NAIJAFEED: May 2026

Friday, May 15, 2026

The Loom Awakens: Nigeria’s Fashion Resurrection

For decades, the rhythmic hum of textile looms in industrial hubs like Kaduna and Kano served as the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy. Over time, that hum faded into silence. Today, the Federal Government is attempting to break that silence with the launch of the National Cotton, Textile, and Garment Industrial Transformation Programme (NCTG-ITP)—an ambitious framework projected to inject over 1.5 million jobs into the economy.

Unveiled at a major stakeholder session in Abuja, this initiative represents a fundamental shift in how Nigeria approaches industrialization. It isn't just a political promise; it's a structural rethink of the entire "Farm-to-Fashion" pipeline.

Moving Beyond the "Coordination Trap"

According to John Owan Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, the historical failure of the sector hasn't just been a lack of money or power.

“Our biggest challenge has not been finance or infrastructure alone, but coordination across the value chain.” — John Owan Enoh, Minister of State

To bridge these gaps, the new policy framework introduces a unified ecosystem:

Upstream Support: Streamlining policy and financing for cotton farmers through partnerships with the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).
Midstream Infrastructure: Collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to modernize manufacturing and processing.
Downstream Market Access: Equipping small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) with technology and skills to scale up production.

Proof of Concept: The 10,000 T-Shirt Proof

To prove this isn’t just theoretical, the ministry highlighted the success of its recent six-month pilot project. Led by Eme Bassey, Special Adviser on CTG, the pilot successfully manufactured 10,000 high-quality, made-in-Nigeria T-shirts using 100% locally sourced cotton.

The timeline from raw cotton to finished garment took just six to seven months. The takeaway? Nigerian factories can produce apparel that is completely cost-competitive with cheap foreign imports, proving the local value chain is viable.

The Macro Picture: AfCFTA and Demographic Dividends

With manufacturing activity facing macroeconomic strains, the textile revival is being viewed as a critical lever for broader economic diversification. Chris Osa, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, and Olumuyiwa Ajayi, Director of Industrial Development, emphasized that the sector holds immense potential for empowering women and youth, who make up the backbone of the fashion and tailoring economy.

Furthermore, a self-sustaining textile industry positions Nigeria to transition from a consumer market to an aggressive exporter under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Backed by international bodies like the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the initiative aims to transform Nigeria into West Africa's garment powerhouse.

Looking Ahead

The blueprint is solid, and the pilot project proves the local capacity is there. The ultimate test will now be whether the government can sustain this level of value-chain coordination while protecting local manufacturers from the persistent threats of smuggling and high operational costs. If the execution matches the ambition, Nigeria’s textile industry could soon become a core engine of its economic future.

Business Day

China confirms that Nigeria is its largest engineering contracting market in Africa

Chinese officials recently highlighted Nigeria’s position within China’s long-term developmental and economic strategies, citing the country’s growing influence in infrastructure projects, investment, and bilateral trade.

During a seminar in the Chinese capital, Beijing, attended by prominent Nigerian government officials and media figures, Nigeria was touted as one of China’s major African partners.

It was also made known during the seminar that Nigeria now stands as one of China's premier market for engineering and construction on the African continent, boasting the title of the largest engineering contracting market in Africa.

“Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contracting market, second-largest export market, third-largest trading partner, and a major investment destination in Africa,” he stated.

Additionally, the West African country also stands as China’s second-largest export market and third-largest trading partner in Africa, according to the Deputy Director at the China International Communications Group, Li Hengtian.

As seen in the Punch newspaper, the Deputy Director began the session by stating that the goal of the seminar was to improve communication and collaboration between the two nations through media cooperation and people-centered storytelling.

“Stories are the highest form of human communication,” he said, quoting Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

“Today, in Beijing at the beginning of summer, we are here precisely for stories, to tell China’s stories, to listen to Nigeria’s stories, and even more so, to together write a new chapter of China-Nigeria friendship,” Li added.

Nigeria and China’s strategic ties

According to Li Hengtian, Deputy Director at the China International Communications Group, Nigeria also functions as China's second-largest export market and third-largest trading partner in Africa.

Invoking the words of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, he remarked that stories represent the highest form of human communication.

Li further stated that the gathering in Beijing served to facilitate the exchange of national narratives and to co-author a new chapter in the diplomatic friendship between China and Nigeria.

He described the two countries as civilizational allies, noting a diplomatic relationship that has been maintained since 1971.

“For over half a century, this friendship has been like the Niger River and the Yangtze River: though separated by vast oceans, they each flow ceaselessly, eventually merging into the great sea of a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

Furthermore, Li underscored Nigeria's strategic significance within China's broader objectives for economic expansion across Africa.

“From the Lagos Light Rail to the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the Zungeru Hydropower Station, monuments of China-Africa cooperation have risen one after another across the African continent,” he stated.

He remarked that this relationship contributes to a collective future for humanity.

Furthermore, Li emphasized Nigeria's strategic importance within China's broader economic expansion objectives in Africa.

The deputy director noted that several significant projects, including the Lagos Light Rail, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, and the Zungeru Hydropower Station, serve as prominent examples of China-Africa cooperation across the continent.

He further asserted that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative are now significantly dependent upon the bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.

“In the grand narrative of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China-Nigeria cooperation has always been a highlight. More and more Nigerian youth are travelling east to pursue the starlight of knowledge in Chinese institutions; more and more Chinese builders are heading west to Nigeria to sow the seeds of development on its fertile soil,” he said.

“This year, the two countries are working together to build a China-Nigeria community with a shared future. I believe that with the joint efforts of China and Nigeria, mutually beneficial cooperation will progress steadily and yield more fruits on the African continent,” he added.

By Chinedu Okafor, Business Insider Africa

Nigeria, Chinese firm partner to build EV plants with 70,000-unit capacity

Nigeria is set to take a major step in electric vehicle manufacturing after Hybrid Motors Nigeria signed a partnership with a Chinese automotive firm to establish large-scale production facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

The agreement brings together Hybrid Motors Nigeria and Launch Design to jointly develop electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants with a combined annual capacity of 70,000 units, Daily Trust reported.

The partnership will support the production of “Acely,” an indigenous automobile brand designed specifically for Nigerian roads and driving conditions. Both companies said the collaboration combines local market understanding with global engineering expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Chief Executive Officer Jubril Arogundade said the initiative marks a significant step toward building a strong domestic auto industry, adding that the goal is to produce vehicles that meet international standards while remaining tailored for local needs.

His counterpart at Launch Design, Wang Xun, said the partnership offers an opportunity to contribute to Africa’s growing automotive manufacturing landscape, highlighting the role of engineering capabilities in supporting the venture.

Under the agreement, the Lagos facility will serve as the main production and assembly hub with an annual capacity of 50,000 units. Located along the Lekki-Epe corridor, the plant is expected to benefit from proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, supporting exports to markets including Ghana, Benin, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.

The Abuja plant, with a capacity of 20,000 units annually, will function as a secondary production and technology centre, catering to northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahel countries.

The companies said the dual-location strategy will help reduce logistics costs, improve operational efficiency and create jobs across different regions.

The “Acely” vehicles will focus on energy efficiency and advanced technologies suited to Nigeria’s terrain and climate, while supporting the gradual shift toward electric and hybrid mobility.

The project aligns with the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan, which aims to expand local vehicle production and attract investment into the sector.

Industry observers say the move could play a key role in advancing Nigeria’s clean mobility goals while strengthening its position in Africa’s automotive manufacturing space.

By Vivek Waghmode, BIO Energy Times

Video - Nigeria, China partner to build EV plants

Nigeria’s crude oil output rises to 1.66 million bpd in April

Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production rose to an average of 1.66 million barrels per day (bpd) in April 2026, bringing the country close to its production target under the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota.

The figures were disclosed in the latest provisional data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

“Daily average production was 1,663,413 barrels per day, comprising both Crude oil (1,488,540 bopd) and condensate (174,873 bopd),” the report noted.

It said the average crude oil production represents 99 per cent of OPEC quota (1.5 mbpd), showing the country is steadily closing the gap after months of underperformance.

The data showed that total liquid production — comprising crude oil, blended condensate, and unblended condensate — increased to 49.90 million barrels in April, translating to a daily average of 1,663,413 barrels per day, compared to 1,546,093 bpd recorded in March.

This represents a month-on-month increase of about 7.6 per cent. Of the total April production, crude oil accounted for 44.69 million barrels or 1,488,540 bpd, while condensates contributed 5.25 million barrels, comprising blended condensate of 1.56 million barrels and unblended condensate of 3.69 million barrels.

It added that the lowest and highest combined crude oil and condensate production levels during the month were 1.46 million bpd and 1.85 million bpd respectively.

Bonny, Forcados lead production surge

A breakdown of output by terminal showed that Bonny remained Nigeria’s highest-producing crude stream in April, posting a blend total of 8.85 million barrels, up from 8.42 million barrels in March.

Bonny’s crude oil production alone rose from 7.99 million barrels in March to 8.36 million barrels in April, while condensate increased to 492,779 barrels from 427,035 barrels.

Forcados recorded one of the strongest recoveries during the month, with total blend production rising sharply to 7.35 million barrels in April from 5.18 million barrels in March.

Its crude oil production jumped to 6.65 million barrels from 4.73 million barrels, while condensate output also rose significantly to 700,249 barrels.

Qua Iboe posted total production of 4.97 million barrels in April, slightly lower than the 5.25 million barrels recorded in March, while Escravos declined to 4.13 million barrels from 4.47 million barrels.

Brass terminal also saw a drop, with total blend production falling to 1.25 million barrels from 1.38 million barrels.

Offshore fields support output

Among offshore assets, Bonga recorded a strong performance with 3.06 million barrels in April, up from 2.85 million barrels in March.

Erha also improved to 2.05 million barrels, while Egina produced 1.47 million barrels and Usan contributed 928,616 barrels.

Utapate delivered 1.78 million barrels, while Nembe posted 1.19 million barrels during the month.

The data also showed stable contributions from Ugo Ocha (Jones Creek), Sea Eagle, Anyala Madu, Pennington, Abo and other smaller streams, reinforcing broader supply stability across the sector.

Nigeria’s unblended condensate production stood at 3.69 million barrels in April, equivalent to 122,840 bpd, while blended condensate reached 1.56 million barrels or 52,032 bpd.

Among condensate streams, the data published by the commission showed that Agbami remained the largest producer with 2.01 million barrels in April, followed by Akpo with 1.34 million barrels and Tulja-Okwuibome with 304,827 barrels.

This sustained condensate production continues to support Nigeria’s overall liquids output and helps improve revenue inflows, especially at a time of elevated global crude prices.
Revenue implications

The improved production comes amid strong international crude prices, increasing the prospect of stronger oil earnings for the federal government and improved foreign exchange inflows.

With Brent crude trading above $120 per barrel during parts of April, Nigeria’s stronger output could significantly improve fiscal performance, especially as the government seeks to fund its 2026 budget and reduce pressure on external reserves.

The increase also strengthens Nigeria’s standing within OPEC, where the country has struggled in recent years to meet assigned production levels due to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, underinvestment and operational shutdowns.

Despite the improvement, analysts warn that sustaining higher output will depend on continued pipeline security, stable operations at key terminals, and faster investment in upstream infrastructure.

They note that while the April performance is encouraging, consistency remains critical if Nigeria is to maintain production near quota levels and fully benefit from higher global oil prices.

The NUPRC described the figures as provisional, indicating that final reconciled numbers may be subject to slight adjustments.

By Abdulkareem Mojeed, Premium Times

Nigeria’s $118 billion stock market slips as traders cash out after weeks of gains

Nigeria’s stock market paused for breath on Thursday after weeks of relentless gains, with investors taking profits in several high-flying stocks even as the broader rally remained intact.

The benchmark NGX All-Share Index fell 0.1% to close at 252,243.11 points, trimming 265.08 points from the previous session.

The decline was modest compared with the market’s recent run, which has pushed Nigerian equities among the world’s strongest-performing assets this year.

Despite Thursday’s pullback, the market is still up 5.22% over the past week, 20.51% over the last month and 62.1% since the start of 2026, extending a rally fueled by banking stocks, industrial giants and renewed foreign investor interest in Africa’s largest economy.

Trading activity, however, slowed.

A total of 1.04 billion shares worth NGN 41.5 billion were traded in 74,677 deals, representing a 34% drop in volume and a 55% decline in turnover compared with Wednesday’s session. The weaker activity suggests some investors are becoming more selective after the market’s rapid climb.

Nigeria’s stock market capitalization now stands at NGN 161.7 trillion, equivalent to roughly $118 billion.

Among individual stocks, logistics company Red Star Express led gainers after jumping 18.59% to NGN 31.90 per share. It was followed by Cornerstone Insurance, Austin Laz & Company and Learn Africa.

On the losing side, Zichis Agro Allied Industries dropped 10.09%, while FTN Cocoa Processors, Meyer and RT Briscoe also posted steep declines.

Trading was dominated by retail-driven activity in mid- and large-cap stocks. Chams recorded the highest traded volume with 128 million shares exchanged, followed by VFD Group, First HoldCo and Access Holdings.

Sector performance was mixed. Insurance stocks outperformed, with the NGX Insurance Index gaining 0.46%, while the NGX Pension Index also advanced.

Oil and gas stocks remained near multi-year highs, with the sector index now up more than 128% this year as investors continue betting on energy earnings and naira-driven revenue growth.

The latest market pause comes as investors assess whether the rally can be sustained after months of aggressive buying.

Analysts say expectations of stronger corporate earnings, currency stability and improving foreign exchange liquidity have helped support sentiment toward Nigerian assets in recent months.

Still, the sharp drop in turnover on Thursday may signal growing caution among traders after one of the fastest stock market rallies Nigeria has seen in years.

By Ayodeji Adegboyega, Business Insider Africa

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Nigeria ex-power minister Saleh Mamman jailed 75 years for graft

A Nigerian court on Wednesday sentenced former power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in jail for siphoning off millions of dollars from hydro-electricity projects.

Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said Mamman was found guilty of laundering 33.8 billion naira ($24.6 million).

Nigeria is Africa's fourth-largest economy and the continent's top oil producer, but it suffers from acute electricity shortages due to a crumbling grid and inadequate output.

More than 40 percent of Nigerians have no access to grid electricity, according to the World Bank.

Federal High Court judge Justice James Omotosho Abuja "sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment" for money laundering, the EFCC said in a post on X.

Mamman, who was the energy minister between 2019 and 2021, was sentenced in absentia.

He is the first minister who served under former president Muhammadu Buhari, who was revered for his anti-corruption stance, to be jailed for graft.

Several other top officials from Buhari's government are facing trial for fraud, including a former justice minister, an ex-central bank governor and a former labor minister.

Africa News

Nigerian Tycoon Femi Otedola Acquires £53 Million London Mansion

Nigerian billionaire tycoon Femi Otedola has acquired a luxury mansion in London’s exclusive St. John’s Wood neighborhood for £53 million ($72 million), marking one of the year's most significant ultra-prime property transactions.

The Ultimate Luxury Estate

The sprawling 10-bedroom property features a massive array of elite amenities tailored for high-net-worth living:

Wellness Center: A 40-foot indoor swimming pool alongside a fully equipped private spa.
Entertainment Suites: A 12-seat private cinema, an executive home office, and a dedicated cigar room.
Collector Storage: Two custom temperature-controlled wine cellars and an underground hydraulic parking lift built for four vehicles.
Biometric Security: A high-tech panic room secured by advanced fingerprint and eye-recognition scanners.

A Growing Global Portfolio

The estate is located a short walk from Regent's Park, a district heavily favored by international diplomats and global elites. The acquisition expands Otedola’s extensive international real estate footprint, which already spans prime locations in Lagos, Dubai, and Monaco. Otedola, the chairman of Geregu Power PLC and a major shareholder in FBN Holdings, ranks among Africa's most prominent business leaders.

Bloomberg

Kidnapped priest released after 3 months in captivity

In a statement issued on 12 May, the Catholic Diocese expressed “deep gratitude to God” for the safe return of Fr Nathaniel Asuwaye after three months in captivity.

“We are pleased to inform you that Father Nathaniel is now safe and receiving the necessary medical care,” the statement read. “His condition is stable, he is in good spirits, and he thanks you for your prayers and support.”

Fr Nathaniel, parish priest of Holy Trinity Church in Karku, Kaura County of Kaduna State, was kidnapped in the early hours of 7 February when armed attackers stormed the rectory. According to reports at the time, ten parishioners were also abducted during the assault, while at least three people were killed.

Recalling the months following the abduction, the Diocese said it had continuously urged the faithful to pray for the priest’s release.

“At the end of April, we dedicated May to God through fervent prayers during our annual Marian devotions and other prayers, especially the Holy Mass,” the statement said, adding “God, who does not abandon those who bear His name and call upon Him, has heard our prayers and granted Father Nathaniel’s safe return.”

Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi, together with the priests and faithful of Kafanchan Diocese, also expressed gratitude to all who supported the Church during the difficult period, especially those who cared for the priest’s family and accompanied the community through prayer and solidarity.

“As we rejoice in this moment of answered prayers, let us remain steadfast in faith, united as one family, and supportive of one another,” the Diocese said, while encouraging the faithful to remain vigilant and compassionate toward one another.

Concern for widespread insecurity

According to Fides News Agency, no information has yet been released regarding the fate of the ten parishioners kidnapped alongside Fr Nathaniel.

The release of the priest comes amid continuing concern over the abduction of clergy and insecurity in several parts of Nigeria. Fides reported that at least two Catholic priests remain in captivity: Fr Joseph Igweagu of the Diocese of Aguleri in Anambra State, kidnapped on 12 October 2022, and Fr Emmanuel Ezema of the Diocese of Zaria in Kaduna State, abducted on 2 December 2025.

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has repeatedly appealed for stronger security measures and renewed efforts to protect human life and restore peace in communities affected by violence and criminal attacks.

Vatican News

UN urges independent probes into deadly Nigeria, Chad air attacks

The United Nations human rights chief has demanded independent investigations into reports that separate air attacks by the Nigerian and Chadian forces in northern Nigeria killed more than 100 civilians.

“I am shocked by reports that Nigerian army airstrikes on a market in Zamfara state killed at least 100 civilians on 10 May and injured many more,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said he was also “alarmed and saddened” by the reports of high civilian casualties in attacks since Friday by Chadian jets against Boko Haram camps on remote islands in the vast marshland shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Nigeria’s military ‌has been battling “bandits” in the northwest, often describing them as “terrorists”. It has also been battling ‌an ‌armed rebellion in the northeast for 17 years.

The Nigerian military and the “bandit” gangs killed at least 100 civilians on Sunday in one of the bloodiest days in the state’s conflict against armed groups, according to Amnesty International.

Citing witnesses, Amnesty said many of those killed were women and children, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the attack on a crowded market in Tumfa village.

The bombardment has reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen working on islands under Boko Haram control, where civilians are forced to pay taxes to the armed group. Footage verified by the AFP news agency showed several fishermen with severe burns being treated at a hospital in Bosso, Niger.

“It is crucial that both Nigerian and Chadian authorities conduct prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into these disturbing incidents,” Turk said, adding that both militaries must “take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians”.

“Their military operations, including against Boko Haram and the so-called ‘Islamic State West Africa Province’ must be conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” he said, referring to the ISIL (ISIS) affiliate in West Africa Province (ISWAP). “Civilians and civilian objects must never be the target of attack.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian military said on Wednesday ⁠that there ⁠has been no evidence of civilian casualties in attacks in the ⁠northwest Zamfara state this month, calling reports of large death tolls unverified and misleading.

“No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent ⁠verification,” defence headquarters spokesman Major-General ⁠Michael Onoja said in a statement.

Onoja claimed that the strike was conducted under international humanitarian law and targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” based on intelligence sources in a village where “several terrorists were neutralised”.

By AFP and Reuters

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

3,000 Jobs Wiped Out: The Quiet Extinction of Nigeria’s Local Cable Operators

In the high-stakes battle for Nigeria’s living rooms, the local players didn’t just lose—they were erased. A recent report reveals a grim milestone in the country’s media landscape: the near-total collapse of indigenous cable operators, a disaster that has claimed over 3,000 jobs and left a once-promising sector in ruins.

What was supposed to be a thriving ecosystem of local broadcasters has become a graveyard of SMEs, leaving behind a monopoly that critics say is strangling the industry.

The Survival of One, the Fall of Twenty

While the giants like DStv and StarTimes continue to broadcast, the local "retailer" class has been decimated. Out of the dozens of indigenous operators that once dotted the map, only Metro Digital Limited, based in Port Harcourt, remains standing.

According to Dr. Ifeanyi Osuji of Metro Digital, the fallout is staggering. Behind the "no signal" screens are 20 collapsed companies and more than 3,000 families who have lost their primary source of income. This isn't just about television; it’s about a specialized workforce—technicians, installers, and agents—who have been forced into unemployment.

The Weaponization of Exclusivity

The core of the crisis lies in content exclusivity. Local operators act as retailers, redistributing high-demand content (particularly European football) to make their services viable.

Nigeria actually has laws designed to prevent this. The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code was amended specifically to:

. Outlaw exclusive rights that shut out smaller players.

. Mandate "must-share" content policies at regulated prices.

However, the reality on the ground has been a masterclass in regulatory toothlessness. Despite an Appeal Court ruling ordering a "roundtable" to fix the pricing and access issues, negotiations reached a dead end. Local operators claim they even offered to pay the legal fees to access content, but were met with a closed door.

Regulatory Paralysis

The tragedy of this "industrial wipeout" is that it happened in plain sight of the law. Operators express a deep sense of betrayal, noting that while the NBC Code exists to protect local interests, enforcement has been non-existent.

More frustrating for these businesses is the role of law enforcement. Instead of protecting indigenous companies trying to exercise their rights under the NBC Code, local operators claim that security agencies have often been used to enforce the dominance of foreign-owned giants.

The Canal+ Wildcard

As the dust settles, the industry is looking toward a new horizon: the acquisition of MultiChoice by the French media powerhouse Canal+.

For the survivors, this is a moment of desperate hope. The plea from the local sector is simple: don’t double down on the monopolistic tactics of the past. There is a slim window for the new owners to foster a "live and let live" ecosystem where local retailers can coexist with international platforms.

The Verdict: The loss of 3,000 jobs is more than a statistic; it is a symptom of a broken regulatory system. Until "Must-Share" laws are backed by genuine enforcement, the indigenous cable operator may soon become a relic of history.

Business Day

How Viral Empathy is Being Weaponized by Nigerian Kidnappers

In the digital age, a "like" or a "share" is usually a sign of support. But for families of kidnapping victims in Nigeria, a viral post can be a double-edged sword—one that saves a life while simultaneously driving up the price of freedom.

A disturbing shift is taking place in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. No longer content with merely assessing what a victim’s family can afford, criminal syndicates are now monitoring the internet to see what the public can raise. In this new "Digital Extortion Economy," empathy is being monetized, and visibility has become a dangerous currency.

From "Family Crisis" to "Public Campaign"

Traditionally, kidnapping for ransom was a private, terrifying negotiation between abductors and a victim's immediate relatives. However, as the frequency of abductions has surged across the country, families are increasingly turning to WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and informal blogs to crowdfund the massive sums demanded.

The results are often immediate, but the consequences are becoming grim.

Take the case of Abba Musa Usman, whose ordeal captured national attention after videos of his torture were circulated online by his captors. The public outrage sparked a massive fundraising effort. But as the "Digital Empathy" grew, so did the captors' greed. According to researchers at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), ransom demands often fluctuate in real-time as abductors track how much money is being mobilized by the public. In Usman’s case, after an initial payment was made, the kidnappers pivoted, demanding motorcycles and other assets as they realized the depth of the public’s pockets.

The Algos of Agony

The tragedy of a family in Abuja in 2024 serves as a stark warning. After the failure to pay an initial demand led to the killing of one of the daughters, the subsequent public outcry fueled five separate crowdfunding campaigns on X. In just 18 days, approximately ₦230 million (US$168,000) was raised.

While these funds often secure releases, they also provide "market data" for the kidnappers. They are no longer just criminals; they are acting like predatory market analysts, setting their prices based on the viral potential of a victim’s story.

A Policy of Desperation

The Nigerian government attempted to curb this trend in 2022 by criminalizing ransom payments, but the law has largely failed to stop the practice. When the state fails to provide security, citizens have little choice but to rely on one another.

This has created a chaotic information environment where:

Kidnappers monitor social media: They track hashtags and fundraising progress to set "premium" ransom rates.
Verification is impossible: Rumors and unverified appeals flood WhatsApp, making it difficult for genuine families to coordinate and easy for scammers to exploit the chaos.
Ransoms are "Tiered": Similar to cases seen in Niger, abductors are beginning to set "differentiated" ransoms—charging more for professionals like doctors or those whose stories gain the most traction.

The Bottom Line

Social media has provided a lifeline for those who have nowhere else to turn, but it has also handed a powerful new tool to the kidnappers. In the battle between public solidarity and criminal opportunism, the "digital crowd" is inadvertently setting the market price for human life. As long as visibility equals money, the most heart-wrenching stories will continue to carry the highest price tags.

ISS Today

Gunmen kidnap students heading to exams in Nigeria

Amnesty: More than 100 civilians killed in Nigerian military airstrike

Nigerian civilians caught in the crossfire once again. Amnesty International says more than 100 civilians were killed in a military airstrike in the country's northwest. The group is calling on authorities to launch an immediate investigation.

Up to 200 civilians killed in Nigeria after air force 'misfire' on market

Nigeria fuel demand rises as Dangote drives near-full refining capacity

Nigeria’s petrol consumption rose in April, while domestic refining surged to near full capacity, led by strong output from the Dangote refinery, data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) showed on Wednesday.

Average daily petrol consumption rose to 51.1 million litres, slightly above the 50 million litres benchmark levels, while diesel demand climbed to 17.3 million litres a day.

Refining utilisation averaged 99.1% in April, with Dangote operating at full capacity for most of the month.

Product output averaged 53.6 million litres of petrol, 23.6 million litres of diesel and 22.9 million litres of aviation fuel a day, with some volumes exported.

Fuel stock cover was uneven, with petrol at 18 days, compared with 39 days for diesel and 70 days for aviation fuel.

Retail petrol prices averaged 1,271 naira/litre ($0.9287/litre) in coastal Lagos and 1,371 naira in northern Maiduguri, tracking Brent crude at $120.55 a barrel.

All four state-owned NNPC Ltd refineries, with combined capacity of 445k/d, remain shut.

Reuters

President Tinubu urges global finance overhaul as debt costs crowd out spending

Nigeria will spend about $11.6 billion servicing its ‌debt in 2026, nearly half of its projected government revenue, President Bola Tinubu said, as he called for an overhaul of a global financial system he said penalises African borrowers.

Debt-servicing costs are crowding out spending on infrastructure, healthcare and education, he said, despite a government tax overhaul aimed at boosting revenues in Africa's most populous country. Nigeria spent $5.15 billion servicing its debt in 2025, data from the Debt Management ⁠Office showed.

In a speech at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi on Tuesday, Tinubu said high borrowing costs and limited access to long-term finance were diverting resources away from industry, skills and infrastructure, in what he called a structural disadvantage for African economies. The summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France, drew leaders from more than 30 countries.

"Every single dollar that leaves our treasury to pay punitive interest rates is a dollar that did not go into our steel sector, our textile mills, our agro-processing plants, or our digital industries," he said, adding it also meant fewer trained engineers and less affordable power for factories.

Now in his third year in office and ‌aiming for ⁠re-election in January 2027, Tinubu has rolled out Nigeria's biggest reforms in decades, scrapping costly fuel and energy subsidies, devaluing the currency and overhauling the tax system in a bid to stabilise an economy hit by inflation, foreign exchange shortages and external shocks.

He said the "painful, homegrown" reforms had stabilised macroeconomic indicators and lifted investor sentiment.

But he added that the gains ⁠were being eroded by a global financial system that treats African sovereigns as persistently high-risk borrowers, driving up interest costs.

Analysts led by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group said this week that debt servicing remains a key vulnerability for the country.

Tinubu called ⁠for reforms including cheaper financing and deeper economic integration that prioritises Africa's growth and prosperity.

He also urged curbs on illicit financial flows and greater support for industrialisation, saying Africa still accounts for less than 2% of global ⁠manufacturing.

"Nigeria is not asking for charity," he said. "We're demanding a financial system that intentionally enables Africa to industrialize, to process its own minerals, refine its own crude oil, manufacture its own pharmaceuticals, and compete fairly in global markets."

By Camillus Eboh, Reuters

Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo dies aged 40

Nigerian film star Alexx Ekubo has died, reportedly after a long battle with cancer.

The award-winning actor was in a hospital in Lagos when he passed away on Monday night, according to local media. He was 40 years old.

Ekubo was best known for his roles in the Weekend Getaway and the music video titled Johnny by Yemi Alade in 2013. He had won many awards and accolades for his work in the entertainment industry and humanitarian efforts.

While his family and management are yet to issue a statement, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors told the BBC his death had left the association in shock. Tributes have been pouring in from fans and friends in Nigeria's film industry, known as Nollywood.

"Rest in Peace Alex," fellow actor and producer Funke Akindele posted on social media.

The pair had acted together in the 2020 comedy Omo Ghetto - The Saga.

"I tried to reach out. To see you one more time but guess you knew best," she wrote, adding: "You kept telling me you are fine."

"May your kind soul rest in peace Alex. Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together."

The late actor's colleague and friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, called the news of Ekubo's death heart-breaking.

"Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I'm lost for words, because this wasn't the plan," he wrote on his Instagram.

Filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen - who gave Ekubo his first film role - described his passing as "devastating and unbelievable", Nigeria's Vanguard news site reports.

Ekubo himself had stepped away from social media, with his last post appearing in December 2024, sparking concern for his health.

Born 10 April, 1986 in Nigeria's Rivers State, the actor received a number of accolades for his work.

The Nollywood star made his acting debut in the 2005 production, Sinners in the House.

He graduated with a degree in law from the University of Calabar and broke into stardom in 2010 after competing in the Mr Nigeria competition.

In 2013, he won Best Supporting Actor in the Best of Nollywood Awards for his role as Andre Dikeh in Weekend Getaway.

Ekubo had received nine awards during his career, including Best of Nollywood's Best Actor of the year (2016) and Best Lead Actor (2022).

Nigeria's First Lady gave him a Special Recognition Award in 2018 for his contribution and development of the country's entertainment industry.

In 2020, he was inducted into the UN's Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) under 40, for his efforts in entertainment and social development.

The following year, Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in arts and culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion in Benin.

"Tonight is very special and dear to my heart because it's coming at quite a time," he said at the time.

His humanitarian work has also been recognised.

In 2021, he was given the Nigerian National Award of Excellence as the Global Social Giving Actor of the year for his charity work, according to his website.

Ekubo was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Sapio Club - a Nigeria-based community proposing solutions to social and national issues - for his contributions, including humanitarian work.

He briefly courted controversy in 2021 when his fiancée, Nigerian-American actress and model Fancy Acholonu, ended their engagement about three months before their wedding.

Hafsa Khalil and Adebola Ajayi, BBC

Nigeria’s Clean Cooking Ambition

Clean Cooking is gaining prominence in Nigeria as it lies at the intersection of climate action and development. Nigeria has made progress in advocating for clean cooking through the development of the National Clean Cooking Policy (2024) and its Implementation Plan. However, the e-Cooking component is not well fleshed out in the National Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan, hence limiting the opportunities to harness the potential of e-Cooking solutions.

For e-Cooking to move from ambition to practice, a well-defined implementation framework is essential. It must go beyond high-level commitments and address the practical realities that shape adoption and scaling, including affordability, electricity reliability and availability, efficient supply chains as well as gender dynamics to ensure inclusive and sustained uptake.

Achieving this requires a strong and coordinated partnerships between the public and private sectors. The public sector creates a robust enabling environment that provides legal, institutional and operational rules, including targeted incentives. The private sector uses the enabling environment as a strategic tool to ensure operational stability, market access and competitive advantage, including standards for fair competition and innovative financing models.

AGNES’ support to Nigeria’s e-cooking pathway

The African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) in partnership with National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Ministry of Power with support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) – a UNEP-convened initiative, are implementing the project “Integrating eCooking in Nigeria’s Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan and funding proposals for implementing e-cooking”. The project responds to a national request to strengthen the e-cooking component of the Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan and develop funding proposals for implementation.

Climate & Clean Air Coalition

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Nigeria military denies civilian deaths in Niger state airstrikes

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has denied reports of civilian deaths following airstrikes in Niger state, insisting the operation targeted only armed groups. Defence spokesperson Major-General Michael Onoja said the drone strikes, carried out overnight between May 9 and 10, were intelligence-led and hit suspected bandits in villages including Katerma, Bokko, Kusasu and Kuduru in the Shiroro district. Local media had earlier reported fears of civilian casualties from the strikes.

CGTN Africa

Up to 200 civilians killed in Nigeria after air force 'misfire' on market

Dozens of Nigerian fishermen feared dead after Chad air strikes on Boko Haram

Dozens of Nigerian fishermen are feared dead after Chad's military launched air strikes on Boko Haram militants in the Lake Chad region, a local fishermen's leader has told the BBC.

Abubakar Gamandi Usman, chairman of Lake Chad Basin Fisheries Association of Nigeria, said several of the union's members were missing and estimated more than 40 had died.

No bodies have yet been recovered but Usman believes some fishermen were hit by the strikes, while others drowned after attempting to flee in overloaded boats.

Authorities in Chad and Nigeria have not commented, but on Sunday Chad's presidency said it had carried out retaliatory "intensive air strikes" on Boko Haram strongholds.

In a statement on Facebook, the presidency said it had responded to "unjustified attacks" by Boko Haram, which took place last Monday and Wednesday and targeted Chadian military bases near Lake Chad, reportedly killing at least 24 soldiers and two generals.

The Lake Chad basin is a huge region of waterways and swampland shared by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. It has long been a stronghold for Boko Haram and its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap).

"After Boko Haram attacked Chadian forces, they retreated to islands they operate from. Fishermen also inhabit these islands," Usman told the BBC.

After Chad's air force began circling overhead on Friday, panic broke out, with both Boko Haram fighters and fishermen attempting to flee.

The search for the missing fishermen has been slow, Usman said, as some parts of Lake Chad are very deep. The local community also has limited access to canoes, as many are controlled by Boko Haram, Usman added.

"Boko Haram controls access to the fishing grounds, transporting fishermen to and from the fish market to the fishing site. Boko Haram collects taxes from these fishermen," he said.

Recently, the region has seen a rise in attacks on security forces, as well as kidnappings and raids on communities.

Chadian military operations have been accused of causing civilian deaths before - in October 2024, the air force was said to have killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen during air strikes targeting Boko Haram fighters on Tilma Island in Lake Chad.

Nigeria's military has also been accused of claiming civilian lives during operations against armed groups and jihadist fighters, though authorities often describe such deaths as unintended collateral damage.

Most recently, the armed forces denied media reports that civilians were killed during a series of air strikes in the central Niger state on Sunday.

Military spokesperson Maj Gen Michael Onoja said the operations were "executed based on credible, actionable intelligence".

By Makuochi Okafor, BBC

Nigeria's Airlines Face Trouble as Jet Fuel Threatens to Run Dry

Nigeria's aviation sector faces heightened safety and operational concerns, due to jet fuel supply shortages amid already soaring oil prices. The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said the scarcity of jet fuel has triggered challenges like flight delays and route adjustments.

WION

Military strikes, gang massacres in Nigeria kill around 100 civilians

The Nigerian military killed at least 72 people, many of them civilians, in an airstrike on a crowded market in the northwestern state of Zamfara, a community leader told AFP, with some bodies "blown beyond recognition".

Amnesty International's Nigeria chapter said "at least 100 civilians" were killed in the attack on the market, reportedly controlled by criminal gangs, while a resident of a nearby village put the toll at 117.

The strike came the same day that another attack by the Nigerian air force targeting bandits killed 13 civilians, in central Niger state, the victims' families told AFP.

News of attacks from both the Nigerian military and the various armed groups it is fighting often takes days to emerge from far-flung, rural areas.

But as the smoke cleared Monday, it appeared that Sunday was particularly deadly, with bandits also killing dozens of civilians in their own attacks.

The Nigerian military denied its strikes killed civilians in both instances.

Bandit gangs, motivated by money rather than the political or religious ideals of Nigeria's jihadist groups, raid villages, conduct kidnappings for ransom, and force farmers and miners to pay "taxes" in rural areas with minimal state presence.

They are decentralised armed groups that have at times battled Nigeria's more centrally organised jihadist factions -- and also worked with them against common targets.

Known locally as "bandits", they emerged in the country's northwest, growing out of conflicts between farmers and herders that spiralled into organised armed groups seeking quick money in the impoverished countryside, sometimes numbering hundreds of men.

Armed gangs killed 30 travellers in an attack Sunday in Zamfara state, in a massacre unrelated to the air strike, according to a security report prepared for the UN and seen by AFP.

The same day, bandits launched "coordinated attacks" in Katsina state that killed 12, according to another UN security report.

Death toll disputed

The Nigerian military has killed hundreds of civilians in its air campaigns against both bandits and jihadists.

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the strike in Tumfa village, in Zamfara state, which it said killed "at least 100 civilians".

Garba Ibrahim Mashema, a community leader in the area, put the number of dead lower, at 72, but said: "The actual death toll is hard to establish at the moment."

"Everybody, residents and bandits, goes to the market," he told AFP. "People are at the mercy of the bandits. There is nothing they can do."

"Many young girls selling millet porridge and tofu in the market were killed," said Aliyu Musa, a resident of Zurmi town, seven kilometres from Tumfa, who put the toll at 117.

"To be frank, Tumfa market is under the control of bandits. It is their stronghold, any person who goes there knows he is on their turf."

In a statement, the military said that it targeted "terrorist leaders and commanders from across the west African sub-region".

Queried by AFP, Defense Headquarters spokesman Major General Michael Onoja said the reports of civilian deaths in Zamfara were "not true".

Regarding the airstrike that local residents said killed 13 civilians in Niger state, the military also denied reports of innocent deaths, while also saying it would investigate.

Those strikes took place in Shiroro local government area, home to known hideouts for a Boko Haram jihadist faction, as well as non-ideological bandits.

"It was not intentional. I commiserate with the family of the victims," Shiroro local government council chairman Isyaku Bawa told AFP.

Local resident John Ezra, of Kusasu village, said the villagers were "not close to the hideout of the terrorists, but our homes were bombed."

In April, the Nigerian military bombed a crowded market in Jilli, on the border of northeastern Yobe and Borno states, killing at least 56 people, many of them civilians, in a strike it said was directed at jihadists.

The military said it would investigate.

No updates have been publicly released.

AFP

Nigeria, US launch defence working groups as insecurity worsens despite troops, drone support

Gunmen kill at least 29 in northeast Nigeria after targeting young people at football pitch

After Squandering $25B In Refinery Overhauls, Nigeria Turns To Chinese Firms

After a series of failed and costly attempts to revamp its aging refineries, Nigeria’s national oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has signed a new agreement with Chinese firms to revive its moribund facilities. The NNPC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd for the completion, operation and maintenance of the Port Harcourt (210,000 bpd) and Warri (125,000 bpd) refineries under a Technical Equity Partnership model.

According to estimates by The Punch, Nigeria spent more than ?11 trillion (about $25 billion) between 2010 and 2023 on refinery rehabilitation projects, yet the facilities remain largely unreliable. The Port Harcourt refinery briefly restarted in late 2024 but was shut down again by May 2025 due to performance issues.

Nigeria has chosen to walk away from purely contractor-led repairs to a Technical Equity Partnership (TEP) model wherein partners share technical expertise and financial risk. TEP is a collaborative business model where a partner provides both specialized technical expertise and equity capital to a project or company, rather than just acting as a contractor or pure financier. This model is frequently used in large-scale industrial projects such as oil refinery rehabilitations or mining operations to ensure the partner has "skin in the game" regarding both the operational success and the financial performance of the venture.

However, industry analysts and energy experts in Nigeria have raised significant concerns regarding the technical expertise of the Chinese firms selected by the NNPC for rehabilitating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, pointing out that neither has a known track record in large-scale refinery rehabilitation.

To wit, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited is a petrochemical firm primarily focused on ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol and surfactants rather than crude refining while Xingcheng (Fuzhou) Industrial Park is focused on industrial park management, investment facilitation and infrastructure development. Both firms are private entities rather than major Chinese state-owned engineering firms with specialized refinery rehabilitation experience. Groups like the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and PENGASSAN have called for transparency or outright privatisation, arguing that decades of government-led "Turnaround Maintenance" (TAM) have failed to stop fuel scarcity.

Nevertheless, Nigeria’s energy sector is now being reshaped by new dynamics despite these setbacks.

The giant, 650,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) Dangote Refinery has fundamentally transformed Nigeria's energy landscape, shifting the nation from a massive importer of petroleum products to a net exporter. In March 2026, Nigeria officially became a net exporter of petrol, driven by the Dangote refinery's capacity to process roughly 565,000 bpd and generate a consistent surplus. The refinery produces around 57 million litres of petrol daily, exceeding the national consumption of approximately 46 million litres. This has helped the West African country to dramatically cut fuel imports, with daily petroleum imports dropping from over 42 million litres in December 2025 to just 3 million litres by February 2026. The Dangote refinery has started exporting petroleum products, managing to ship over 456,000 tonnes (12 cargoes) by March to various African countries, including Togo, Niger, Angola, Cameroon, Tanzania, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Despite the high production capacity, the Dangote refinery has faced challenges in sourcing sufficient local crude, necessitating the import of international oil, including from the US and Brazil with local producers only supplying ~30% of its needs. International oil companies (IOCs) like NNPC often prefer exporting crude due to higher profits, passing on excessive costs to the refinery through traders. Despite the Petroleum Industry Act aimed at ensuring local supply, legal, regulatory, and production issues in the Niger Delta have hindered the mandated supply to the refinery. Meanwhile, whereas the refinery has been able to reduce foreign exchange expenditure on fuel imports, it has yet to fully insulate the country from global oil price volatility, with domestic fuel prices still seeing increases as global oil prices surge. Indeed, Nigeria’s reliance on deregulated, imported fuel has led to domestic retail prices for gasoline surging by nearly 50%.

On the other hand, Nigeria’s economy is experiencing an "oil paradox" due to high global prices triggered by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, generating significant government revenue windfalls while simultaneously driving up domestic fuel costs and inflation. Indeed, the war in Iran has acted as a catalyst for Nigeria’s oil sector, creating a significant revenue windfall of an estimated N5.13 trillion, or nearly $4 billion, in March and April due to surging crude prices, significantly increasing Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings.

Nigeria’s signature Bonny Light crude was trading at ~$110/barrel on Monday, more than 50% above the 2025 average price. Produced in the Niger Delta basin, Bonny Light crude is a high-grade, premium Nigerian crude oil, prized for being light and sweet, with low API gravity and very low sulfur content. The crude grade is used to produce high yields of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.

By Alex Kimani, oilprice.com

Monday, May 11, 2026

Experts question Nigeria’s readiness for China’s zero-tariff policy

China’s zero-tariff policy on goods from 53 African countries took effect on May 1, with Nigeria expected to benefit. Questions remain over its readiness to take advantage of the move, amid concerns over infrastructure, export capacity and technology transfer.

CGTN Africa

Customs returns stolen luxury vehicles exported to Nigeria to Canada

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen international confidence in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and cargo intelligence system, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally handed over intercepted stolen luxury vehicles traced to Canada to the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou.

The vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracán, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible.

The others are 2018 Lamborghini Aventador and 2026 Toyota Tundra.

They are all all confirmed to have been stolen and illegally exported before ending up in Nigeria,” NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement on Sunday.

Maiwada said the vehicles were handed over at the Tin Can Island Port by Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of the Command.

According to him, the recovery followed months of intelligence sharing and operational collaboration between the NCS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The spokesperson added that authorities in Canada had traced a number of stolen high-end vehicles believed to have been smuggled into Nigeria through international shipping channels.

“Internal Customs document dated May 5, showed that the intercepted vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracán, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible.

“Also, a 2018 Lamborghini Aventador and 2026 Toyota Tundra, all confirmed to have been stolen and illegally exported before ending up in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking at the handing over, Onyeka said one of the vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma, was initially concealed inside a container carrying other vehicles and had not yet exited Customs control before intelligence from Canadian authorities triggered immediate intervention.

He said once the alert was received and shipping documentation transmitted through official channels, officers of the command moved swiftly to isolate the suspicious consignment.

He said the officers extracted the affected vehicle and placed it under enforcement custody pending diplomatic verification.

“What looked like a routine cargo movement quickly became an international criminal investigation.

“Once intelligence reached us, we placed the consignment under enforcement watch and secured the vehicle pending confirmation from Canadian authorities,” he said.

He explained that the service deliberately delayed the final release until officials of the Canadian government arrived in person to complete identification and recovery procedures.

“We had people who wanted to step in on behalf of others, but this was too sensitive. We insisted the handover must be directly to the Canadian government to preserve the integrity of the process,” he said.

The operation, he said, reinforces the NCS’ commitment to tackling transnational vehicle theft syndicates that exploit global shipping routes to move stolen automobiles across continents.

According to him, the recovery has revealed the ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and Canada in intelligence sharing, cargo profiling, and maritime enforcement.

He said this was particularly in tackling organised cross-border crimes involving stolen assets, illicit trade, and other fraudulent activities.

NAN

How Nigerians are coping with heat waves amid crippling power outages

Nigerians are currently facing severe heat stress. People across the West African country are complaining about the unusually hot weather. The extreme heat has caused widespread distress, with many social media users reporting that it is affecting their health and reducing their productivity.

According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the heat stress is occurring because March falls in Nigeria’s peak transitional heat window — after the Harmattan dry season ends but before the rainy season begins. The heat is affecting people in many parts of the country, but it is more pronounced in some areas. The most affected areas are in the north-central, north-west, and north-east regions, as well as inland areas of the southern states.

Impact of the heat stress on Nigerians

Global Voices spoke to some Nigerians to understand the impact of the heat stress on their communities and how it is affecting their work and everyday life.

Onyekachi Ogbu is an Igbo-language consultant and AI data specialist. He lives in Enugu, Nigeria. He explains how the heat stress is affecting his productivity and everyday life:

"It makes it difficult to work, especially for a person like me who works from home. We don't use the regular power supply in my house. We rely on solar power and a power generator for power, but the solar power does not last for 24 hours. So, we majorly use it when the sun is shining from peak from 9 am to 12 pm or 1 pm. We use it mostly at night, and we can not use it to power fans because it is incapable of powering fans. So, we mostly rely on natural air entering the house from the windows. It's only when we are on the power generating set that we can use the ceiling fans. Because of the heat, it is hard to work indoors. Sometimes, I would have to work on my laptop outside to get fresh air as I work.

The heat is also causing distraction. Imagine having a virtual meeting, and you have to be fully clothed, and you are sweating heavily as the meeting is ongoing. It will cause distraction because you won’t be comfortable because you can’t take off your clothes while having virtual meetings.

What I rely on to work easily these days is to use hand fans or step outside of the house. On some occasions, I buy fuel for the generator, but I cannot afford to do this every time because fuel price is high.

I believe everyone is feeling the heat stress, but many people in rural areas have limited awareness about it. That's why we need to create awareness for them to take safety precautions such as staying hydrated and being well-aerated."

Adewale Afolabi, a commercial rider in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, said the heat is unbearable:

"The heat is too much and it is affecting my work, but I must continue working in order to take care of myself and my family."

Muh’d Tasi’u Jibril, a linguist living in Bauchi, narrates how the heat is affecting people living in the Northern part of the country:

"The heat has been unbearable for the last two weeks. As for a remote worker like me, I cannot work around 11pm to 3pm due to the unbearable heat. The heat was too much during the last ten days of Ramadan. It was so hot that people suffering from ulcer had to break their fast.

Normally, over here we used to experience the harmattan season during the months December, January and February. But this year there is nothing like that.

The heat did not affect my daily work since I work remotely. It is just the epileptic power supply that is making me feel the heat because you won't be able to use ACs and fans. I hardly sleep at night. I only sleep when I am able to find an alternative source of power to power fans and ACs. Also, it is difficult to get cold water to drink in this period because there is no electricity. What we used to do to cope with the heat stress at night is sleep outdoors, but we can no longer do that due to insecurity. It's only those who can afford solar panels that can power fans or AC that are not affected by the heat stress."

Nigeria’s power crisis worsens the situation

The worsening state of power supply in the country has made the situation worse. The National power grid has collapsed many times in 2026. This has led to nationwide blackouts, which have made it difficult for many citizens to cope with the heat stress. Due to the power cut, many Nigerians cannot use electrical appliances such as fans and ACs that could provide comfort. On March 24, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, apologized to Nigerians for the frequent power outages.

Adesewa Popoola, an entrepreneur in Lagos, narrated how the heat stress is affecting Lagosians and how the crippling power supply has worsened the situation:

"I live in a neighbourhood where there is not much space between houses, and because there is no adequate ventilation in the houses in the area. I have noticed a significant change in the temperature pattern over the years. December is supposed to be the Harmattan season, when it might be hot during the day and cold during the evenings. But there was no Harmattan in Lagos throughout December and January. The temperature is always hot throughout the day. The heat has affected my work and daily life. There are times I need to go out and do some things. Once the time is past 10a.m. I won’t be able to go out, because of the extreme heat. I only go out when I am able to get a ride to my destinations. On many occasions, I have to wait till evenings when the heat has reduced before going out If I am unable to get a ride.

If I have an appointment, I have to be mentally prepared for coping with the heat. It is also affecting the way I dress. I am unable to wear some of my clothes because of the heat.

In order to cope with the heat, I stay indoors most times, bath as many times as I can, and drink water regularly.

About awareness, I think most people are not aware of the risks of the heat.

We all know the current situation of electricity in Nigeria. Due to epileptic nature of the power supply, it is difficult to cope with the heat, especially during nighttime when the heat is intense. Since there is no power, many people cannot turn on their fans. To make the matter worse, a lot of people cannot afford to buy fuel because of the hike in the price of fuel. It would have been easier to cope with the heat stress if the power supply is stable."

Cause of the heat wave and recommendations

Researchers have attributed the cause of the heat stress to climate change.

Earlier in March, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) issued a nationwide alert, warning the general public about the health risks the heat stress may pose in some parts of the country. The agency also warned the public to take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure to the heat. In the X post, NIMET encouraged Nigerians to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, stay in well-ventilated or air-conditioned rooms, wear light, breathable clothing, and wear hats, sunshades, and sunscreens. It advised parents to keep infants cool and hydrated, and never leave children in a closed, parked vehicle.

People are hoping the rainy season starts soon to ease heat stress.

By Abdulrosheed Fadipe, Global Voices

Friday, May 8, 2026

Billionaire drug baron arrested as NDLEA dismantles global laundering network

Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in close coordination with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France and Greece, have successfully dismantled a transnational criminal organisation involved in drug money laundering operations worth hundreds of billions of naira across Europe and Nigeria.

The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

The arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of naira in proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.

In addition to the arrest of the suspects, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, also traced multi-billion naira assets linked to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.

His operations in Nigeria involved a complex scheme of front and shell companies, pass-through accounts and proxies, as well as the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.

Properties identified and linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug trafficking include Jovi Hotel, located at 1 Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites, located at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja. Several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of naira in illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.

Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA and other international partners, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohammed Buba Marwa, said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operation sends a clear message that the NDLEA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes that jeopardise the safety of Nigerians, the integrity of the country’s reputation and the stability of the economy.

He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US DEA in dismantling Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the agency in combating narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management and tactical operations, as well as the provision of critical equipment. He assured that the NDLEA would continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. Built on a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa said.

By Bertram Nwannekanma, The Guardian

Oil's Price Surge Spurs Nigeria's Flip From Discount to Darling

Nigerian assets are rallying across stocks, bonds and the currency as investor confidence builds in President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda.
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The nation’s stock benchmark has climbed 63% this year in dollar terms, the best performance after South Korea’s Kospi out of 92 global indexes tracked by Bloomberg. That took its advance over the past 12 months to more than 200%. Local-currency government bonds have outpaced most emerging-market peers, while the naira is one of the top-performing African currencies.

Tinubu’s reset of the Nigerian economy included scrapping the costly fuel subsidies and multiple exchange-rates that had left the currency overvalued and deterred investors. Economic growth will accelerate to 4.1% this year, compared with 3.3% when Tinubu came into office three years ago, according to the International Monetary Fund. It also earned the country a credit-rating upgrade from Moody’s Ratings and Fitch Global Ratings in 2025.

With more credible economic policies in place, investors are returning to Nigeria’s capital markets. The rise in oil prices since the start of the Iran war has provided a budget windfall as the country relies on crude exports for about one third of government revenue.
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Foreigners bought 181.8 billion naira ($133 million) of Nigerian equities in March, up from 72.3 billion naira the previous month, according to the latest exchange data, even as the Middle East conflict sparked a global stock selloff.
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“Nigeria is transitioning from a credibility discount to an execution story,” said Romain Bordenave, an emerging-markets portfolio manager at Edmond de Rothschild Suisse SA. “The Iran conflict is definitely pushing Nigeria as an Africa darling.”

With a $105 billion market capitalization, Nigeria’s market is now bigger than New Zealand’s, and in the same league as Portugal, Ireland and Morocco, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
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Among the best-performing shares this year are companies that benefit from economic growth: Bua Cement Plc is up 140%, Zenith Bank Plc has climbed 104% and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, a mobile-phone provider, has gained 57%. Oil and gas exploration company Seplat Energy Plc has almost doubled, while rival Aradel Holdings Plc has soared 172%.
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The nation’s stock market received a boost when FTSE Russell recently announced the reclassification of Nigeria to frontier-market status with effect from September. Inclusion in the gauge would attract demand from index-tracker funds.

Meanwhile, the country’s stock market is also getting a vote of confidence from Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, who plans to sell about 10% of his oil-refinery company in Nigeria, with additional listings on other African exchanges. The refinery has an estimated market valuation of between $25 billion and $45 billion.

“The FTSE reclassification is very positive for the Nigerian market,” said Samuel Sule, the chief executive of Renaissance Capital Africa. “Many global institutional investors track the index and as such, inclusion will attract increased market volume and activity. The Dangote refinery IPO is expected to deepen the market further.”

Still, Nigeria’s economy isn’t entirely protected from the risks of the Iran war. Despite Nigeria being the continent’s biggest oil producer, local fuel costs have climbed as international prices rose. The agricultural sector will take a hit from higher fertilizer prices, pushing up food costs and threatening a slowdown in inflation that took the consumer-price index to a five-year low in February.

“Even temporary volatility in oil markets could slow or reverse recent disinflationary trends,” Manji Cheto, a senior vice president at Teneo Holdings, wrote in a report last month. “This creates an asymmetric risk profile: higher oil prices raise domestic inflation quickly, while fiscal benefits accrue more gradually and remain partially constrained.”

For now, however, the outlook for the economy supports further gains, according to Michel Aubenas, head of emerging-market debt at BlackRock Inc. Local-currency bonds have returned 14% in dollar terms year-to-date, outperforming all major emerging markets except Argentina and Brazil, while the naira currency has strengthened almost 6%. Nigeria’s dollar bonds have returned 5%, compared with an average of 1.3% for emerging markets, according to Bloomberg indexes.

“We like the dollar-denominated debt and find the valuations very attractive, as well as the currency, provided they continue to be supported by ongoing reforms,” Aubenas said.

By Ray Ndlovu and Emele Onu, Bloomberg