1. US Makes $20,000 Visa Bond Permanent for Nigerians, 49 Other Countries
The United States Department of State has made permanent its visa bond programme requiring applicants from Nigeria and 49 other countries to pay refundable bonds of up to $20,000 before obtaining B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas. The policy, which takes effect on Monday, August 3, 2026, follows a one-year pilot scheme introduced in 2025. Under the new rule, consular officers will determine whether applicants should pay $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, while the previous $5,000 option has been removed. Applicants who comply with the conditions of their visas and leave the United States within the approved period will receive a full refund, while those who overstay or violate immigration rules will forfeit the bond.
The programme targets countries with high visa overstay rates and limited cooperation on identity verification and security information. During the pilot phase, about 20,000 applicants were affected, generating roughly $115 million in visa bond payments, while visa approvals for participating countries reportedly declined significantly. For Nigerian travellers, the new policy introduces a major financial hurdle for business, tourism and family visits to the United States. The visa bond scheme forms part of Washington’s broader efforts to strengthen immigration compliance, with the maximum bond expected to increase every seven years from 2027 to reflect inflation.
2. INEC Publishes Credentials of Tinubu, Obi, Atiku and Other Presidential Candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars, academic credentials and supporting documents of presidential candidates contesting the 2027 general election, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, Peter Obi of the NDC, Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and other contenders. The documents, displayed at INEC offices nationwide in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, also include the records of vice-presidential candidates such as Kashim Shettima, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi. Information made available includes Form EC9 affidavits, educational qualifications, occupations, work history and certificates submitted during nomination.
The publication opens the statutory period for Nigerians to examine the credentials of all candidates and challenge any information believed to be false through the courts. Observers noted that while some candidates submitted complete educational records, others listed mainly tertiary qualifications without primary or secondary school certificates. Campaign activities for the presidential election are expected to begin on August 19, making the publication one of the first major milestones in the build-up to the 2027 polls.
3. Super Falcons Beat Zambia Despite Playing with 10 Players
Nigeria’s Super Falcons revived their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia in Rabat, Morocco. Asisat Oshoala scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute after capitalising on a rebound, giving the defending champions an early advantage. Nigeria, however, played more than half of the game with 10 players after defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a red card following a VAR review shortly before half-time.
Despite Zambia’s sustained pressure in the second half, the Super Falcons defended resolutely to secure all three points after losing their opening match to Malawi. The victory keeps Nigeria firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stage and strengthens the team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Attention now shifts to the crucial final group game against Egypt as the nine-time African champions continue their quest for an 11th continental title.
4. Tinubu Appoints Yakubu Jang as Senior Special Assistant
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Yakubu Jang, son of former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, as Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the President. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the appointment while representing the President at the 80th birthday celebration and autobiography launch of Jonah Jang in Jos, Plateau State.
The announcement was welcomed by guests at the event, which attracted former President Goodluck Jonathan, serving governors, traditional rulers and political leaders. Shettima described the appointment as recognition of competence and inclusive governance, while Jonah Jang also unveiled his autobiography titled Airman to Politics: My Life. The appointment adds another experienced political figure to the Presidency as preparations for the 2027 political cycle continue.
5. Fire Guts Federal Mortgage Bank Headquarters in Abuja
A fire outbreak occurred on Saturday evening at the headquarters of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) in Abuja’s Central Business District, opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria. The fire reportedly started on one of the upper floors before spreading to other sections of the building, prompting a swift response from firefighters from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service.
The bank confirmed that no lives were lost during the incident and expressed appreciation to emergency responders for preventing further damage. Investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the fire and assess the level of destruction. The incident temporarily disrupted activities at one of Nigeria’s key housing finance institutions responsible for managing the National Housing Fund.
6. Dangote-Backed MRS, Other Stations Reduce Petrol Prices
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and several other filling stations have reduced the pump price of petrol after Dangote Petroleum Refinery lowered its ex-depot price. Some filling stations in Lagos have begun selling Premium Motor Spirit at N739 per litre, with motorists reporting increased patronage at outlets implementing the new rates.
The latest price adjustment reflects growing competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector following the commencement of large-scale local refining. Industry stakeholders believe sustained refinery production could help stabilise fuel prices, although future changes will still depend on international crude oil prices, exchange rates and market conditions. Consumers are expected to monitor whether more marketers adopt the new pricing.
7. Ezekiel Nathaniel Wins Historic Commonwealth Games Gold
Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel has won the men’s 400 metres hurdles gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after producing a brilliant performance in a time of 48.47 seconds. The victory makes him the first Nigerian to win the event in Commonwealth Games history, finishing ahead of England’s Jake Minshull and Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson.
The Nigeria Police Force, where Nathaniel serves as a corporal, congratulated the athlete, with the Inspector-General of Police praising his achievement. His victory also increased Team Nigeria’s medal haul to 18, reinforcing the country’s impressive performance at the Games and strengthening hopes of additional medals before the competition concludes.
8. Atiku Rejects Obasanjo’s ‘Biggest Mistake’ Remark
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s claim that choosing him as running mate in 1999 was the biggest mistake of his presidency. In a statement released on Saturday, Atiku argued that the comments were an attempt to rewrite history, insisting that he stood by Obasanjo during difficult periods, including his imprisonment, and supported his return to democratic politics.
Atiku also defended his decision to oppose the controversial third-term agenda, saying he chose to protect the Constitution rather than personal loyalty. Obasanjo had made the remarks during a fireside discussion in Lagos, although he maintained that he harboured no personal bitterness. The renewed exchange has revived one of Nigeria’s longest-running political rivalries ahead of the 2027 elections.
9. Military Records Major Security Gains Across Nigeria in July
The Defence Headquarters has announced that Nigerian troops neutralised 102 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 345 suspects and rescued 397 kidnapped victims during nationwide operations in July. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, said the military also recorded the surrender of 57 insurgents and recovered several weapons and ammunition during operations across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East.
Military authorities disclosed that troops under Operation Hadin Kai recorded significant breakthroughs, including the surrender of a senior ISWAP finance operative, while other theatres reported successful raids, arrests and hostage rescues. The Defence Headquarters described the results as evidence of sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal networks, promising that operations would continue across the country.
10. Taofeek Digboluja Responds to Viral Video Linked to Governor Makinde
Nollywood actor Taofeek Digboluja has reacted to a viral video circulating on social media linking him to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, clarifying that he is not involved in politics. The actor made the statement following widespread speculation generated by the footage, which attracted significant attention online.
Digboluja said his response was intended to clear misconceptions surrounding the video and separate his entertainment career from political activities. The incident has once again highlighted how public figures frequently become the subject of political discussions on social media, with fans and observers continuing to debate the video and its implications.
