The U.S. Department of State has announced a revision to its non-immigrant visa reciprocity policy, affecting Nigerian travelers. Under the new regulation, which takes effect immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens will now be single-entry visas valid for a period of three months. Visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will remain valid according to the original terms. The Department emphasizes that visa reciprocity is an ongoing, global process that may be adjusted at any time. Changes can include the number of permitted entries or duration of stay. For the most up-to-date information, applicants are advised…
Author: Tosin Onisuuru
The United States has postponed a planned tariff increase and outlined new import duty rates targeting several countries, including key allies Japan and South Korea. President Donald Trump issued formal letters on Monday notifying nations of the upcoming changes. The letters, which were also shared on his Truth Social platform, stated that a 25% tariff would be imposed on goods from Japan and South Korea starting August 1, unless new trade deals are reached. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba acknowledged receiving the letter and expressed readiness to continue trade negotiations with the US. He emphasized the need for…
The Nigerian Senate is maintaining a cautious stance following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The upper chamber has stated that it will wait for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking further action. Justice Binta Nyako delivered the ruling on July 4, declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension unconstitutional and excessive. The court ordered her immediate reinstatement, emphasizing that the suspension deprived her constituents of their right to representation in the Senate. Responding to the development, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu said the Senate acknowledges the court’s decision but will not…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed swift action following explosive allegations made by a top provincial police official against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior law enforcement figures. Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, accused Mchunu of receiving illicit payments from a corruption suspect and interfering with investigations into politically linked killings. The commissioner, who spoke during a high-security press briefing flanked by masked and armed officers, claimed that Mchunu and other officials obstructed law enforcement operations targeting organised crime. The allegations have sparked outrage across South Africa’s political landscape, with multiple parties demanding an immediate…
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to nations aligning themselves with the BRICS bloc, stating that such alliances could attract significant economic penalties from the United States if he returns to power. In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump declared that any country supporting what he described as BRICS’ “Anti-American policies” would face an additional 10% tariff on goods exported to the United States. “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for…
Less than two years into his presidency, Kenyan President William Ruto is facing rising public disapproval, with chants of “wantam” — shorthand for “one term” — echoing through the streets. Protesters raise their index fingers symbolically, calling for Ruto to step down by the end of his term in 2027. Some say even that is too far off. Once hailed as a voice for the working class, Ruto’s approval has plummeted following the introduction of aggressive tax reforms viewed as a betrayal of his campaign pledges. Defending the tax hikes, Ruto insisted they were necessary to keep the government functioning,…
Suspended Nigerian Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced her return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified her suspension. In a video shared across social media, the Senator celebrated the ruling and expressed gratitude to her loyal supporters, describing the verdict as a major triumph for democratic values. “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m happy we achieved victory today. By God’s grace, we’ll resume in the Senate on Tuesday,” she told cheering constituents. The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ruled her suspension invalid, ordering her immediate reinstatement. Justice Binta…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her six-month suspension, imposed in March 2025, was excessive and unconstitutional. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako held that the Senate’s disciplinary action infringed upon the rights of Kogi Central constituents to parliamentary representation. The judge emphasized that while the Senate reserves the right to discipline its members, such measures must not undermine democratic representation. “The court is not disputing the Senate’s power to sanction its members,” Justice Nyako stated, “but such sanctions must not strip citizens of their constitutional right…
In a groundbreaking yet controversial move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group’s return to power in August 2021. The recognition, announced Thursday, was met with a mix of diplomatic optimism from Moscow and Kabul and sharp criticism from Afghan civil society and international human rights advocates. A New Era of Engagement? Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed the decision, citing potential for future cooperation in energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hailed the move as “courageous,” saying it ushers in a “new…
The football world is in shock following the heartbreaking death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who died at age 28 in a fiery car accident in Spain. The tragic incident also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Jota, a fellow professional footballer. According to reports by Spanish outlet Marca, the fatal crash occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning in the Zamora province of northwestern Spain. Their vehicle is said to have veered off the road and caught fire, which rapidly spread to the surrounding vegetation. Despite the swift response of emergency services, both brothers were declared dead…
