By Rukevwe Odeh

The United States has announced plans to discontinue routine visa processing at its Embassy in Abuja from August 1, 2026, as part of a broad reorganisation of its diplomatic and consular operations across Africa.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy will also affect 24 other American embassies and consulates on the continent. The restructuring is intended to centralise visa services in selected regional hubs, with the aim of strengthening security checks, improving efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring greater consistency in the visa application process.

The department explained that applicants seeking routine visa appointments in countries affected by the change will instead be directed to designated regional centres where visa interviews and processing will take place.

Officials said the decision forms part of the current U.S. administration’s efforts to modernise overseas consular services while placing greater emphasis on national security and more rigorous screening procedures.

Besides Nigeria, the new arrangement will impact U.S. diplomatic missions in several African countries, including Eritrea, Mali, The Gambia, Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Guinea, Benin, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Gabon, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Chad, Niger, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and others.

Although routine visa processing will no longer be available at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the embassy is expected to continue offering other consular and diplomatic services. Travellers are advised to check updated visa application guidelines before making travel plans, as new regional processing arrangements come into effect from August.

By  Favour Bibaikefie

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has surpassed the United States in supplying jet fuel to Europe, following a significant rise in exports during June, according to new market data.

Figures released by S&P Global Commodity Insights indicate that the Lagos-based refinery exported about 466,000 metric tonnes of aviation fuel to Europe in June, nearly double the 232,000 metric tonnes shipped in May. The latest export volume represents the highest level of Nigerian jet fuel deliveries to Europe since the country became a net exporter of the product in 2024.

The June shipments are estimated at roughly 582.5 million litres of jet fuel. Using a domestic reference price of ₦1,300 per litre, the cargo is valued at approximately ₦757 billion.

The increase in Nigerian exports comes as Europe’s aviation fuel market has shifted from supply shortages to oversupply. Earlier price spikes driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have eased following higher refinery output and increased shipments from several exporters, including the Dangote refinery.

Meanwhile, jet fuel exports from the United States to Europe have continued to decline. Data showed American shipments dropped from 818,000 metric tonnes in April to 560,000 metric tonnes in May before falling further to 399,000 metric tonnes in June, allowing Nigeria to overtake the U.S. as Europe’s larger supplier for the month.

Industry traders attribute the current market surplus to increased refinery production, noting that many operators postponed maintenance work to maximize output while prices remained high. They also pointed to substantial exports from both the United States and the Dangote refinery, alongside the gradual return of cargo movements through the Suez route from the United Arab Emirates, as factors contributing to the growing supply.

Market analysts expect Europe to continue receiving additional jet fuel supplies in the coming months as exporters from the Middle East and Asia take advantage of favourable trading opportunities into the European market, potentially keeping prices under pressure.

By Rukevwe Odeh

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed proposals urging the Federal Government to nationalise South African-owned companies operating in the country, including MTN and DStv, as retaliation for renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

During plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers condemned the continued violence against Nigerians and other African nationals but opted against economic reprisals, choosing instead to strengthen diplomatic engagement with the South African government.

The debate followed a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who expressed concern over fresh attacks that reportedly intensified after the expiration of a June 30 ultimatum allegedly issued by vigilante groups to foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. He urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to safeguard Nigerians living in the country.

Although some senators advocated stronger retaliatory measures, including the takeover of South African businesses in Nigeria or the use of their profits to compensate victims, the proposals failed to secure the support of the chamber.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, cautioned lawmakers against making decisions based on unverified reports. He stressed that while the attacks were unacceptable and deserved condemnation, Nigeria should act responsibly and rely on verified information before adopting punitive measures.

The Senate instead resolved to intensify diplomatic efforts by directing the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa, to obtain formal assurances from the South African authorities regarding the safety of Nigerians residing there.

Lawmakers also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, looting, intimidation and other acts of violence against Nigerians and other African nationals. In addition, the Senate urged relevant government agencies to strengthen consular support and compile a verified register of Nigerians affected by the attacks to facilitate legal action, compensation and other forms of assistance.

The Senate further mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora to review previous resolutions on the issue and submit a report within the specified period to guide any future legislative action.

The renewed attacks have once again raised concerns over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, with lawmakers insisting that stronger diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation are needed to prevent future incidents and ensure justice for victims.