, Umeh cited internal conflicts within the Labour Party as the reason for his decision. “I…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reduced the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets to N1,130 per litre in Lagos and N1,165 per litre in Abuja. Checks on Wednesday showed that the new prices represent a drop of N100 from the previous N1,230 per litre in Lagos and N95 from N1,260 per litre in Abuja. At several NNPC filling stations in Lagos — including those along Isheri Oshun Road, Apple Junction and Ago Palace Way — petrol was observed selling at the revised price of N1,130 per litre. Similarly, outlets operated by the company in areas…

Yoruba actor, Ganiu Nofiu, popularly known as Alapini, reaffirmed his support for Bola Tinubu during an interview with colleague Kunle Afod, arguing that a fair reading of the president’s record shows a leader focused on national development. Alapini told Afod he believes Tinubu isn’t motivated by money or fame and deserves another term — though, he added, powerful interests inside the presidential villa are hampering the president’s work. “Those who are fair-minded will see that he wants to lead the country well. Is it money or fame that he is looking for? He already has both.” “Aso Rock houses powerful…

Authorities in the United Kingdom have announced heightened security measures in Windsor ahead of the upcoming state visit of Bola Tinubu, who is scheduled to be hosted by King Charles III. The Nigerian president is expected to arrive with his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 18, for a reception at Windsor Castle. In a statement released on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police said it is collaborating with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other partners to ensure a secure environment during the visit. The police noted that airspace restrictions already in place around Windsor Castle…

The Federal Ministry of Finance Nigeria says the federal government is closely tracking rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran, assuring that steps are being taken to safeguard Nigeria’s economic stability. In a statement issued on Wednesday by Uloma Amadi, assistant director of information and public relations at the ministry, the government said it is observing developments in global oil prices, exchange rate movements, capital flows and their potential effects on Nigeria’s economy and foreign reserves. The ministry disclosed that the Economic Management Team (EMT), chaired by the minister of finance, Wale Edun,…

Iran has warned that it may prevent oil shipments from passing through the Strait of Hormuz if they are intended to benefit the United States, Israel and their allies. Speaking on Wednesday, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Tehran would not allow oil shipments to move through the strategic waterway for the benefit of those countries. “And let us firmly reiterate that we will never allow even a single litre of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, the Zionists, and their partners,” he said. The warning follows a…