United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly criticised the resurgence of xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that such acts undermine the country’s democratic values and history of solidarity. In a statement released to coincide with Freedom Day, Guterres expressed serious concern over reports of intimidation and attacks targeting foreign nationals. He pointed specifically to recent incidents in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The

President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments while projecting a stronger national image abroad. Speaking at the opening of an induction programme for the envoys in Abuja, the President said their appointments reflect trust in their ability to advance Nigeria’s interests in an increasingly complex global environment. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,

Lagos State government has forged a sister-state relationship with the California State Assembly, United States through the Assembly Concurrent Resolution 129 (ACR 129) The resolution was sponsored by Assembly member, Matt Haney, and unveiled at the California/Africa Climate and Economic Forum 2026, establishing one of the most significant Africa–California diplomatic ties in recent history. At the gathering were government officials, business leaders, and Nigerian diaspora

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing sharp criticism after comments he made about Nigerian-accented English triggered widespread reactions online. Speaking during an engagement with Kenyans in Italy, the president praised his country’s education system and English proficiency, but drew controversy when he suggested that Nigerian English can be difficult to understand, joking that it sometimes requires interpretation. The remarks, which drew laughter from the audience at th

New data released by the International Organization for Migration has revealed that more than 8,000 migrants were reported dead or missing worldwide in 2025, highlighting the continued dangers of irregular migration despite shifting global patterns. The figures bring the total number of migrant deaths and disappearances recorded since 2014 to over 82,000. Behind these numbers, the agency estimates that at least 340,000 family members have been directly impacted, many left wit

Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has said he prays daily for Nigeria’s progress, warning that challenges in the country could have direct consequences for neighbouring states, particularly Ghana. Speaking at a major continental gathering, the Ghanaian leader emphasised that Nigeria remains central to West Africa’s stability, noting that developments in the country often shape the region’s economic and security outlook. Mahama stated that Ghana’s fortunes are closely ti

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has rejected bribery and corruption allegations during proceedings at a UK court, insisting she never abused her office. Testifying before the Southwark Crown Court, the 65-year-old stated that she consistently resisted corrupt practices while in office and maintained transparency in her dealings Prosecutors allege that certain Nigerian businessmen financed luxury expenses on her behalf, including high-

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Office of Diaspora Affairs, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, has been formally recognised on the Senate Floor at the Georgia State Capitol during an official visit focused on strengthening diaspora engagement and international partnerships. The recognition was facilitated by Georgia State Senator Donzella J. James, who honoured Jermaine Sanwo-Olu in acknowledgment of his role in advancing diaspora relations and fostering stronger connections betw

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to grow diaspora remittances to $1 billion monthly by the end of 2026, positioning inflows from Nigerians abroad as a key pillar of the country’s foreign exchange stability. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this during the first Monetary Policy Forum of 2026 held in Abuja, where he outlined the bank’s ongoing economic reforms and their impact on the financial system. He explained that recent restructuring of the forei

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received the Vice President and Foreign Minister of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, along with members of a high-level delegation in Abuja. The Swiss official arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he was formally welcomed by Nigerian government representatives. According to official sources, the visit is aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and

The Nigerian Presidency has addressed confusion surrounding the recent migration agreement signed with the United Kingdom during President Bola Tinubu’s state visit. Officials emphasised that the deal does not require Nigeria to admit foreign nationals. The agreement, formalised through a 12-page Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is aimed at enhancing cooperation on migration management and combating irregular migration between the two countries. Signed by Nigeria’s Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the significant role of Nigerian-trained doctors in the United Kingdom’s healthcare system, noting their strong presence within the National Health Service (NHS). Speaking during a state banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III, Tinubu said Nigerian medical professionals rank among the largest groups of international workers supporting the NHS. He described their contribution as vital to healthcare delivery across the UK. Th

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has arrived in the United Kingdom to begin a landmark state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between both nations. The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, touched down at Stansted Airport on Tuesday afternoon, marking the official start of a high-level engagement that is expected to shape bilateral relations in the coming years. The visit follows an invitation from King Charles III an

Nigerian diaspora organisations have stepped up efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, launching coordinated engagements aimed at increasing voter participation ahead of the next general election. The renewed push gained momentum during a strategic meeting of diaspora stakeholders held in the United Kingdom, where various pro-Tinubu platforms converged to align their strategies and outreach plans. Speaking at the gathering, Bidemi-Akintu

Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), held a high-level meeting with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen support mechanisms for Nigerians living abroad. The engagement focused on practical reforms to improve customs processes affecting diaspora communities. Central to the discussion was the need to accelerate and simplify the clearance of personal effects and diaspor

Nigerian excellence took centre stage in London as British-Nigerian creatives delivered two of the most talked-about victories at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Actress Wunmi Mosaku and filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. emerged among the night’s biggest winners, underscoring the growing global influence of Nigerian storytelling. Mosaku secured the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Annie in the supernatural thriller Sinners. Her performance stood out in a competi

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have expressed strong enthusiasm ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state visit to Britain scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2026. The visit is expected to take place at the invitation of King Charles III, with engagements planned at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for a series of high-level diplomatic meetings. The monarch and Queen Camilla are anticipated to host the Nigerian

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has successfully repatriated 13 Nigerians who were rescued from human traffickers in Ghana, highlighting ongoing risks associated with irregular migration. The returnees, including 11 adults and two infants aged four weeks and 16 months, were received in Lagos by NiDCOM officials, where they began receiving medical attention and psychological support to address the trauma experienced during their ordeal. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, C

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched a new diaspora-focused banking and investment platform aimed at connecting Africans living abroad and on the continent with structured financial opportunities. The platform is designed to move beyond simple remittances, offering tools for wealth creation, insurance, pensions, real estate investment, and long-term financial planning. The initiative, unveiled at UBA’s Lagos headquarters, brings together a network of partners includi

The United States government has renewed its warning to Nigerian travellers, cautioning that visa overstays could undermine travel opportunities for other Nigerians seeking entry for education, business, or family visits. In a statement issued on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria stressed that failure to comply with visa conditions has wider consequences beyond individual offenders, noting that such actions negatively affect the credibility of Nigerian applicants as a whole