Health experts in Nigeria warn that the ongoing heatwave could worsen existing medical conditions, especially among vulnerable populations. The country's meteorological agency predicts temperatures will exceed 40°C in the upcoming months.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Video - Nigeria’s heatwave raises health concerns
Health experts in Nigeria warn that the ongoing heatwave could worsen existing medical conditions, especially among vulnerable populations. The country's meteorological agency predicts temperatures will exceed 40°C in the upcoming months.
Nigeria's anti-graft agency recovers nearly $30 mln in corruption probe
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency has recovered $28.88 million after launching an investigation into alleged fraud at a government ministry responsible for tackling poverty, a spokesperson said.
Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended in January less than six months after her appointment by President Bola Tinubu, who came to power last year on a promise to revive growth and fight corruption.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson Dele Oyewale said in a statement that the probe, ordered by the president, had uncovered a "system and intricate web of fraudulent practices".
So far, 32.7 billion naira ($28.43 million) and $445,000 had been recovered during the investigation into the activities of past and suspended ministry officials, he said.
"Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily," Oyewale said.
The EFCC is also examining the potential misuse of COVID-19 funds, a World Bank loan, and loot recovered from former dictator Sani Abacha which was allocated to the ministry for poverty alleviation programs in Africa's most populous country.
The investigation extends beyond individuals, implicating banks that allegedly facilitated the fraud, he said.
"Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions," Oyewale said, without providing details of the banks.
Nigeria has struggled for decades with endemic corruption among senior public officials. Despite being Africa's top oil producer and biggest economy, the country suffers widespread poverty, which many Nigerians blame on the political elite.
By Camillus Eboh, Reuters
Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended in January less than six months after her appointment by President Bola Tinubu, who came to power last year on a promise to revive growth and fight corruption.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson Dele Oyewale said in a statement that the probe, ordered by the president, had uncovered a "system and intricate web of fraudulent practices".
So far, 32.7 billion naira ($28.43 million) and $445,000 had been recovered during the investigation into the activities of past and suspended ministry officials, he said.
"Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily," Oyewale said.
The EFCC is also examining the potential misuse of COVID-19 funds, a World Bank loan, and loot recovered from former dictator Sani Abacha which was allocated to the ministry for poverty alleviation programs in Africa's most populous country.
The investigation extends beyond individuals, implicating banks that allegedly facilitated the fraud, he said.
"Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions," Oyewale said, without providing details of the banks.
Nigeria has struggled for decades with endemic corruption among senior public officials. Despite being Africa's top oil producer and biggest economy, the country suffers widespread poverty, which many Nigerians blame on the political elite.
Friday, March 7, 2025
From nuclear deal to military co-operation, Russia continues its push into Nigeria
Russian Deputy Minister of Defense Yunus-bek Yevkurov and Chief of Defense Staff of the Nigerian Army Christopher Musa conversed on the subject, as realyed by the Russian embassy.
The embassy further added that both parties seemed pleased with the progress Nigeria and Russia have made regarding military-technical cooperation and discussed plans to deepen the relationship in the area.
Both countries struck an agreement in 2021 for the Russian military to provide training and supplies to its Nigerian counterpart, as seen on Sputnik.
Nigeria and Russia energy deal
Midway into February, Russia and Nigeria got into talks about a nuclear partnership.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known during an interview with the Russian newspaper, Sputnik, on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
He disclosed that the West African economic giant and Africa’s largest oil producer is currently negotiating a potential partnership with Russia in nuclear energy and several other areas.
"There are so many opportunities that have been discussed. We have discussed atomic energy, we've discussed mining, we've discussed previous investments during the Soviet era that need to be carried on," the minister revealed.
At the start of the year, Nigeria was accepted as a partner state into the BRICS group of nations, where Russia is a primary stakeholder.
Shortly after, Yusuf Tuggar noted that Nigeria would be bolstering its economic cooperation with other BRICS nations across different sectors.
“The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country [of BRICS] underscores Nigeria's commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria's development objectives,” he stated at the time.
Nigeria’s current membership falls in line with its original goal, as it had stated back in 2023 that it planned to join BRICS within the next 2 years.
By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa
Midway into February, Russia and Nigeria got into talks about a nuclear partnership.
The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known during an interview with the Russian newspaper, Sputnik, on the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
He disclosed that the West African economic giant and Africa’s largest oil producer is currently negotiating a potential partnership with Russia in nuclear energy and several other areas.
"There are so many opportunities that have been discussed. We have discussed atomic energy, we've discussed mining, we've discussed previous investments during the Soviet era that need to be carried on," the minister revealed.
At the start of the year, Nigeria was accepted as a partner state into the BRICS group of nations, where Russia is a primary stakeholder.
Shortly after, Yusuf Tuggar noted that Nigeria would be bolstering its economic cooperation with other BRICS nations across different sectors.
“The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country [of BRICS] underscores Nigeria's commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria's development objectives,” he stated at the time.
Nigeria’s current membership falls in line with its original goal, as it had stated back in 2023 that it planned to join BRICS within the next 2 years.
By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa
Musk’s Starlink snaps up market share in Nigeria amid African push
Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service is making significant strides in Nigeria, where it has emerged as the second largest internet service provider (ISP) by customer numbers just two years after its launch.
A recent report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that Starlink had 65,564 subscribers in September 2024, up nearly threefold from 23,897 users at the end of 2023.
In contrast, market leader Spectranet had 105,441 active subscribers in Q3 2024, experiencing a decline of over 8,000 users since December 2023. FiberOne, the country’s third-largest player, had 33,010 customers in the third quarter of last year.
Sadiq Mohammed, a Lagos-based telecoms data analyst, notes that incumbents in the fixed broadband sector have not been able to adequately meet the needs of Nigerian homes and businesses, creating huge unmet demand for fast and reliable internet.
“Users don’t want to experience internet downtime during critical zoom meetings or when they are streaming their favorite (TV) programs. With Starlink, the experience is consistent in terms of speed and reliability,” he tells African Business.
A recent report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that Starlink had 65,564 subscribers in September 2024, up nearly threefold from 23,897 users at the end of 2023.
In contrast, market leader Spectranet had 105,441 active subscribers in Q3 2024, experiencing a decline of over 8,000 users since December 2023. FiberOne, the country’s third-largest player, had 33,010 customers in the third quarter of last year.
Sadiq Mohammed, a Lagos-based telecoms data analyst, notes that incumbents in the fixed broadband sector have not been able to adequately meet the needs of Nigerian homes and businesses, creating huge unmet demand for fast and reliable internet.
“Users don’t want to experience internet downtime during critical zoom meetings or when they are streaming their favorite (TV) programs. With Starlink, the experience is consistent in terms of speed and reliability,” he tells African Business.
Nigerians willing to pay more
Accessing Starlink in Nigeria costs significantly more compared to local alternatives. However, Mohammed does not view this as a barrier to adoption, noting that Nigerians are “willing to pay more for what works well and what is accessible to them.”
He notes that a standard Starlink kit in Lagos retails at N590,000 ($387), with delivery adding about N32,000 ($21), bringing the total entry cost to N620,000 ($407). In comparison, entry prices for fixed wireless solutions such as LTE/5G, which consists of a home or office router and customer premises equipment from MTN or Airtel, ranges from N20,000 ($13) to N80,000 ($52).
“Fiber options typically range from N50,000 ($32) to N100,000 ($62). That’s 8% to 16% of Starlink’s entry price,” he points out, adding that fiber remains the best alternative to Starlink in terms of speed, but that its widespread adoption is hampered by infrastructure gaps.
“Fiber to the home and office remains the premium choice in terms of speed, capability, and performance. However, last mile fiber penetration is low, even in bustling urban locations like Lagos,” he says.
Accessing Starlink in Nigeria costs significantly more compared to local alternatives. However, Mohammed does not view this as a barrier to adoption, noting that Nigerians are “willing to pay more for what works well and what is accessible to them.”
He notes that a standard Starlink kit in Lagos retails at N590,000 ($387), with delivery adding about N32,000 ($21), bringing the total entry cost to N620,000 ($407). In comparison, entry prices for fixed wireless solutions such as LTE/5G, which consists of a home or office router and customer premises equipment from MTN or Airtel, ranges from N20,000 ($13) to N80,000 ($52).
“Fiber options typically range from N50,000 ($32) to N100,000 ($62). That’s 8% to 16% of Starlink’s entry price,” he points out, adding that fiber remains the best alternative to Starlink in terms of speed, but that its widespread adoption is hampered by infrastructure gaps.
“Fiber to the home and office remains the premium choice in terms of speed, capability, and performance. However, last mile fiber penetration is low, even in bustling urban locations like Lagos,” he says.
Aggressive expansion
Besides Nigeria, other key African markets for Starlink include Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Malawi. The company, which is currently active in 19 African markets, plans to expand to 15 additional markets in 2025.
Starlink has, however, encountered roadblocks in South Africa, the birthplace of its billionaire owner Elon Musk. Despite protracted negotiations, the South African government has been reluctant to grant Starlink a license. Pretoria insists that the firm must cede at least 30% equity in its local unit to ownership by black people, women, youth and people living with disabilities – a requirement for any telecommunications company seeking a license in the country.
Starlink’s aggressive push in Africa has been met with mixed reactions. While some have praised it as a game changer for a continent facing significant gaps in internet coverage, critics charge that Starlink enjoys an unfair advantage over local telcos and ISPs due to its limited investments in local network infrastructure and its owner’s deep pockets.
“I would agree with the critics in this case. Starlink does not actually invest in local infrastructure. Aside from ground stations that act as connection points to local internet exchanges, there’s no other physical presence in the countries where they are licensed to operate,” Mohammed says, noting that this contrasts sharply with local telcos and ISPs, which directly contribute to job creation and economic growth through investments in offices, capital equipment and local operations.
Besides Nigeria, other key African markets for Starlink include Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Malawi. The company, which is currently active in 19 African markets, plans to expand to 15 additional markets in 2025.
Starlink has, however, encountered roadblocks in South Africa, the birthplace of its billionaire owner Elon Musk. Despite protracted negotiations, the South African government has been reluctant to grant Starlink a license. Pretoria insists that the firm must cede at least 30% equity in its local unit to ownership by black people, women, youth and people living with disabilities – a requirement for any telecommunications company seeking a license in the country.
Starlink’s aggressive push in Africa has been met with mixed reactions. While some have praised it as a game changer for a continent facing significant gaps in internet coverage, critics charge that Starlink enjoys an unfair advantage over local telcos and ISPs due to its limited investments in local network infrastructure and its owner’s deep pockets.
“I would agree with the critics in this case. Starlink does not actually invest in local infrastructure. Aside from ground stations that act as connection points to local internet exchanges, there’s no other physical presence in the countries where they are licensed to operate,” Mohammed says, noting that this contrasts sharply with local telcos and ISPs, which directly contribute to job creation and economic growth through investments in offices, capital equipment and local operations.
Nigerian Senate suspends female senator who made sexual harassment claim
The Nigerian Senate has suspended a female senator after she accused its presiding officer of sexual harassment.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from office from Thursday and will have her allowances and security withdrawn for six months after she made an accusation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who denied the claims against him.
On Wednesday, the Senate ethics committee rejected Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition about the alleged harassment, citing procedural rule violations. Her subsequent suspension was justified over an earlier argument that erupted in the Senate about a change in her seating arrangement.
In a TV interview on February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan – one of only four women in the 109-seat chamber – alleged that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances towards her in 2023.
“This injustice will not be sustained,” she said on Thursday after she was prevented from speaking in the Senate and escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms.
Akpabio has publicly denied any wrongdoing. “Since the 20th of February, I have been inundated with phone calls from various Nigerians. I would like to state that at no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he said, speaking at the start of a plenary session on Wednesday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Nigeria’s north-central Kogi Central district, shared a statement on her Facebook page in reaction to the suspension.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity,” she said.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”
Ethics committee ‘not fit for purpose’?
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said Akpoti-Uduaghan should use her suspension to “learn the rules of the Senate”.
“I asked her what she will gain if she tries to pull the Senate president down,” Bamidele said during the consideration of the petition on the Senate floor.
Critics like Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of the women’s rights organisation TechHerNG, condemned the ethics committee’s handling of the case, alleging bias.
“The ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose,” Agwuegbo said.
Many prominent Nigerian figures and groups have called for a transparent investigation. Many women also expressed their anger over the expulsion on social media with some calling it “oppression”.
Two groups of protesters gathered at the National Assembly ground on Wednesday in the capital, Abuja, one in support of Akpabio and the other for Akpoti-Uduaghan, chanting ”Akpabio must go.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the Senate president, seeking 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages.
While rare in Nigeria’s National Assembly, this is not the first time a case involving sexual harassment or assault has emerged. Senator Dino Melaye was accused of threatening to sexually assault Senator Remi Tinubu, the country’s current first lady, but was never charged.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from office from Thursday and will have her allowances and security withdrawn for six months after she made an accusation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who denied the claims against him.
On Wednesday, the Senate ethics committee rejected Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition about the alleged harassment, citing procedural rule violations. Her subsequent suspension was justified over an earlier argument that erupted in the Senate about a change in her seating arrangement.
In a TV interview on February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan – one of only four women in the 109-seat chamber – alleged that Akpabio made unwanted sexual advances towards her in 2023.
“This injustice will not be sustained,” she said on Thursday after she was prevented from speaking in the Senate and escorted out of the chamber by the sergeant-at-arms.
Akpabio has publicly denied any wrongdoing. “Since the 20th of February, I have been inundated with phone calls from various Nigerians. I would like to state that at no time did I sexually harass Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he said, speaking at the start of a plenary session on Wednesday.
*Letter to the Nigerian Senate*
The Petition of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Must Be Independently Investigated and Openly Discussed in a Public Hearing that the Accused Does Not Preside.
Two Demands:
1. Swiftly Appoint an Independent Investigator on the Petition of… pic.twitter.com/rdUkDoR7uU
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) March 6, 2025
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Nigeria’s north-central Kogi Central district, shared a statement on her Facebook page in reaction to the suspension.
“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity,” she said.
“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”
Ethics committee ‘not fit for purpose’?
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said Akpoti-Uduaghan should use her suspension to “learn the rules of the Senate”.
“I asked her what she will gain if she tries to pull the Senate president down,” Bamidele said during the consideration of the petition on the Senate floor.
Critics like Chioma Agwuegbo, executive director of the women’s rights organisation TechHerNG, condemned the ethics committee’s handling of the case, alleging bias.
“The ethics committee to which her petition was referred has shown that it is not fit for purpose,” Agwuegbo said.
Many prominent Nigerian figures and groups have called for a transparent investigation. Many women also expressed their anger over the expulsion on social media with some calling it “oppression”.
Two groups of protesters gathered at the National Assembly ground on Wednesday in the capital, Abuja, one in support of Akpabio and the other for Akpoti-Uduaghan, chanting ”Akpabio must go.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against the Senate president, seeking 100 billion naira ($64,000) in damages.
While rare in Nigeria’s National Assembly, this is not the first time a case involving sexual harassment or assault has emerged. Senator Dino Melaye was accused of threatening to sexually assault Senator Remi Tinubu, the country’s current first lady, but was never charged.
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