Nigeria becomes first African country to regulate media portrayal of tobacco, rituals

Nigeria has become the first African country to formally regulate the portrayal of tobacco use, money rituals, and narcotics in media content, according to a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).

The announcement was made following the board’s presentation at the 2025 World Tobacco Conference held in Ireland, where the country’s new policy was praised as a bold and visionary step toward safeguarding public health and cultural values.

The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, which positioned Nigeria as a trailblazer in African media regulation, said the regulation borders on the control of the promotion and glamourisation of tobacco, narcotics, ritual killings, and money rituals at the World Tobacco Conference in Ireland, held from 22- 27 June 2025.

The regulation, a first of its kind in Africa, was lauded as a bold step toward safeguarding public health and cultural values.

At the world conference, the Executive Director of the NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, delivered a status report detailing the regulation’s objectives, stakeholder engagement process, and enforcement mechanisms.

Policy

The policy, which was approved and gazetted in 2024 under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, targeted harmful portrayals in Nigerian films, music videos, and skits.


The conference recognised Nigeria as the first African nation to implement such a comprehensive measure, with attendees commending Mrs Musawa’s leadership as “a courageous and visionary move to protect public health and preserve cultural values.”

One significant outcome of the conference was the various pledges by several international organisations to assist Nigeria in continuing to implement the regulation.

The support—set is expected to be delivered through their local partner, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, which will include logistical and technical assistance to enhance compliance and awareness.

Mr Husseini highlighted the significance of this backing at the conference, stating, “The recognition received at the World Tobacco Conference is a direct result of the Honourable Minister’s unwavering commitment to responsible cultural governance and public safety.”

Commitment to Enforcement

The NFVCB emphasised its dedication to ensuring the regulation’s success, collaborating with local and international partners to prevent the Nigerian creative industry from promoting harmful behaviours or ideologies.

The policy’s focus on curbing the glamourisation of tobacco, narcotics, and ritualistic practices aligns with global efforts to mitigate the influence of media on public health.

By Omotoyosi Idowu, Premium Times

Nigerian court upholds $220M penalty on Meta for privacy breach

Meta Platforms has lost its appeal against a $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s competition watchdog for breaching local consumer protection, data privacy, and related laws.

The investigation began in May 2021 when the FCCPC launched an inquiry into WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy. According to the agency, Meta was later notified of the findings, but the “remedy package” the company proposed did not adequately address the concerns raised.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a fine in July 2024, accusing Meta of engaging in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian users, practices that, according to the FCCPC, differ from how the tech giant operates in other countries with similar regulatory standards.

Meta appealed the decision, contending that the fine was excessive and that the FCCPC’s directives were unclear and technically unfeasible to carry out under Nigerian law.

However, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal upheld the penalty, dismissing Meta’s appeal and ordering compliance within 60 days.

The tribunal has ordered Meta and WhatsApp to immediately stop the unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users’ data with third parties, including Facebook.

They must also restore consent mechanisms that give users control over how their data is shared and revert to their 2016 data-sharing policy.

In addition, Meta is required to submit a compliance report to both the FCCPC and the NDPC by July 1, 2025, and reimburse the FCCPC $35,000 to cover investigation expenses.

By Adekunle Agbetiloye, Business Insider Africa

Video - Experts call for Nigerian to boost ties with China as U.S. tariff threat looms

Nigeria is under pressure to diversify its trade partners after the U.S. announced a potential 14 percent tariff on its exports. Manufacturers warn the move could drive up production costs, affecting both businesses and consumers. Economic experts are now urging the government to deepen partnerships with China and tap into the country’s vast untapped mineral reserves to boost export resilience.

CGTN

Nigerian National Petroleum Company sacks top officials

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has sacked the managing directors of the three state-owned refineries.

The company also directed management staff with less than a year to retirement to proceed on exit.

A source familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday night that the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), Ibrahim Onoja; the Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC), Efifia Chu, and the Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Mustafa Sugungun, have been removed.

“Replacements for their roles have yet to be officially announced. Bala Wunti, the former Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), who was recently assigned the Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer at NNPC Ltd and Lawal Sade, the chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading were affected,” a top official of the company told this newspaper.

He said the removals were part of a broader organisational shake-up, not a targeted effort to oust supporters of the previous Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the company.

Earlier in the month, President Bola Tinubu sacked the board of the NNPC Ltd, including its GCEO, Mele Kyari, and board chairperson Pius Akinyelure.

The president also approved Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO of the NNPC and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman.

NNPC also announced the appointment of a new 8-member senior management team.

The company at the time said the appointments take immediate effect, noting that the announcement follows the recent appointment of Mr Ojulari and the Board of Directors.

When PREMIUM TIMES contacted the NNPC Ltd spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, he did not respond to calls and a text message as of press time.

By Mary Izuaka, Premium Times

Nigeria seeks to collaborate with India to speed up energy transition

Nigeria is seeking to collaborate with India to accelerate its energy transition plans, a senior Nigerian government official said on Tuesday.

Other than funding, Nigeria plans to seek technical assistance from India to implement its green energy plans, Agbu Kefas, governor of Nigeria's Taraba state, told Reuters on the sidelines of the India Energy Week.

"(The) world is moving towards green energy and we also have to move along. But the challenges we have is the funding to be able to meet up with this," Kefas said.

India is ramping up its non-fossil fuel capacity, planning to connect a record 35 gigawatts of solar and wind energy capacity to its grid during the fiscal year ending March 2025.

Nigeria has already urged the United States to provide it with funding to help Africa's leading oil producer accelerate its energy transition plans.

Kefas said alternative energy is also the solution for communities that have been unable to connect to the national grid.

Nigeria's power grid often suffers from frequent failures due to ageing infrastructure, under-investment and vandalism, resulting in frequent blackouts.

Reuters

Video - Nigeria food experts divided over government approval of GMO crops

Nigerian food experts continue debating over a decision by the West African nation’s government to approve the consumption and sale of genetically modified crops to address food insecurity, a verdict that critics say poses health risks and economic challenges. VOA correspondents Kahli Abdu and Aisha Muazu have more.

VOA

Video - Nigeria to conduct MSME census to boost growth

Nigeria launches nationwide census to formalize small businesses, improve funding access, and strengthen economic policies.

CGTN

President Tinubu increases 2025 budget to $36.4 billion

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has increased the size of the 2025 budget to 54.2 trillion naira ($36.4 billion) from 49 trillion naira, he said in a letter to the Senate published on Wednesday.

The president said the increase was due to additional revenue from the government's revenue collecting agencies, such as the tax authority, customs and other agencies.

He added that extra revenue from Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was 1.4 trillion naira while Nigeria Customs Service fetched 1.2 trillion naira and other agencies got 1.8 trillion naira.

In December, the government said the 2025 spending plan included a budget deficit of 3.89% of gross domestic product, approximately 13.0 trillion naira.

Reuters

Nigeria union rejects telecom tariff hike, plans nationwide protest

Nigeria's main labour union has rejected a government-approved 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs and announced plans for a nationwide protest on Feb. 4.

The telecoms regulator last week approved the increase in mobile tariffs, the first such hike in more than a decade, bowing to pressure from operators struggling with surging costs amid high inflation and currency devaluation.

In a meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) late on Wednesday, union leaders called the increase "insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault" on citizens already grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation caused by reforms instituted by President Bola Tinubu.

"The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population, NLC President Joe Ajaero said in a statement, citing high food costs and hikes in the prices of petrol and electricity.

The union demanded the immediate suspension of the tariff adjustment and called for dialogue between the government, the regulator and union leaders.

Ajaero threatened a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services and a possible strike if authorities refused to engage in dialogue.

The NLC, representing millions of workers, has repeatedly clashed with the government over economic reforms which it says exacerbate poverty, but officials argue the measures are necessary to stabilise the economy.

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

Crazy rich Nigerians rain dollars amid naira abuse crackdown

As Nigerian authorities crack down on party goers abusing the naira, the super-rich are now spraying dollars to avoid breaking the law.

As thousands converged on Nnewi in southeast Nigeria to mark the funeral of Margaret Egwuoyibo Oragwa, the event soon transformed from a burial ceremony to a carnival. Music stars Davido, Flavour, Phyno and a host of others entertained guests with their hit songs.

However, unlike in the past, when wads of naira notes were thrown into the air to celebrate, dollar bills dominated the dance floor this time around.

Oragwa’s son, the well-known entrepreneur Cletus Oragwa, could be seen in viral videos throwing $100 bills at Davido. In subsequent videos, Cletus, who goes by the nickname Zenco, is seen dancing as his friends put $100 bills on his head.

In June, there was a similar dollar rain when Davido married his sweetheart, Chioma, at a lavish wedding in Lagos attended by six governors, top CEOs, scores of entertainers and other dignitaries.

“It has become common for celebrants to tell their guests to only throw dollars at them instead of naira,” says Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social media influencer and public relations expert.

This is despite the limited inflow of forex to the country amid the ongoing economic crisis.

Naira vs. dollar problems

Although the naira still features at celebrations, it is no longer “thrown around” but handed over to celebrants in bundles. The ‘crazy rich’, however, opt for throwing dollars instead. This change in behaviour can be traced to a renewed crackdown on naira abuse by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption watchdog.

Nigerian law forbids the defacing, mutilation or throwing around of the naira, known as “spraying”. According to Section 21 of the Act, the Central Bank of Nigeria will impose a fine of N50,000 ($30), six months in prison, or both, if a person is found guilty of naira abuse.

For years the law only existed on paper and was hardly ever enforced. However, this changed in April 2024 when transgender social media influencer Bobrisky was prosecuted and jailed in Lagos for abuse of the naira.

“The act of mutilating the naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the country’s image. Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. This will serve as a deterrent to others,” said Justice Abimbola Awogboro in his judgment.

Weeks later, socialite Pascal Okechukwu, who goes by the name Cubana Chief Priest, was also prosecuted for “spraying naira” but escaped jail after paying a hefty fine.

This forced the rich to change their ways, but not in a manner that the authorities imagined.

“Spraying of money at parties is a cultural issue. It is a reflection of who we are and how we express love at parties,” says Iwuchukwu, who is also the CEO of Visage Media. He tells The Africa Report that the practice has become prevalent in the southeast and has led to unhealthy competition among peers which forces some to take to crime.

“It encourages the get-rich-quick syndrome and fuels crime. The government cannot crack down on it because their relatives are also culprits,” he says, adding that using dollars has become more common to avoid arrest.

Legal barrier to stop dollar rain

However, dollars, pounds and euros being sprayed instead of the naira presents a legal dilemma for the authorities and defeats the purpose of the law, says EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale.

“The EFCC is opposed to the culture of impunity but unfortunately it is the naira that is specifically stated in the law. So, the commission will have to devise a means of stopping this disobedience by those circumventing the law. We will look into it,” he tells The Africa Report.

Lagos-based lawyer and human rights activist Inibehe Effiong says there is little the government can do. “Spraying dollars and pounds cannot be criminalised in Nigeria because they are not legal tender,” he says.

“The EFCC are selective in administering justice. Politicians still spray naira and the EFCC looks the other way. Even the president’s relatives have been seen spraying money without consequence.”

By Eniola Akinkuotu, the africa report

Nigeria to expand credit access to citizens

Nigeria will establish a national credit guarantee company in May to lend to businesses and individuals, President Bola Tinubu said in an speech on Wednesday.

Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, campaigned on economic reforms including expanding credit access to boost economic growth.

"To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

Tinubu said the company would partner with government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as the private sector and multilateral institutions.

"This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people," Tinubu said.

Eight months ago, Tinubu launched the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, to enhance access to credit to employed Nigerians.

The implementation of the programme was planned in stages, beginning with Federal civil service employees and now the general public.

By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters

Nigeria probes Christmas Day airstrike that killed 10

Nigerian authorities in northwest Sokoto state launched a probe Thursday into a Christmas Day airstrike by the military that killed at least 10 people.

Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu said in a statement he's in talks with the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the airstrike on early Wednesday.

The military said in a statement Wednesday it was targeting the terror group Lakurawa in the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, but Aliyu said the attack “claimed the lives of innocent citizens.” State authorities said 10 people were killed and many others injured.

Aliyu extended his condolences to the victims' families and pledged to support them with cash and food.

The incident is the latest in a series of accidental strikes in recent years, raising concerns among human rights groups, including Amnesty International.

"This is yet another sign that the Nigerian military has not changed, and they have not learned a lesson from previous airstrikes that killed civilians,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty’s country director in Nigeria. “I believe that they have to review their procedures, they have to investigate these incidents thoroughly, and they have to find a way to end this reckless deadly use of force.

The military said that it did not target civilians and that it took necessary measures to avoid such accidents.

The Nigerian Air Force said it will investigate.

Nigeria has been waging deadly wars against terrorists, armed gangs and separatists for years, but accidents have been recurring.

Last December, a military airstrike that hit Tudun Biri village in northern Kaduna state killed more than 120 people.

In September, another airstrike in Kaduna killed 24 people.

Nigerian authorities have promised to be more cautious, but in a Christmas broadcast, Nigerian Air Staff Chief Hassan Abubakar said, "To every member of the Nigerian Air Force family, I want to especially thank you for your unwavering dedication, resilience and sacrifice in service of our great nation. Your commitment and professionalism have been instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of our beloved country."

In November, Nigerian authorities announced the emergence of the Lakurawa sect in the northwest and said security forces were tracking the group's activities.

By Timothy Obiezu, VOA

Nigeria set to investigate collapse of over 100 airlines in 40 years

Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has lamented the decline of the nation's aviation sector, citing the loss of over 100 aircraft in 40 years.

This disclosure was made during the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s Conference on the Implementation of the Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol, held in Abuja.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed concern over the situation and affirmed the government’s commitment to preventing future occurrences, according to The Punch.

“More than 100 airlines have gone in the last 40 years and I know you all remember from Concord to Zenith to Bellview, among others. You will then ask yourself why they die off. I can keep mentioning them because I have their list with me,” Keyamo stated.

Nigerian Airlines' Decline

This in-depth report by The Punch reveals that a document from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria as of 2017, indicated that approximately 160 airlines and private aircraft operators became defunct since the liberalization of the aviation sector in the late 1980s.

From the now-defunct national carrier, Nigerian Airways, to airlines such as ADC Airline, Afrijet Airline, Air Meridian, Albarka Air, Barnax Airline, Bellview Airline, and Chanchangi Airline, among many others, the narrative remains consistent.

Aviation stakeholders have repeatedly questioned the factors that led to the demise of these airlines.

“It behoves us now in office to find out why they went under and how we can ensure that it does not happen again. The only way we can do that is through policies and frameworks to ensure that they survive. We can’t keep giving them money. We must make the business conducive for them to survive.” Keyamo said.


The core challenges

In an interview with The Punch, Ahmed Kuru, the former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), highlighted that the aviation sector's challenges are predominantly structural.

He pointed to factors such as insufficient aviation infrastructure, exorbitant aviation charges, and the escalating cost of aviation fuel.

Kuru highlighted the issue of poor corporate governance, which has contributed to the downfall of numerous businesses in the industry.

He noted that inadequate governance practices in the past enabled principal owners to misappropriate company funds, sometimes even withdrawing cash manually.

However, Kuru observed that technological advancements, such as online booking systems, have helped curb these unethical practices. 

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Related story: Emirates Airlines resumes daily flights from Dubai to Lagos, Nigeria

Nigeria plans $28 bln spending for 2025 budget

Nigeria plans 47 trillion naira ($28.18 billion) spending for its 2025 budget, using an assumption of an oil price of $75 per barrel and target production of 2 million barrels per day, the country's budget minister said on Thursday.

The budget includes a deficit of 13.8 trillion naira, or 3.87% of estimated GDP, Atiku Bagudu told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Abuja.

The 2025 budget also includes a forecast exchange rate to the U.S. dollar at 1,400 naira, stronger than its official closing rate of 1,655 naira on Thursday.

Bagudu said the government's fiscal efforts were on track with key non-oil revenue streams performing better than anticipated. 

By Felix Onuah, Reuters

Nigeria rights body to present findings on abortion allegations against military

Nigeria's human rights commission will on Friday deliver its findings from an investigation into Reuters reports, which found the military ran a secret, systematic and illegal abortion programme and massacred children in its fight against Islamist insurgents in the northeast.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is appointed by the government, established a special panel in February 2023 to investigate the findings published by Reuters and conducted hearings in the capital Abuja and northeastern Borno state.

The Nigerian military denied the findings in the news agency's reports.

The NHRC on Thursday sent invitations to the media saying the panel was ready to present its findings and recommendations to the public in Abuja.

In advance of the Friday session, Reuters was unable to independently establish what the report will conclude.

Obinna Jude Nwakonye, NHRC head of corporate affairs who signed the invitations, did not immediately respond to calls for further comment about the commission's findings.

In the past, some rights activists have accused the NHRC of failing to hold the government to account, citing the agency's inability to secure prosecution of senior Nigerian officials accused of rights abuses – a lack of accountability underscored in United Nations and U.S. State epartment reports.

However, the commission also has previously presented hard hitting reports against the government.
In October 2020, thousands of protesters successfully demanded the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) police unit, members of which the NHRC found had extorted, tortured and killed civilians.

That same month, the army and police opened fire on protesters in Lagos, killing at least 11 people, according to a state judicial panel that the NHRC helped set up.

The government rejected the panel's report, citing errors and insufficient evidence.

Reuters reported in December 2022, based on dozens of witness accounts and documentation, that the military abortion programme involved terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls, many of whom had been kidnapped and raped by Islamist militants.

In another Reuters report, more than 40 soldiers and civilians told the news agency they witnessed the Nigerian military kill children or saw children's corpses after a military operation.

Two decades ago, an Islamist fundamentalist movement, Boko Haram, was born in Nigeria's northeast.
In 2009, the killing of its founder, Mohammed Yusuf, by Nigerian police spurred its transformation into an armed insurgency that the Nigerian military has been fighting.

Boko Haram gained global notoriety in 2014 for the abduction of 276 secondary school girls in the town of Chibok, a raid that prompted the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Some of the girls have never been returned.

Although weakened by the military and internal divisions that splintered the group in 2016, Boko Haram remains a threat as it launches deadly attacks against civilians and government targets.
Tens of thousands of women and children have been sucked into the conflict, with some recruited into the insurgency's ranks and others forced to become fighters and suicide bombers, according to human rights groups and academics. 

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

Related story: Nigeria government denies Reuters report of mass ‘abortion programme’ of Boko Haram victims

Nigeria s Chief of Army Staff passes away

The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, is dead. He was 56.

Mr Lagbaja, a lieutenant general, died in Lagos after a brief illness, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga wrote in a Wednesday morning statement.


“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” Mr Onanuga wrote.

He was rumoured dead two weeks ago but the Defence Headquarters debunked the news, explaining that he was on leave.

A week after the rumoured death, PREMIUM TIMES reported that President Bola Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede, a major general, as acting chief of army staff.

On Tuesday, Mr Oluyede was decorated with the new rank of lieutenant-general, an indication he is set to be made substantive army chief.

Lagbaja’s background

Mr Lagbaja was appointed as the army chief by President Tinubu on 19 June 2023

He was born on 28 February 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State. He lived his early life in Osogbo where he attended St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.

He was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987 as a member of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19th September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps.

Between 1992 and 1995, Mr Lagbaja was platoon commander of the 93 Battalion. From 1995 to 2001, he was platoon commander of 72 Special Forces Battalion. In 2001, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy. He studied Strategic Studies at the US Army War College at the Master’s level.

He was an instructor at Nigerian Defence Academy between 2001 and 2004. He was a Grade 2 Staff Officer in charge of peacekeeping at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations. Then he was a Directing Staff at Armed Forces Command and Staff College from 2006 – 2009.

By 2009, he became Deputy Chief of Staff G1 at Headquarters 81 Division and subsequently, he became Commanding Officer at 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2015.

In 2016, he was named the Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Monguno. He served as Director of Operations at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations from January – December 2018. He was a Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos State and Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Before he was appointed as army chief, Mr Lagbaja was General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division from March 2021 – August 2022 and Headquarters 1 Division – from August 2022 – June 2023.

Earlier in 2008, he attended the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping Wing at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji (February – May 2008) and ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course – Peacekeeping Centre, Bamako, Mali – (June – August 2010).

He started his career as a second lieutenant and died as a lieutenant general, a rank he attained in September 2019

Mr Lagbaja participated in Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi Peninsula; United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC); Operation ZAKI Internal Security Operation in Benue State; Operation LAFIYA DOLE; Operation MESA/Operation UDO KA – March 2021 – August 2022 – Internal Security Operation in South-east Nigeria (Anambra/Abia/Ebonyi/Enugu and Imo States); and Operation FOREST SANITY – Aug 2022 to 2023 – Internal Security Operation in Kaduna/Niger states.

The deceased was married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja and their marriage was blessed with two children.

Mr Lagbaja is not the first army chief to die while in office.

In 2021, Ibrahim Attahiru, a lieutenant general and then chief of army staff died in a Kaduna-bound plane crash. Mr Attahiru died alongside 10 other military officers and crew.

Premium Times

Nigeria president orders release of minors charged over protests

Nigeria’s president has directed that all minors detained during protests against the rising cost of living in August be freed and treason charges against them dropped, Information Minister Mohammed Idris has said.

“The president has directed that these children, these minors, be released immediately,” Idris said on Monday.

At least 76 people, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and inciting a military coup after they took part in deadly August protests against economic hardship.

The minors’ arraignment sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court last Friday.

Frustration over the cost-of-living crisis has led to several protests in recent months that demand better opportunities and jobs for young people.

In August, protesters rallied in Abuja, the commercial capital Lagos and several other cities to show discontent with economic reforms that have led to rampant inflation and the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation in Nigeria.

Rights group Amnesty International said at least 22 people died during the demonstrations in clashes with security forces.

President Bola Tinubu has since vowed to pursue the changes, which he says are needed to keep the economy afloat.

In addition to the severe financial crisis, Nigerians are living with widespread insecurity that has damaged the farming sector, with armed gangs kidnapping residents and schoolchildren for ransom in the north.

Al Jazeera

Video - Nigerian protesters including minors face treason charges

Backlash has erupted in Nigeria over the detention of 30 minors, aged 14 to 17, who are among 76 people charged with treason following August protests against worsening economic conditions. Rights advocates argue that holding minors beyond 14 days violates Nigerian law. In response, President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Attorney General to review these cases, but the minors remain in custody, with a hearing set for January 24.

CGTN

Video - Nigeria ends state oil firm's role as Dangote refinery's sole buyer

Nigeria's Minister of Finance says the new arrangement which allows independent marketers to also purchase products directly from the refinery will encourage a wider supply chain for products across the nation. However, energy experts say the government will need to revitalize more refineries that have been dysfunctional for years.

CGTN

Starlink reverses price hike in Nigeria three weeks after NCC directive

SpaceX-owned Starlink has reversed its decision to double base subscription prices in Nigeria, following a block by the country’s communications regulator three weeks prior.

The company raised the standard residential plan with a 1 TB fair usage policy to ₦75,000 ($48) from ₦38,000 ($24). Roaming customers saw the steepest hikes, with local roaming, allowing Starlink use beyond home or work in Nigeria, rising to ₦167,000 per month from ₦49,000.

International roaming costs were raised to ₦717,000 per month.

The new rates were scheduled to take effect on October 31st.

While Elon Musk posted on X that Starlink’s subscription prices are adjusted for inflation, Nigerian regulators have set pricing guidelines for ISPs and have previously blocked other providers’ requests to raise data prices.

In a statement to TechCabal, the regulator stated that Starlink did not “receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”

The NCC instructed Starlink to reverse the price increase or face sanctions.

The commission added that Starlink’s action contravened “Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.”

Tech in Africa

Related story: Nigeria To Sanction Elon Musk’s Starlink For Illegal Price Hike