The New Diplomat https://newdiplomatng.com/ Nigeria's global voice Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:54:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://i0.wp.com/newdiplomatng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-newdip-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 The New Diplomat https://newdiplomatng.com/ 32 32 127640339 Nigerian Senate resumes with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s dramatic return, Palestine solidarity display https://newdiplomatng.com/nigerian-senate-resumes/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:26:52 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285166 By Obinna Uballa The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, marking the return of embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stepped back into the red chamber following a six-month suspension. Her presence was one of the major highlights of the plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as […]

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]]> 285166 Supreme Court reserves judgment in Osun LG funds dispute with AGF https://newdiplomatng.com/supreme-court-reserves/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:23:05 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285164 By Obinna Uballa The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgment in a case brought by the Osun State Government against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) over the release of local government funds to council chairmen whose election had been nullified by the courts. A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice […]

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]]> 285164 Ex-PM Philippe turns on Macron, demands his resignation amid France’s worst crisis in years https://newdiplomatng.com/philippe-turns-macron-demands/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:19:51 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285160 By Obinna Uballa France’s deepening political crisis took a dramatic twist on Tuesday as former prime minister Edouard Philippe called on President Emmanuel Macron to resign, accusing him of dragging the country into paralysis. Philippe, who governed as Macron’s longest-serving premier between 2017 and 2020, said the president should leave “in an orderly and dignified […]

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]]> 285160 [PHOTOS] Alleged Christian genocide: US Lawmaker Demands Blacklisting of Nigeria https://newdiplomatng.com/photos-alleged-christian/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:11:56 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285152 By Abiola Olawale A prominent United States (US) Congressman Riley Moore, has demanded that Nigeria be blacklisted as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for what he described as a relentless “genocide” against Christians. In a letter addressed to the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Moore argued that the designation of Nigeria as a […]

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]]> 285152 CAN rejects ‘Christian genocide’ narrative, urges united fight against terrorism https://newdiplomatng.com/can-rejects-christian/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:07:11 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285149 By Obinna Uballa The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed claims of a Christian genocide in the country, insisting that the wave of killings linked to insurgency and banditry affects both Christians and Muslims. The controversy was sparked by United States comedian Bill Maher, who alleged that Christians were being systematically exterminated in Nigeria, […]

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]]> 285149 Tinubu seeks $2.35bn external borrowing, $500m Sukuk to fund 2025 budget, refinance Eurobond https://newdiplomatng.com/tinubu-seeks-external/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:02:52 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285147 By Obinna Uballa President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve fresh external borrowing of $2.347 billion and the issuance of a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market. The request, read on the floor of the House on Tuesday by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, is aimed at funding […]

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]]> 285147 [VIDEO] Yakubu Bows Out, Hands Over to May Agbamuche as Acting Chairman https://newdiplomatng.com/video-yakubu-bows-out-hands/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:28:26 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285140 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 […]

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]]> 285140 The Universities Producing the Most Billionaires https://newdiplomatng.com/the-universities-producing/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:15:34 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285131 American universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Penn lead in producing billionaire alumn. Most wealth comes from technology startups and entrepreneurial ventures (e.g., Microsoft, Google, DoorDash, Baidu). This visualization ranks institutions by billionaire alumni, highlighting U.S. dominance and the growing role of Asian universities. The data comes from Salas Díaz & Young (2024). The study was published in September […]

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]]> 285131 The Dangote Refinery Strike Cost Nigeria 600,000 Barrels of Oil Output https://newdiplomatng.com/the-dangote-refinery-strike/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 12:09:21 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285129 A three-day national strike prompted by layoffs at the Dangote refinery has led to production losses of 600,000 barrels, the chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has said. “I think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and critical staff manning critical facilities […]

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]]> 285129 [FULL LIST] How Lagos Shattered Records with N1.26trn IGR in 2024, Rivers Hits N317bn https://newdiplomatng.com/full-list-how-lagos-shattered/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:10:03 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285126 • Total Revenue by Nigerian States Surged by 49% By Abiola Olawale Lagos State has once again clinched the top spot in internally generated revenue (IGR) for 2024, raking in a total of N1.26 trillion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported. The agency revealed that Lagos State’s IGR accounts for over one-third of […]

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]]> 285126 FG Inaugurates Expanded Negotiation Committee as ASUU’s Strike Looms https://newdiplomatng.com/inaugurates-expanded/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:06:22 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285123 By Abiola Olawale The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the inauguration of an expanded negotiation committee codenamed the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee. The development comes amid escalating tensions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), whose two-week ultimatum to the government expires on Tuesday. The inauguration was […]

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]]> 285123 Nigeria Eyes $2 Billion Chinese Loan to Power Up ‘Super Grid’ — Adelabu Reveals https://newdiplomatng.com/nigeria-eyes-billion-chinese/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 11:03:30 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285121 By Abiola Olawale Nigeria is negotiating a $2 billion loan from China’s Export-Import Bank to construct a “super grid” to ease the country’s power shortages. This was made known by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja. The Minister said the loan, when approved, would be used to dismantle […]

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]]> 285121 Saudi Arabia, Canada, Bangladesh pledge billions as Northern Nigeria launches $10bn growth drive https://newdiplomatng.com/saudi-arabia-canada-bangladesh/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:59:59 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285118 By Obinna Uballa Northern Nigeria has taken a bold step towards economic transformation with the launch of the Northern Nigeria Economic Development Council (NNEDC), a new institutional framework created to attract investment, harmonise policies, and drive industrialisation across the 19 states of the region. The council was unveiled at the close of the Northern Nigeria […]

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]]> 285118 Peter Mbah and Uche Nnaji Trade Barbs in Explosive Certificate Forgery Scandal https://newdiplomatng.com/peter-mbah-uche-nnaji-trade/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:56:34 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285115 By Abiola Olawale A political showdown has erupted between Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery against the latter. What began as a controversy over Nnaji’s academic credentials has ignited into a war of words, with both figures accusing each other of sabotage […]

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]]> 285115 Nigerian equities rally as SEPLAT, MANSARD hit limit-up; ASI climbs 1,238 points to 144,822 https://newdiplomatng.com/nigerian-equities-rally-seplat/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:51:42 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285112 By Obinna Uballa The Nigerian Exchange closed in positive territory on Monday, October 6, 2025, with the All-Share Index (ASI) advancing by 1,238.7 points to 144,822.8, lifted by a strong rally in large cap stocks led by Seplat Energy Plc. The performance reflects a 0.86 percent rise from 143,584.1 points recorded in the previous session, […]

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]]> 285112 #OpEd: Rescuing Nigerians From The Talons Of Leaders Like Adams Oshiomhole, By Owei Lakemfa https://newdiplomatng.com/oped-rescuing-nigerians-from/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:33:46 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285107 The resolve, determination, precision and speed with which the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN took on Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, frightened the ruling elites. They clearly had written off the Nigerian working people and their ability to strike if necessary. The elites had come to the conclusion that the […]

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]]> 285107 How ex-NAF chief Osita Obierika died mid-air on London-Abuja British Airways flight https://newdiplomatng.com/how-naf-chief-osita-obierika/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:20:46 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285103 By Obinna Uballa Facts have emerged about how a retired Nigerian Air Force Chief, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Osita Obierika (rtd.), died aboard a British Airways flight from London to Abuja on Sunday night. Obierika, fondly called Prof and remembered as a distinguished elder statesman, was an octogenarian and former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Training […]

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]]> 285103 Nnaji insists he graduated from UNN in 1985, dismisses forgery scandal as political witch-hunt https://newdiplomatng.com/nnaji-insists-graduated-unn/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:17:19 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285101 By Obinna Uballa Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has doubled down on his claim that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985, dismissing allegations of certificate forgery as a politically motivated smear campaign. At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, September 6, 2025, addressed on […]

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]]> 285101 Rowdy session expected at Senate plenary today as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes https://newdiplomatng.com/rowdy-session-expected-senate/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:38:41 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285099 By Obinna Uballa Tension is mounting at the National Assembly as the Senate reconvenes today (Tuesday), with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central set to resume plenary after serving a controversial six-month suspension. Her anticipated return has stirred unease within the red chamber, amid warnings from her legal team that any attempt to block her […]

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]]> 285099 Portugal Golden Visa: Americans Still Welcome Amid New Legal Changes https://newdiplomatng.com/portugal-golden-visa-americans/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:27:42 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285096 It’s good news for Americans looking to make Portugal their home through its golden visa program. A recent announcement by the Portuguese government to increase taxes on foreign nationals buying homes in the country is unlikely to impact golden visa holders. Plus, the Portuguese government’s recent ratification of its new immigration law also benefits golden […]

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]]> 285096 Charted: The History of U.S. Government Shutdowns https://newdiplomatng.com/charted-the-history/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:07:31 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285093 Key Takeaways The first U.S. government shutdown was in 1981 under President Ronald Reagan, and lasted two days. Including the latest shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, there have been 15 U.S. government shutdowns amounting to 97 days of suspended federal operations. The U.S. entered its 15th government shutdown on October 1, 2025, under […]

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]]> 285093 Low Oil Prices: Saudi Gift to Trump or Ticking Bomb? https://newdiplomatng.com/low-oil-prices-saudi-gift/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:58 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285091 OPEC+ has agreed to modest monthly production boosts, keeping oil prices range-bound around $65 per barrel, which benefits consumer countries like the US but creates challenges for producer nations. Saudi Arabia’s strategy of unwinding production cuts has been seen as a gift to President Trump, aiming to keep fuel prices low and potentially impacting Russian […]

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]]> 285091 Uche Nnaji: Politicians Only Need Secondary School Certificate– Shehu Sani https://newdiplomatng.com/uche-nnaji-politicians-only/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:09:03 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285088 By Abiola Olawale Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has declared that a secondary school certificate is more than adequate for anyone aspiring to hold political office in Nigeria. Sani’s statement comes amid a fresh scandal involving Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji. A report, which has sent shockwaves through Nigeria, revealed that […]

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]]> 285088 Jilly Cooper, best-selling British author, dies at 88 https://newdiplomatng.com/jilly-cooper-selling-british/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:05:01 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285085 By Obinna Uballa Celebrated British novelist Jilly Cooper, famed for her witty and racy tales of high society, has died at the age of 88, her family and agent confirmed on Monday. Media reports in the United Kingdom said Cooper passed away after suffering a fall on Sunday. Her publicist, Felicity Blunt, paid tribute, describing […]

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]]> 285085 Obaseki, Orbih trade accusations as Edo PDP crisis deepens https://newdiplomatng.com/obaseki-orbih-trade/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:02:03 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285082 By Obinna Uballa The lingering crisis in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a fresh turn, with former governor Godwin Obaseki and the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, locked in a bitter war of words over the party’s leadership and future. Orbih, speaking on Sunday at a […]

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]]> 285082 NUPRC marks 4th anniversary with $40bn investments, 762% rig surge, N358bn host community fund https://newdiplomatng.com/nuprc-marks-anniversary/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:58:42 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285080 By Obinna Uballa The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas regulator, has rolled out an ambitious scorecard to mark its fourth anniversary, citing record rig activity, fresh multibillion dollar investments, improved revenues, and a sharp drop in crude theft as evidence of sweeping reforms since its creation under the Petroleum […]

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]]> 285080 Macron’s govt in turmoil as French PM Lecornu quits after just one month in office https://newdiplomatng.com/macron-govt-turmoil-french/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:51:01 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285077 By Obinna Uballa France was plunged deeper into political turmoil on Monday after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his government abruptly resigned, barely a month into his tenure, dealing a fresh blow to President Emmanuel Macron’s fragile grip on power. Lecornu, 39, who had only hours earlier unveiled his cabinet lineup, quit amid a storm […]

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]]> 285077 Peter Obi Demands Prosecution of Tinubu’s Minister Amid Shocking Certificate Forgery Report https://newdiplomatng.com/peter-obi-demands-prosecution/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:46:47 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285074 By Abiola Olawale The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has demanded the immediate prosecution of a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. The call comes on the heels of a damning investigative report accusing the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji of alleged certificate fraud. The report alleged that […]

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]]> 285074 Dangote Refinery Praises Tinubu’s Intervention in Resolving Labor Dispute With PENGASSAN https://newdiplomatng.com/dangote-refinery-praises/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:40:36 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285072 By Abiola Olawale Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, owned by Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in quelling a brewing industrial crisis with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The refinery also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the […]

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]]> 285072 Nigeria strengthens lead as Africa’s net exporter, as trade surges by N610bn in H1 2025 https://newdiplomatng.com/nigeria-strengthens-lead/ Mon, 06 Oct 2025 12:37:43 +0000 https://newdiplomatng.com/?p=285070 By Obinna Uballa Nigeria has reinforced its status as Africa’s leading net exporter, as trade volumes with regional peers jumped by N610 billion in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Total trade with other African countries climbed to N4.82 trillion in H1 2025, up […]

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