Nigeria

In a recent development in Nigerian politics, the Senate ethics committee has dismissed a poignant petition brought forth by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of severe allegations, including sexual harassment, abuse of office, and impediments to legislative duties. The committee's ruling hinged on a critical point: the case is currently under judicial consideration. The atmosphere during the hearing was far from serene. Representing the suspended Senator…

A doctor examines a malnourished baby at the Save the Children stabilisation ward in Maiduguri, Nigeria, captured on November 30, 2016. Throughout centuries, images like these continue to spark a global call to action. The Growing Shadow of Hunger The narrative of hunger and malnutrition unfolds tragically in many corners of the world, and as such, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recently announced an alarming scarcity of lifesaving food supplies in Ethiopia and Nigeria. The…

Nigeria Leads in Decline of Cash Transactions Consider for a moment, the bustling streets of Lagos where once the chime of cash registers dominated the soundscape, has now become a haven for digital transactions. How did we arrive at such a transformation? The answer lies in an intriguing report—WorldPay's Global Payments Report 2025 reveals Nigeria is at the forefront of this shift, recording the largest decline in cash usage among major global economies. Think back only a decade ago when…

In recent developments, the military governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have made significant announcements regarding their international affiliations. Each country has formally declared its withdrawal from the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF), following their earlier exits from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a transition that took place in January of this year. Such strategic moves raise questions about the broader implications for regional stability and international…

In the vibrant and often tumultuous landscape of Nigerian politics, lawmakers have raised the bar on accountability and transparency, particularly concerning over a dozen non-profit organizations funded by foreign contributors, including USAID. These organizations are at the heart of a parliamentary inquiry aimed at dissecting their operations, the way they manage finances, and the tangible impact their initiatives have on the ground in Nigeria. As reported by Reuters, a decade's worth of tax…

In a significant pivot, Dangote Refinery has announced a temporary halt to the sale of petroleum products in Naira. This decision appears to be a strategic move to sidestep the complexities arising from a disparity between revenues generated in Naira and the obligations tied to dollar-denominated purchases of crude oil, as reported by Premium Times. Without a doubt, this shift means that oil marketers will now be compelled to transact in dollars for crucial commodities, such as petrol and diesel. The implications are…

Refinery's Bold Move: Selling Petrol in Dollars In a world where the economic waves are as unpredictable as ocean tides, businesses must navigate carefully. Recently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a powerhouse in the energy sector of West Africa, unveiled a striking decision to sell petrol not in the local currency, the naira, but rather in U.S. dollars. This development has certainly sent ripples through the economic waters. Why such a bold move,…

The complexities of international trade and local economics can often brew storms, leaving us to wonder about the wisdom of certain policies. One such focal point right now is the bustling activity surrounding the Dangote Refinery, particularly with its naira-for-crude policy that’s been quite the topic. This policy, orchestrated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, dictates that local refiners buy crude oil in naira rather than dollars. At first glance, this sounds like a strategic move to…

The tapestry of violence in Northern Nigeria has been woven over years, marked by threads of despair and turmoil. The infamous Boko Haram, a militant group that seeks to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law, has terrorized communities with their relentless campaign. Alongside them, a persistent strife rages between predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen and largely Christian farming communities. This volatile clash, driven by factors ranging from land disputes to ethnic tensions, has contributed to the tragic loss…

In a bold move that sends ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich Rivers State. The declaration comes hand-in-hand with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected representatives of the State House of Assembly. This decision stems from a burgeoning political crisis and alarming acts of vandalism against vital pipeline infrastructure. As the sun began to set over the lush landscapes of…