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US–India Trade Deal Sparks Shift in Global Oil Dynamics

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

The United States and India are moving toward a new trade agreement that could reshape not only their economic relationship but also global energy flows. Central to these talks is the issue of oil, which has become a point of strategic negotiation.

After a period of trade friction, Washington has eased some barriers on Indian goods, creating room for closer economic cooperation. 

A significant factor in this shift is India’s decision to scale back purchases of Russian crude, a move seen as aligning with U.S. interests while balancing New Delhi’s energy needs.

Indian refiners, who had previously relied on discounted Russian oil, have reportedly reduced imports for the near future. This change reflects India’s effort to maintain energy security while also navigating complex international pressures. 

At the same time, the country emphasizes that its energy decisions will continue to be guided by national priorities, rather than outside influence.
Globally, the implications are notable. Russia faces a potential drop in one of its key export markets, while the United States gains an opportunity to expand its role in supplying oil. 

For India, the shift represents a careful balancing act—diversifying energy sources while maintaining strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

As the trade agreement progresses, attention will remain on how these energy adjustments affect both the U.S.–India partnership and the broader global oil market. 

The coming months could see a recalibration of long-standing trade patterns, with energy policy playing a central role in diplomacy.

Nigeria’s Ambassador Posts in Limbo as Host Countries Hold Up Agrément

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu’s recently nominated ambassadors are facing an unexpected diplomatic hurdle: many host nations are hesitating to grant the formal approval needed before these envoys can take up their assignments. 

The situation could leave several key Nigerian diplomatic missions without accredited ambassadors for months to come.

The crux of the problem lies in timing and tenure expectations. Countries that receive ambassadors typically look for envoys who can serve a meaningful term — often at least one to two years — to allow for continuity in bilateral relations and institutional memory. 

But with Nigeria’s next presidential election scheduled for February 2027 and the current administration’s term ending in May of that year, many of the nominated envoys might have only a short period in office if approved now. 

As a result, some governments are reportedly delaying or reviewing agrément requests, concerned that a nomination with limited lifespan may not be in their interests.

Diplomatic insiders say the late pace of the appointment process contributed to the current predicament. After President Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s global missions in 2023, it took more than two years for a new slate of nominees to be confirmed by the Senate.

Only a handful have been formally posted so far, including nominees for major capitals like Washington, London, and Paris. But other nominations — including those destined for strategic partners in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa — remain in diplomatic limbo as ministries await agrément.

Under international rules, receiving states have complete discretion to grant or withhold their consent. They are not obliged to explain the reasons behind a decision, meaning a delayed response can effectively stall deployment without formal rejection.

Nigeria’s foreign service traditionally expects ambassadors to serve tours of around three years, yet with the current election cycle looming, many of the newly confirmed envoys would hardly approach a full year in post. 

That has raised questions about the effectiveness of the nomination timeline and whether the Foreign Affairs ministry could have initiated agrément processes earlier to avoid the bottleneck.

Officials involved in the process say they are engaging with foreign counterparts to address concerns and expedite approvals, but the diplomatic calendar and procedural checks in receiving countries mean that some delays may persist.

For Nigeria, the implications go beyond ceremonial inconvenience. Without resident ambassadors, the country’s ability to advocate its interests, support citizens abroad, and manage bilateral relations is constrained at a time when global partnerships — particularly on trade, investment, security, and climate cooperation — are increasingly critical.

President Tinubu to Embark on Historic State Visit to the United Kingdom

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to make history later this month with a landmark State Visit to the United Kingdom, following an official invitation from King Charles III. 

The visit, which will take place on March 18–19, 2026, will see President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hosted at Windsor Castle by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The British Royal Family confirmed the visit in a statement on its official social media account, noting:
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. 

The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle.”
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga described the visit as a “landmark moment in Nigeria–UK relations,” highlighting that this will be the first Nigerian leader to receive full state honours in the UK in 37 years. 

The last of such visit was in 1989, when then-military president General Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. Babangida’s four-day visit included a stay at a royal residence and a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.

Historically, only two other Nigerian leaders have undertaken formal State Visits to the UK: General Yakubu Gowon in 1973 and President Shehu Shagari in 1981. While subsequent Nigerian presidents have travelled to the UK, those visits were categorized as private, working, or official engagements, lacking the ceremonial pageantry of a State Visit.

Leaders such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Muhammadu Buhari—who attended King Charles III’s coronation in 2023—visited under non-state designations.

President Tinubu has previously met King Charles III twice since assuming office. Their first encounter was in December 2023 on the sidelines of the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, and a second private meeting occurred in September 2024 at Buckingham Palace, focusing on climate change and global security.

Since his inauguration in May 2023, President Tinubu has conducted over ten foreign trips across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. While many were working visits or summit attendances, several were officially classified as state or official visits with full ceremonial protocols. 

These include:
Türkiye: State visit where he met President Recep Erdoğan and signed nine strategic agreements covering defence, energy, and trade.

Brazil (August 2025): State visit following an invitation from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

China (September 2024): Official state visit for the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation.

Equatorial Guinea (August 2024): Discussions on maritime security and gas cooperation.

Netherlands (April 2024): Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum.

Qatar (March 2024): At the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Benin Republic (August 2023): Special guest at the 63rd Independence Anniversary.

These engagements underscore Nigeria’s foreign policy focus on diplomatic engagement, strategic partnerships, and trade cooperation, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s global standing.

The upcoming State Visit to the UK promises to further cement bilateral ties, revive historic diplomatic protocols, and showcase Nigeria’s growing influence on the international stage.

Family of Late UNIBEN Student Vera Uwaila Omozuwa Renews Call for Justice Five Years After Church Murder

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

The family of Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, the 22-year-old University of Benin (UNIBEN) undergraduate brutally raped and murdered inside a church in Benin City, has once again demanded justice, nearly five years after the tragic incident that shocked the nation.

Uwaila, a final-year Microbiology student, was attacked on May 27, 2020, while studying alone at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.

According to reports, she was sexually assaulted and repeatedly struck on the head with a fire extinguisher by her attackers, leaving her critically injured. She was later discovered unconscious in a pool of blood by a church security guard and rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

Despite efforts by medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries three days later, on May 30, 2020.

During a recent remembrance prayer held at her graveside, members of the Omozuwa family voiced their frustration over what they described as prolonged delays and repeated adjournments in the court proceedings related to the case.

A family representative said the slow pace of justice has deepened their pain, noting that years after losing their daughter and sister in such a horrifying manner, accountability remains out of reach.

They appealed to the Edo State Government, security agencies, and the judiciary to ensure the case is concluded swiftly and those responsible are brought to justice.

The family also called on Nigerians, civil society groups, and human rights advocates to continue speaking out against gender-based violence, stressing that justice for Uwaila would not only honor her memory but also serve as a deterrent to future crimes.

Uwaila’s death sparked nationwide outrage in 2020 and renewed conversations about the safety of women and girls, even in places of worship. 

For her family, however, the fight remains personal — a quest for closure, justice, and assurance that such a tragedy will never be repeated.

Minister Empowers 4,064 APC Women, Vulnerable Residents in Kano

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmud, has empowered no fewer than 4,064 women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and vulnerable residents across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

Speaking during a large-scale empowerment programme held on Saturday in Kano, the minister praised the loyalty, resilience, and grassroots efforts of women, describing them as critical drivers of peace, mobilisation, and community development.

She said the initiative was designed not just to distribute items but to restore dignity, create opportunities, and promote sustainable livelihoods among women and vulnerable citizens.

According to Mahmud, the programme reflects the APC’s commitment to inclusion, social justice, and economic growth, noting that empowering women remains key to strengthening families and communities.

“This intervention goes beyond charity. It is about unlocking potential, promoting self-reliance, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” she stated.

The minister also commended APC women leaders in Kano for their dedication and consistent grassroots mobilisation, which she said has helped deepen democratic participation and strengthen the party’s presence in the state.

She explained that the items provided would help beneficiaries start or expand small businesses, boost household incomes, and contribute meaningfully to local economic activities. She urged recipients to make judicious use of the support, describing it as a symbol of trust and responsibility.

Mahmud linked the empowerment scheme to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social investments, women’s inclusion, youth empowerment, and improved welfare for vulnerable Nigerians.

Items Distributed

Beneficiaries received a wide range of tools and support, including:
Six cars
35 motorcycles
200 spaghetti-making machines with flour
200 grinding machines
400 bags of fertiliser
1,000 bags of rice
30 tricycle wheelchairs for persons with disabilities
200 sewing machines
₦30,000 cash grants for 2,000
 beneficiaries

In his welcome remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Administration and Strategy, Abdullahi Kauran-Mata, described the initiative as a practical step towards strengthening livelihoods and economic resilience among women and vulnerable groups.

“This programme provides skills, tools, and opportunities for beneficiaries to become productive and self-reliant,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre, Bappa Dan’Agundi, and Kano State Commissioner for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, lauded the minister’s efforts, describing the empowerment drive as a significant boost for women’s economic participation in the state.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support.
Aisha Abdullahi, who received a sewing machine, said the equipment would help her start a tailoring business and earn a steady income. Another beneficiary, Amina Sadiq, who got a grinding machine, described the intervention as timely, noting it would improve her family’s livelihood.

The event underscored the growing focus on grassroots empowerment as a strategy for tackling poverty and promoting inclusive development in Kano State.

Akpabio: Senate Did Not Reject Electronic Transmission of Election Results

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that the Senate did not reject the electronic transmission of election results, insisting that lawmakers merely retained the existing provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.

Akpabio made the clarification on Saturday in Abuja during a book launch focused on the challenges and responsibilities of legislators in Nigeria.

Addressing concerns that trailed the recent amendment to the Electoral Act, the Senate President explained that electronic transmission of results remains allowed. However, lawmakers removed the phrase “real-time” to avoid potential legal and technical complications.

“All we said during discussion was that we should remove the word ‘real-time’ because if you say real-time and there is a network or grid failure, somebody could go to court to challenge the process,” Akpabio said. “That was all we said.”

According to him, the decision was aimed at giving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the flexibility to determine the most practical and secure method of transmitting election results, considering technological and security realities across the country.

He stressed that the Senate remains committed to passing laws that reflect the interests and expectations of Nigerians.

Reacting to the issue, former Senate President David Mark said the National Assembly should leave the decision entirely to INEC, allowing the electoral body to choose whether or not to transmit results electronically.

Mark also disclosed that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) supports the electronic transmission of election results to enhance transparency and credibility.

The controversy followed last week’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026 by the Senate during its third reading.

While passing the bill, lawmakers rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) that sought to make electronic transmission of results mandatory. The proposal would have required presiding officers to upload polling unit results to INEC’s Result Viewing (IREV) portal in real time after signing and stamping official result forms.

Instead, the Senate retained the existing provision of the Electoral Act, which states that results should be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about transparency, while others argue that flexibility is necessary to address infrastructure challenges in parts of the country.

NEDC Opens Modern Office Complex in Gombe, Unveils Health and Education Projects

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

The North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has commissioned a modern office complex in Gombe State as part of efforts to strengthen its operations and accelerate development across the region.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, described the new facility as a strategic step toward improving the commission’s efficiency and service delivery in the North-East.

Beyond the office complex, the minister also unveiled several key projects executed by the commission to enhance healthcare, education, and community welfare in the state.

Among the projects inaugurated were a 40-bed maternity clinic located at Bogo Quarters in Akko Local Government Area, a central cold room storage facility in Gombe to support medical logistics, and a 150-capacity lecture hall at Gombe State University (GSU).

Other interventions include the upgrade of Government Secondary School, Malam Sidi, to serve as the Faculty of Agriculture for GSU, as well as improvements at Ahmadu Gombe Secondary School in Jekadafari.

Ahmadu commended the NEDC for its sustained impact across critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, noting that the commission has continued to deliver meaningful projects that directly benefit local communities.

According to him, the newly inaugurated office complex will further boost socio-economic development and strengthen coordination of intervention programmes throughout the region.

“The commission has done well and is still doing well. Nineteen years is a significant milestone, and I am satisfied with what I have seen so far,” he said.

The minister added that proactive measures have been introduced to improve transparency and accountability, including the establishment of a SERVICOM desk where members of the public can submit complaints or feedback.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to increased funding and support for the North-East, particularly in addressing pressing security and developmental challenges.

Ahmadu stressed that the Bola Tinubu administration remains focused on balanced national growth and ensuring that all regions benefit from government interventions.

The projects, he said, reflect the government’s broader agenda to rebuild infrastructure, improve living standards, and create sustainable opportunities for communities across the North-East.