A quick summary of significant news items from Nigeria
Political Landscape:
▪ The leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new turn, with different factions seeking recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Lamidi Apapa has asserted himself, while the Abure-led faction insists the door is shut on Apapa.
▪ INEC’s boss has called for stronger electoral cooperation within West Africa.
▪ The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Osun State Government are reportedly clashing over a joint Tinubu-Adeleke campaign billboard in Iwo.
▪ The African Conservative Forum (ACF) has cautioned against premature campaigning for the 2027 elections, urging politicians to focus on governance.
▪ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed Chidiebere Egwu as the South-East Zonal Chairman.
Economy & Business:
▪ Nigerian stocks have rebounded, with investors reportedly gaining N377 billion.
▪ There are expectations that Nigerians will start to see the benefits of lower global crude oil prices.
▪ Nigeria reportedly received $50 billion from Afreximbank funds.
▪ Experts have canvassed for dialogue during the 90-day pause on tariffs announced by the United States.
▪ The National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined eight Distribution Companies (DisCos) a total of N628 million for breaching energy caps and has directed them to issue credit adjustments to affected customers.
▪ MTN is reportedly considering a second public offer in Nigeria after a period of recovery.
▪ Dangote Refinery has reportedly slashed its ex-depot petrol price to N865 per liter.
▪ Experts suggest Nigeria may not meet its 70% broadband penetration target by the end of 2025.
▪ Remittances to Nigeria have reportedly hit a five-year high under the current Central Bank Governor.
Security:
▪ Bandits reportedly fled as troops thwarted an attack in the Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
▪ A bandits’ leader is alleged to have turned villagers into laborers or “slaves” in Zamfara State.
- There was reported fear as hoodlums allegedly attacked officers at the Gombe Correctional Centre.
- Police in Kaduna State reportedly rescued 17 kidnap victims and recovered 21 AK-47 rifles.
- Youths reportedly blocked the Delta State Government House to protest insecurity and a prolonged blackout.
- Police in Bauchi State arrested a man for allegedly impregnating his teenage daughter.
- A man was reportedly killed and another injured in Bauchi over alleged dog theft.
- The Nigerian Navy reportedly detained 27 suspected drug peddlers in Lagos.
Social & Crime:
- A 50-year-old Bauchi man allegedly impregnated his teenage daughter.
- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reportedly detained 22 suspects in Kano.
- Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed as fire ravaged 12 shops in Ibadan.
- Lagos State Government has shut down 13 markets due to illegal waste disposal.
- Police in Ekiti State have detained an officer for allegedly stabbing a man during an argument over a girlfriend.
Entertainment & Arts:
▪ Popular Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck revealed his “godfathers” in the music industry as Olamide and Don Jazzy. He also noted that his hit song “Declan Rice” experienced a 200% increase in streams after the footballer’s Champions League performance.
▪ Kizz Daniel is reportedly eyeing a Grammy award with a planned collaboration featuring Angelique Kidjo and Johnny Drille.
▪ Rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has reacted to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s ban on his song, stating that “truth is a big crime in Nigeria.” The NBC banned his anti-Tinubu song from radio and television.
▪ Actress Funke Akindele shared a video discussing raising her children alone.
▪ VeryDarkMan offered to sponsor the video shoot for Eedris Abdulkareem’s banned song.
Other News:
▪ The United Kingdom announced a further £350 million in military support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
▪ There are reports that the United States President is set to undergo his first physical health examination of his second term.
▪ The United Kingdom’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reported that over 14,000 nurses trained in Nigeria have migrated to the UK in the past five years.