Nigeria

In a significant move poised to reshape Nigeria's financial landscape, Bola Tinubu has recently ratified four pivotal pieces of legislation aimed at overhauling the country’s tax framework. These reforms are not mere bureaucratic adjustments; they are fundamental shifts intended to streamline revenue collection processes, alleviate the tax burden on select individuals and enterprises, and ultimately boost fiscal resources for government initiatives. The quartet of bills, comprising the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigerian Tax…

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…

On June 21, a tragic suicide bombing rocked Borno state in Nigeria, claiming the lives of 12 individuals. This incident has stirred anxiety about a potential escalation in the conflict between the nation’s security forces and the notorious Islamist group, Boko Haram. Anietie Ewang, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, underscores the gravity of the situation. In the years leading up to 2024, the region had witnessed a noticeable decline in suicide bombings. Analysts credited this decline to significant military victories…

Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, recently ascended to the position of chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). With this new role, he sets his sights on reinstating constitutional order and fostering a more robust democratic framework across the region. Taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who faced significant tribulations during his two terms, Bio steps into a complex landscape. Tinubu’s leadership was not without its hurdles. His tenure endured the strain of…

Nigeria and Brazil Forge Groundbreaking $1 Billion Partnership This week, Nigeria and Brazil inaugurated a transformative agreement worth $1 billion aimed at advancing agriculture, energy, food security, and defense in Nigeria. This monumental step was highlighted by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the opening remarks of the 2nd Nigeria–Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. "Brazil and Nigeria are not bound by geography, but by a shared dream," Shettima passionately conveyed.…

Understanding the Recent Visa Review and Its Impact on Nigeria In a recent press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce took the time to address pressing questions from journalists regarding a notable visa review affecting 36 countries, particularly raising concerns in Nigeria. Her words resonated across both the media and the general public, offering clarity amid speculation. It’s a timely reminder that communication is vital, especially when it comes to matters of international relations and public…

As the sun rose over the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, a group of determined soldiers stood ready for a new chapter in their careers. They had undergone rigorous training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), preparing not just for the duties ahead but for the tremendous responsibility of peacekeeping in The Gambia. During a pre-deployment ceremony, Major General Uwem Bassey, the Nigerian Army Chief of Operations, took a moment to instill confidence in the…

In a significant stride toward reconciliation and cultural restitution, the Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures that were taken from the former Kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria over a century ago. These remarkable artifacts, widely referred to as the Benin Bronzes, were the spoils of conflict during a turbulent chapter in history; they were seized in 1897 when British forces invaded and subsequently exiled the kingdom's ruler. This return marks not just a physical relocation of art but a profound…

The High Court in London has delivered a significant ruling, establishing that Shell plc and its former Nigerian subsidiary must be held accountable for long-standing oil pollution in the Niger Delta. This decision signals not only a potential shift in legal precedents but also raises critical questions about corporate responsibility in environmental matters. In this instance, the Bille and Ogale communities in Rivers State have brought forth serious allegations. They assert that the infrastructure owned by Shell has led to…

In a world where energy security is more crucial than ever, Pakistan is embarking on a strategic shift aimed at solidifying its bilateral relations with Russia while tapping into the resource-rich energy landscape of Africa. This renewed focus comes against the backdrop of Moscow’s expanding ambitions on the continent, where accessibility to natural reserves continues to attract international interest. One has to wonder: what triggers these partnerships, and how might they alter the geopolitical landscape?…