Author: Adejuyigbe Adegoke

A high-level diplomatic and technical engagement between Nigeria and Senegal marks a significant shift toward stronger intra-African cooperation in the energy sector. The visit by Senegal’s Energy Minister, Birame Soulèye Diop, and executives from Petrosen to Abuja signals a shared strategic vision centered on collaboration rather than competition. Engagements with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company highlight a growing alignment between two of West Africa’s most important hydrocarbon players. Strategic Context: Why This Partnership Matters Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a structural transformation driven by: The need to attract foreign investment…

Nigeria’s drive to curb corruption and strengthen public financial management gained renewed attention following revelations by former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, that the Federal Government uncovered about 45,000 ghost workers through the integration of the Bank Verification Number (BVN), system into its payroll. Speaking at the Citadel School of Government Dialogue Series in Lagos, Adeosun provided a detailed account of how technology was deployed to expose widespread payroll fraud and inefficiencies that had long plagued Nigeria’s public sector. A System Riddled with Inefficiencies Adeosun explained that prior to the intervention, the federal payroll represented the single largest expenditure of…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has officially released the list of successful candidates for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), Course 34/2025 and announced Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the commencement date for training. The announcement was made in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF. This development follows the conclusion of the Selection Board Interview conducted at the NAF Base in Kaduna between January 12 and February 8, 2026, marking the transition to the next phase of the recruitment process. Recruitment and Screening Overview The DSSC 34/2025 recruitment process began…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to expand electricity access by facilitating a ₦9 billion financing package for mini-grid deployment in underserved communities. The funding, secured by two energy firms, will support electrification projects across Taraba, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States. This development was disclosed in a statement by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), on Sunday, highlighting ongoing progress in Nigeria’s renewable energy expansion strategy. Funding Breakdown and Structure According to the REA: One firm secured ₦7.95 billion The second firm received ₦1.056 billion These funds will be deployed toward the construction and operation of solar-powered mini-grid systems…

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has firmly debunked a widely circulated press release alleging that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has been postponed. The board described the notice as fake, malicious, and misleading, reassuring candidates and stakeholders that the examination will proceed as originally scheduled. Emergence of the Fake Postponement Notice In early April 2026, a purported press statement began circulating across social media platforms, claiming that JAMB had postponed the UTME. The false information caused widespread concern among candidates preparing for the examination. Responding in an official statement issued on Saturday, JAMB categorically denied the…

Mammy Market is a widely recognised feature of Nigerian military barracks, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), camps, and even some university environments. It serves as a social and commercial hub where food, drinks, and essential goods are sold. The origin of Mammy Market can be traced back to the entrepreneurial efforts of a single woman whose small business grew into a nationwide cultural institution. Historical Background The story of Mammy Market began in 1959 with Mammy Ode Ochefu, a young woman from Benue State. She had recently married Anthony Aboki Ochefu, a non-commissioned officer in the Nigerian Army who was posted…

Flutterwave, one of Africa’s leading payments technology firms, has secured a banking license in Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in its evolution from a payments processor to a full-scale financial infrastructure provider. Granted under the regulatory oversight of the Central Bank of Nigeria, this license allows Flutterwave to operate more deeply within the financial system—its largest and most strategic market. This milestone coincides with Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary in 2026, signaling a transition into a new phase of growth focused on efficiency, autonomy, and full-stack financial services. Understanding the Banking License What the License Enables The banking license allows Flutterwave to:…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has increased its crude oil allocation to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery for May loading, raising supply from five to seven cargoes. This development comes at a critical time when global oil markets are under pressure due to geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran. The decision reflects strategic effort to strengthen domestic refining capacity and cushion the local fuel market from international volatility. Background and Context The Dangote Refinery The Dangote Petroleum Refinery, located in Lagos, is Africa’s largest refinery with a capacity of approximately 650,000 barrels per day. Commissioned to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on…

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 43 inmates from correctional facilities across the state. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres, improve correctional conditions, and strengthen reforms within the criminal justice system. This development was formally disclosed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who emphasized that the move aligns with broader institutional strategies to address overcrowding and enhance justice delivery. Background and Context Correctional facilities in Lagos have long struggled with overcrowding, largely due to the high number of awaiting-trial inmates. This situation has placed…

On April 1, 2026, the Nigerian federal government approved an upward review of domestic natural gas prices, a move implemented through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The decision is part of ongoing energy sector reforms aimed at ensuring cost-reflective pricing, improving supply, and attracting investment into Nigeria’s gas market. Details of the Gas Price Increase According to an official circular issued by the NMDPRA: New gas price for power generation companies (GenCos):Increased from $2.13/MMBTU to $2.18/MMBTU Absolute increase: $0.05/MMBTU Effective date: April 1, 2026 Additional pricing adjustments include: Commercial users:Increased from $2.63/MMBTU to $2.68/MMBTU Domestic Base…

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), from all traffic control and enforcement duties across the state. This directive represents a major shift in Lagos’ traffic governance framework and reflects broader concerns about accountability, operational overlap, and public trust in enforcement agencies. Official Directive and Communication The announcement was formally communicated by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, who stated that the decision is part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving professionalism and streamlining operations. According to the official statement:…

The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure external loans totaling $6 billion, reflecting a swift legislative response to urgent fiscal and infrastructural needs. The approval came barely four hours after the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the letters from the President requesting the loans. Background and Structure of the Loan Request President Tinubu’s request was submitted in two separate letters addressed to the Senate and read during plenary on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. $5 Billion Structured TRS Facility – The first letter sought approval for a structured total return swap (TRS), external financing programme of…