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New Travel Restrictions for Nigerian Nationals: A Growing Concern In a recent communication circulated among travel agents on Tuesday, the Dubai immigration authorities announced a significant change that will directly affect Nigerian nationals. All transit visa applications from Nigeria will no longer be processed, marking the closure of an essential travel route often utilized by Nigerians who connect through the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This decision raises a myriad of questions: What alternatives…

Egypt and Somalia: Strengthening Bonds Amid Regional Tensions In a bold declaration filled with resolve, Egypt has recently asserted its commitment to thwart Ethiopia’s push for access to the Red Sea. On Sunday, President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi conveyed this message during a press conference that followed strategic discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo. This development highlights not only Egypt's deep-rooted concerns but also its expanding security partnership with Somalia. El-Sissi…

Ethiopia's Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Vision of Peaceful Coexistence Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring ADDIS ABABA - In the bustling heart of Ethiopia's capital, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has drawn attention once again to a vital piece of his vision for the nation—access to the Red Sea. As a country engaged in a complex dance to shed its landlocked constraints, the stakes couldn't be higher. Yet, Abiy's message is clear: the road to the sea must be paved with…

After a prolonged hiatus, Starlink—the cutting-edge satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX—has resumed new subscriber activations not only in Nigeria but across several other African nations. This significant development comes as a much-needed remedy for the continent's ongoing digital challenges, where connectivity can often feel like a distant dream for many. To set the stage, let’s rewind to November 2024. Starlink’s expansion efforts in Nigeria came to an abrupt halt due to capacity issues…

A recent report from the World Bank titled Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 reveals some troubling realities regarding electricity access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It's disheartening but not surprising to learn that a large proportion of the world's electricity deficits are concentrated in this region. As investment in energy infrastructure continues to lag, the urgent need for improvements is clearer than ever. Despite various initiatives aimed at boosting electrification across the…

The Uplifting Affirmation of Trade Relations: A New Dawn for Nigerian Exports During a recent courtesy visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, reinforced the enduring trade relationship between the UK and Nigeria. The exchange between Montgomery and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, took place in Abuja, setting the stage for ongoing collaboration aimed at boosting Nigeria's export capacity. Both representatives affirmed the significance of the Developing…

The United Kingdom has renewed its commitment to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)—an initiative that aims to strengthen trade relationships with developing nations. This program, introduced in 2023, opens doors for Nigeria and 36 other African countries, allowing them to export over three thousand products with either no duties or significantly reduced tariffs. "Nigeria plays a pivotal role in the UK's aspirations for global trade," remarked British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. He…

The Importance of the European Health Insurance Card for Irish Travelers The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is an invaluable asset for Irish citizens planning summer holidays across Europe. With this card, you can access public healthcare services abroad on the same terms as locals. As a member of the European Union, Ireland enjoys various benefits, including the EHIC. So, what exactly is the European Health Insurance Card? Understanding the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) "The European Health Insurance…

In the heart of Somalia’s Lower Juba region, the reverberations of healthcare funding cuts are creating a silent crisis. Many residents in remote areas—like the villages of Badhadhe, Kulbiyow, and Kudhaa—are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential medical services. These cuts have not just diminished resources; they have effectively stripped away lifelines that countless families relied on for urgent medical treatment. Consider the struggles of Dahabo Cumar Ali, a mother who recently faced the devastating…

Ethiopia’s Path to the Sea: A Determined and Peaceful Pursuit ADDIS ABABA, June 9, 2025 – In a determined move to reshape its geographical constraints, Ethiopia is set to rigorously pursue sea access through legal and diplomatic avenues, as articulated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a televised interview on Monday. During an insightful discussion with the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed a pivotal…