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Nigeria

Power Minister
Headlines

FG Seeks Fresh $2b Dollars China Loan For Power Grid

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government is in advanced negotiations with China’s Export-Import Bank for a $2 billion loan to finance the construction of a new electricity super grid aimed at addressing Nigeria’s chronic power supply challenges.

According to Bloomberg, the proposed project is designed to boost power transmission across the country’s eastern and western regions, where most of Nigeria’s industrial consumers are located.

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed the plan during an economic summit in Abuja on Monday, explaining that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to decentralise power generation and strengthen the national grid.

“It’s part of plans to decentralise power generation in Nigeria and get the heavy commercial users that left the power grid because of its unreliability to return,” Adelabu said.

Nigeria currently has an electricity generation capacity of about 13 gigawatts, but only a third of that reaches consumers due to transmission inefficiencies and frequent system collapses.

The new super grid project is expected to improve reliability, encourage industrial users to reconnect to the national grid, and support economic growth through more stable energy supply.

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Headlines

JUST IN: Nigeria, Caribbean country sign visa-free travel deal

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The government of St Kitts and Nevis says it has reached an agreement with Nigeria that will allow citizens of both countries to travel without visas.

In a statement on Monday, the government described the accord as “a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.”

It said the deal was concluded after high-level talks earlier this year between Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, as well as during meetings with leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“This is a symbolic and practical step in reconnecting our peoples. St Kitts and Nevis has long extended visa-free access to Nigerian nationals, and we are heartened that Nigeria has reciprocated in the same spirit of unity and mutual respect,” Drew said.

The prime minister added that the agreement reflects the shared vision of both governments to remove barriers and deepen ties across the Atlantic.

He thanked Tinubu for his leadership in advancing the initiative and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean relations under its Sustainable Island State Agenda.

According to the government, visa-free access is expected to boost cooperation in trade, investment, education, and tourism, further cementing the historic links between Africa and the Caribbean.

 

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Headlines

BREAKING: Japan denies special visa category for Nigerians in Kisarazu ‘Hometown’ tag

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Japan has dismissed claims that it plans to introduce a special visa category for Nigerians seeking to relocate to Kisarazu, the city it recently designated as Nigeria’s official “hometown.”Japan trip

At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama last week, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) unveiled the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative aimed at strengthening ties between African nations and Japanese local government.

Under the scheme, four Japanese cities were paired with four African countries: Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.

The Foreign Ministry said Monday that Tokyo has “no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries.”

“There have been reports and statements both domestically and internationally that contain information contrary to the facts,” the ministry said in a statement, stressing that the government-linked aid agency, known as JICA, only plans to promote exchanges through various activities.

 

 

More to follow…

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Headlines

Church of Nigeria cuts ties with Wales for appointing lesbian Archbishop

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut all ties with the Church in Wales following the appointment of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

The decision was announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who described the development as ‘an abomination’ and a serious departure from biblical truth.

The announcement came during the opening session of the 14th Church of Nigeria Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers, held on Tuesday at the Church’s national secretariat in Abuja.

With the theme ‘Called as a Watchman’, the event brought together legal minds from across the Church to discuss matters of doctrinal integrity, justice, and governance.

Primate Ndukuba delivered the keynote address titled ‘The Decade of the Reign of God: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects.’

Reacting to the Church in Wales’ elevation of a lesbian bishop, the Primate said, “We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales.”

He compared it to the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson in the Episcopal Church (USA), which had also led to Nigeria severing ties with that province.

“Just as the Church of Nigeria took steps after the election of Gene Robinson in the United States, we are severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales,” he said.

Primate Ndukuba also criticised what he described as the growing influence of revisionist teachings within sections of the Western Church.

“These individuals have not relented from their evil agenda; rather, they have intensified it. What they call their wisdom and culture is an abomination to God,” he declared.

Despite cutting formal ties with the Church in Wales, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its support for orthodox Anglicans in the region through platforms such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).

“We pray that the Church of God in Wales will rise up, and that the faithful among them will stand strong. We, the Church of Nigeria, alongside GAFCON, will stand with them,” Ndukuba assured.

Looking ahead, the Primate said the Church of Nigeria plans to expand its global mission, with new registrations underway in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.

“We feel that the Lord is calling us back to Europe for mission,” he said.

The Primate also used the opportunity to highlight the Church’s ongoing contributions to the GAFCON movement.

He revealed that the Church of Nigeria had recently contributed $2.5 million to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and was planning a local Nigerian GAFCON Endowment worth $2.3 million to support orthodox Anglican work and mission.

 

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Headlines

Nigeria ranked 7th most dangerous country for Christians in 2025 – Report

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigeria has once again been named one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian, ranking seventh globally in the 2025 World Watch List released by Open Doors, an international watchdog organisation that monitors Christian persecution worldwide.

Despite dropping one position from the previous year, Nigeria remains the most violent country for Christians, accounting for nearly 69 percent of all faith-related killings globally.

According to the report, 3,100 out of the 4,476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide in 2024 were Nigerians.

The report identifies Islamist extremist violence, militant herder attacks, and government inaction as key drivers of Christian persecution across Nigeria, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions. Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed Fulani militias continue to target Christian communities with deadly precision.

In Plateau State, at least 200 people were killed in late December 2023 in what has been described as one of the bloodiest attacks on Christian farming communities.

More recently, in April 2025, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders killed over 40 villagers in Bokkos Local Government Area, also in Plateau State.

In Benue, over 150 people have been reported dead this year alone following a resurgence of attacks that have displaced thousands.

Open Doors noted that the violence goes beyond killings. Christian women and girls face abduction, rape, and forced conversion, particularly in rural areas. Churches have been burned, villages razed, and survivors forced into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps that often lack adequate food, healthcare, or protection.

“Christian communities in Nigeria continue to live under the constant threat of attacks. The government has not only failed to stop the violence but has in many cases been complicit through silence or inaction,” said an Open Doors spokesperson.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has promised increased investment in security and has appointed new military chiefs.

However, civil society groups and international observers say the federal government has done little to hold perpetrators accountable or prevent further attacks.

Critics also point to structural issues such as climate-related migration, ethnic tensions, and poor law enforcement that have compounded the crisis.

In some northern states, Christians reportedly face institutional discrimination, including restrictions on church construction, denial of political representation, and economic exclusion.

The World Watch List ranks countries based on the intensity of persecution faced by Christians in five areas: private life, family life, community life, national life, and church life. Nigeria scored particularly high in violence-related metrics.

Other countries in the top 10 include North Korea (1st), Somalia (2nd), Yemen (3rd), Libya (4th), Sudan (5th), and Eritrea (6th).

Despite the grim outlook, Christian advocacy groups say they are committed to providing trauma care, humanitarian relief, and legal support for victims.

“There is a genocide going on against Christians in Nigeria, and the world cannot continue to look away,” said Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern.

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El-Rufai
Headlines

El-Rufai Struggle to Rally Opposition After Defection to SDP

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, is facing political headwinds following the lack of traction surrounding his recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), particularly across Nigeria’s North-West region.

El-Rufai had on March 10, 2025, announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing his exit to a growing “misalignment between his values and the direction of the party.”

Following his move to the SDP, the former FCT Minister pledged to unite opposition leaders and political parties into a strong coalition aimed at unseating the APC in the forthcoming general and bye-elections.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027, by the Grace of God,” he said in a statement issued shortly after his defection.

However, two months later, El-Rufai’s efforts appear to have yielded little success. Despite a series of meetings and outreach efforts, the SDP has reportedly failed to gain political presence or influence in any of the seven North-Western states—Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that El-Rufai had made repeated attempts to woo political heavyweights in the region, including state governors and federal lawmakers, but was rebuffed at every turn.

“He reached out to key players, especially governors and sitting senators and reps, but none gave him a positive response. Not even a state assembly member,” a source familiar with some of the discussions revealed.

The source further disclosed that El-Rufai had approached Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki in Kebbi State, but all three declined his offer and instead opted to join the APC.

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Iran and USA
Africa & World

Oil Prices Drop as Hopes Rise for USA-Iran Nuclear Deal

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Oil prices fell sharply on Thursday amid growing optimism over a potential breakthrough in nuclear talks between the United States and Iran.

The decline followed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said a deal with Tehran was “getting close.” U.S. media also reported that Iran may be willing to accept significant limitations on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump made the remarks in Qatar during a tour of the Gulf region, expressing optimism about avoiding a military confrontation with Iran.

“We’re not going to be making any nuclear dust in Iran,” he said. “I think we’re getting close to maybe doing a deal without having to do this.”

The two countries recently concluded their fourth round of negotiations—the highest-level talks since Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

Both major crude benchmarks fell by more than three percent following the developments. Prices had already been under pressure earlier in the day amid signs that Tehran could be open to U.S. demands.

Citing U.S. broadcaster NBC News, reports said an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated that Tehran might accept broad restrictions on its nuclear activities if it leads to the lifting of economic sanctions.

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World Bank
Headlines

World Bank Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s 2025 Budget Assumptions

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The World Bank has described Nigeria’s key assumptions for the 2025 national budget as overly optimistic, citing a significant gap between the projected figures and current economic realities.

In its May 2025 Nigeria Development Update, released on Monday in Abuja, the global financial institution raised concerns over the Federal Government’s projection of crude oil production at 2.1 million barrels per day (mbpd) and an oil price benchmark of $73 per barrel. The Bank noted that these projections are ambitious, given the current production level of 1.6mbpd and an average international price of $60 per barrel.

However, the Federal Government defended its position, stating that the assumptions reflect the country’s economic potential and are grounded in a forward-looking outlook.

The report presentation was attended by key government officials including the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Central Bank Governor, Yemi Cardoso; Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; and several private sector leaders.

Presenting the report, Dr. Alex Sienaert, Lead Economist at the World Bank Nigeria Country Office, acknowledged the Federal Government’s recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market.

He noted that while Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators are largely positive, high inflation remains a pressing concern. He emphasized that for the country to reach its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030, its growth rate must accelerate to at least five times the current 3.8 percent.

The World Bank’s report also urged the government to remain committed to its reform agenda and warned that the 2025 budget could result in a wider-than-expected fiscal deficit if not properly managed.

Despite the challenges, the World Bank expressed cautious optimism about Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, provided that reforms are sustained and public investment in infrastructure and youth development is strengthened.

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Obi
Headlines

Poor JAMB results reflect Nigeria’s deteriorating education sector — Peter Obi

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the poor performance in the recently released Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, calling them a reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating education system.

According to data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), 1,955,069 candidates sat for the 2025 UTME. Of this number, only about 420,000 scored above 200, while over 1.5 million candidates failed to meet the 200-mark threshold — representing more than 78% of all candidates.

In a statement shared via his verified social media handle, Obi described the results as symptomatic of deep-rooted issues in the nation’s education sector, citing years of neglect and underinvestment.

“These results highlight the consequences of decades of underinvestment in education, a sector that should be central to our national development strategy,” Obi said.

He contrasted Nigeria’s education outcomes with those of other countries. While Nigeria’s total university enrollment stands at about two million students, Bangladesh’s National University alone enrolls over 3.4 million students, despite the country having only 75% of Nigeria’s population.

“Bangladesh, which once lagged behind Nigeria in virtually every measurable development index, now surpasses us in all key areas, including the Human Development Index (HDI),” he noted.

Obi also cited Turkey, with a population of around 87.7 million, and over seven million university students — more than three times Nigeria’s total.

Reaffirming his stance, Obi emphasized that education should not be viewed merely as a social service but as a strategic national investment.

“Education is the most critical driver of national development and the most powerful tool for lifting people out of poverty. If we are serious about building a prosperous, secure, and equitable Nigeria, we must invest aggressively in education at all levels,” he said.

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Adebayo Adelabu
Headlines

Power Minister Warns of Imminent Hike in Electricity Tariffs

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has warned that Nigerians should brace for electricity tariffs that reflect the actual cost of supply, citing the unsustainability of current subsidy levels.

Speaking during a meeting with the chairmen of Nigeria’s power generating companies (Gencos) in Abuja, Adelabu said the economy could no longer support the financial burden of electricity subsidies.

“We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely,” the minister said.

The Federal Government currently owes over N4 trillion to Gencos in unpaid subsidy-related debts.

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the average actual cost of electricity as of February stood at N116.18 per kilowatt-hour, while consumers were charged N88.2 per kilowatt-hour. The subsidy gap amounted to N27.97 per kilowatt-hour.

Currently, all customers under the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), except the 15 percent categorized as Band A, receive some form of subsidy.

Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, said the minister emphasized the need for citizens to pay appropriate rates for electricity consumed, while assuring that the government would continue to provide targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups.

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