Ranked: The World’s Largest Merchant Ship Fleets by Country

Key Takeaways Indonesia tops the global ranking with over 11,000 merchant ships — a reflection of its massive archipelago, large domestic economy, and laws requiring ships in its waters to fly the Indonesian flag. Panama is the world’s 3rd largest ship registry — thanks to its open ‘flag of convenience’ system, which allows global shipowners to…

Wike Mocks Defected PDP Govs: Those Who Accused Me of Working for Tinubu Are Now in APC

By Obinna Uballa The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at governors and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying their move vindicates him after years of being accused of undermining the opposition party. Speaking on Wednesday during…

Nigeria’s inflation drops to 18.02% in September, lowest in over a year

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s inflation rate eased sharply to 18.02% in September 2025, its lowest level in more than a year, down from 20.12% recorded in August, according to new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The latest figures indicate a significant moderation in price increases across key sectors of the economy, signaling…

Breaking! Governor Douye Diri Dumps PDP [Video]

By Abiola Olawale Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has reportedly ditched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday. According to reports emerging on Wednesday, Diri alongside 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, dumped the PDP. While their destination remains sketchy as of press time, an insider source said they are heading to…

OPEC Chief: The World Needs $18.2 Trillion in Oil and Gas Investment

OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais emphasizes the critical need for continued investment in oil and gas, projecting their substantial role in the global energy mix until 2050. Primary energy demand is expected to increase by 23% by 2050, with oil still accounting for 30% of total global energy consumption, necessitating $18.2 trillion in oil…

Defection fever grips PDP as Taraba gov, other bigwigs plot move to APC

By Obinna Uballa A major political realignment is underway as Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, appears set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following in the footsteps of Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, who formally joined the APC on Tuesday. The planned defection, which has sparked intense debate…

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Events

  • Thu25Sep 2025

    Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea

    Ends: September 25, 2025

    High-Level Roundtable on Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation & Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), New York, USA

    See Event

Entertainment

BREAKING: How Imisi won BBNaija Season 10 . . . takes home N150 million grand prize

Stand-out housemate Imisi this Sunday night, October 5, 2025 emerged winner of the Big Brother Naija Season 10 reality TV show. She beat the eight other finalists during the grande finale to take home the N150 million grand prize. With the disqualification of Faith for violence against Sultana on Thursday, Imisi, known for her resilience,…

Tears as Fashion Titan Giorgio Armani Passes Away at 91

By Abiola Olawale The fashion world has been thrown into a state of mourning as Giorgio Armani, an iconic Italian designer died at his Milan home on Thursday at the age of 91. Born on July 11, 1934, in Piacenza, Italy, Armani was praised by many for transforming the fashion landscape with his revolutionary approach…

Miss Universe unveils 22 contestants as pageant kicks off

By Obinna Uballa The organisers of Miss Universe Nigeria 2025 have announced 22 finalists who will compete for the prestigious crown at this year’s edition of the pageant. The contestants, representing various states across the Nigeria were unveiled through the pageant’s official website and social media platforms. The winner will succeed the outgoing queen, Chidinma…

Nigeria

[VIDEO] Yakubu Bows Out, Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting Chairman

By Abiola Olawale Professor Mahmood Yakubu has bowed out as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Yakubu has also officially handed over leadership to National Commissioner May Agbamuche as Acting Chairman on Tuesday. The changeover, announced during an ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at INEC's headquarters in Abuja, marks the…

Boko Haram’s Ambition Was Similar to What Fueled Nigeria’s Civil War, Jonathan Warns

By Abiola Olawale Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has likened the ambitions of Boko Haram insurgents to the grievances that fueled the nation's 1967-1970 Civil War. Speaking at the public presentation of Scars, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retd.), on Friday, Jonathan claimed that Boko Haram wanted more…

EU, INEC chairman, other stakeholders push for urgent electoral reforms ahead of 2027 polls

By Obinna Uballa The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, have renewed calls for judicial, constitutional, and legislative reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. Leading an EU delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday,…

Ex-Senator Elisha Abbo in Police Custody over Alleged Rape of 13-Year-Old Girl

By Abiola Olawale A former lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District of Adamawa State in the Senate, Senator Elisha Abbo is reportedly in the detention facility of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). According to reports, the development came after the former lawmaker reportedly surrendered himself to authorities over allegations of raping a 13-year-old secondary school…

Sports

Just In! Super Eagles Defeats Benin Republic to Keep World Cup Hope Alive

By Abiola Olawale The 2026 World Cup hopes of the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been kept alive after an emphatic 4:0 over the Benin Republic on Tuesday. Striker Victor Osimhen scored three goals, with Frank Onyeka scoring the fourth, to ensure Nigeria has a spot in the qualification play-offs. The result also confirmed they…

Super Eagles Keep World Cup Dream Alive with Crucial 2–1 Win Over Lesotho

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s Super Eagles revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a determined 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, a much-needed result that keeps them in contention ahead of the final round of qualifiers. After a cagey and goalless first half, captain William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock in…

Nigeria Gets Renewed Hope of World Cup Qualification Ahead of Lesotho Clash Today

By Obinna Uballa Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been reignited following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to adjust the qualification criteria in response to Eritrea’s withdrawal from the ongoing campaign. The Super Eagles face Lesotho in a crucial World Cup qualifier scheduled for 5 p.m. local time…

EPL Roundup: Arsenal Surges to Premier League Summit as Manchester United Defeats Sunderland

By Abiola Olawale In an entertaining Premier League Matchweek 7, Arsenal reclaimed the top spot with a 2-0 victory against London rivals West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, Manchester United delivered a 2-0 home triumph over Sunderland, providing manager Ruben Amorim with a reprieve amid mounting scrutiny. The New Diplomat reports that Arsenal's…

Technology

Nigerian Travellers, Others Stranded As Flight Cancellations Mar US 5G Rollout

The rollout of 5G internet service in the United States has left many US-bound air travellers stranded at the various airports in Nigeria and around the world as many airlines were forced to cancel flights over safety reasons. The 5G rollout, The New Diplomat gathered, triggered a feud earlier in the week between the US…

Nigeria’s Flutterwave In Talks To Triple Valuation To $3 Billion

Flutterwave Inc., a Nigerian payments firm, is seeking fresh funding at a valuation of $3 billion or more, a figure that would roughly triple its last valuation, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The startup, which has offices in Lagos, Nigeria and San Francisco, recently held discussions with potential investors, the people said.…

World’s Most Expensive Car, Rolls-Royce Makes Public Debut

The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail produced by the Rolls Royce Motor Cars company has made its first official public appearance. The Rolls-Royce Boat tail holds a price tag of $28 million as world's most expensive new car. The singular cabriolet made its first public appearance at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Northern Italy over…

All You Need To Know About Jeff Bezos’ 10-minute Trip To Space Today

AFP-- The wealthiest man on the planet Jeff Bezos spent a few minutes in space Tuesday on Blue Origin’s first human mission, a key moment for a fledgling industry seeking to make the final frontier accessible to elite tourists. “A very happy group of people in this capsule,” said Bezos after the spaceship touched down…

Arts & Lifestyle

Holding 2027 Intra-Africa Trade Fair in Nigeria ‘ll boost Economy, Says FG

By Obinna Uballa Economic experts and government officials have described Nigeria’s scheduled hosting of the 2027 Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF) as a transformative opportunity for the country’s economy, predicting that the event will hepl unlock new markets, attract foreign investments, and position Nigeria as a leading hub for continental commerce. The announcement on Friday by…

ETA: Canada, Australia, US To Benefit From UK’s Visa-Waiver Entry Scheme

By Kolawole Ojebisi The United Kingdom has announced dozens of additional countries, including United States, Canada and Australia, as beneficiaries of its Electronic Travel Authorisation schemes meant for visitors. According to AFP, the system, aimed at tightening border security, took effect on Wednesday. The scheme would allow eligible travellers to enter Britain with pre-travel authorisation.…

The Israeli-Palestinian War: A Failure of Diplomacy

By Dr. Frederick Braimah The Israeli-Palestinian war, a longstanding and complicated conflict, is often seen and regarded as a stark reminder of the limitations and failures of diplomacy. Diplomacy, the art of fostering collaborative relationships between nations, organizations, or individuals, typically involves nuanced negotiations, tactful persuasion, and strategic compromise to yield mutually beneficial results. As…

The Church Rushed Us: Stella Damasus On Why Third Marriage With Soul Mate Crashed

By Ishola Kayode  Ace actress Stella Damasus and her best friend and soul mate producer Daniel Ademinokan had wanted to take their relationship slow, to cruise along a little longer but the church intervened. The pastors felt that since the two famous members of the choir enjoyed each other’s company so much they should get…

Environment

Revealed! How Fossil Fuel Enablers Dominated List of COP27 Sponsors

18 out of 20 entities sponsoring the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 directly supported or partnered with the fossil fuel industry, according to an analysis by Corporate European Observatory (CEO) and Corporate Accountability. The revelation comes on the heels of investigation by Global Witness that a total of 636 fossil fuel lobbyists were accredited to…

Revealed! Concerns As COP27 Sees Over 25% More Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Than In Glasgow

636 fossil fuel lobbyists affiliated with some of the world's notorious polluting corporations were said to have been registered among delegates participating at the ongoing COP27 climate talks in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, The New Diplomat has learnt. The figure represents an increase of over 25% from COP26 in Glasgow as it depicts…

COP27: Activists Reject New Africa Carbon Markets Initiative

Climate activists in Africa have described the new Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) launched at the COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on November 8 as a further distraction from the real solution to climate change. The ACMI has a 13-member steering committee of African leaders, CEOs, and carbon credit experts, who believe the initiative will…

We’re On Highway To Climate Hell, UN Chief Guterres Warns As COP27 Takes Off

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT - United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told countries gathered at the start of the COP27 summit in Egypt on Monday they face a stark choice: work together now to cut emissions or condemn future generations to climate catastrophe. The speech was intended to set an urgent tone as governments sit down…

Niger Delta

Itsekiri youths Body accuses Ogbe-Ijoh of land grab, urges Delta govt to restore order

By Obinna Uballa Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, a socio-cultural organisation, has accused some individuals from Ogbe-Ijoh in Delta State of attempting to unlawfully claim parts of Warri South Local Government Area, describing the move as a “territorial affront.” In a statement signed by its Vice President, Mrs. Tasye Mene, the group said the Ijaw community has…

Ambassador Oma Djebah Congratulates Delta APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie on His Birthday

Frontline international journalist-diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah, has congratulated the Delta State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie on the occasion of his birth day celebration. In his goodwill message to the celebrant, Amb. Djebah, a former two-time Delta State Honourable Commissioner for Information, described Elder Sobotie as “a dynamic, astute…

Ambassador Oma Djebah Congratulates Senator Omo-Agege on His Birthday

By Hamilton Nwosa Frontline international journalist-diplomat and former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah has congratulated the Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator (Obarisi) Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday, today, Sunday, August 3, 2025, describing him as an impactful personality in the 9th Senate whose voice and contributions…

Delta Wins National Sports Festival

By Tajudeen Balogun ...Bayelsa, Ogun also shine Team Delta has been announced as the overall winner of the 22nd National Sports Festival hosted by Ogun State. Similarly, Bayelsa and Ogun States were announced as the first and second runners-up, respectively. The winner, Delta State, won a total of 109 gold, 75 silver and 87 bronze…

Politics

APC Policies Have Driven 50 Million Nigerians into Poverty in Two Years– Peter Obi

By Abiola Olawale The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Bola Tinubu of purportedly driving over 50 million citizens into poverty since taking office in 2023. Citing a World Bank report, Obi described the surge as a "heartbreaking reflection of failed governance,"…

Labour Party Crisis: Factional Chairman, Abure Meets Acting INEC Chair, Agbamuche-Mbu

By Abiola Olawale The crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has once again hit the headlines as a factional National Chairman of the party, Barr. Julius Abure, and the factional National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, attended the quarterly consultative meeting between political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This was confirmed in a…

[Video] Just In! Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Officially Dumps PDP for APC

By Abiola Olawale Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially announced his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The Governor announced this decision during a televised address on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He said he decided to join the APC because of the progressive nature…

Cameroon on edge as opposition candidate Tchiroma declares victory over Biya, issues warning

By Obinna Uballa Cameroon’s opposition candidate, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself winner of Sunday’s presidential election, claiming victory over long-serving President Paul Biya even as official results are not expected for another two weeks. “Our victory is clear. It must be respected,” Tchiroma announced in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, calling on…

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
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