Nigeria: the weakest link
I’ve been spending a lot of time on Reddit and my verdict on this edition is: the Nigerian government is the biggest asshole.
In this edition:
Insecurity deepens while security agencies worry about indecent dressing
Update on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s court cases
Major political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections
This edition is 1,640 words (approx. 6 min read)
Insecurity
Only in Nigeria
Terrorists are communicating premeditated attacks.
In the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, residents reported that Turji Bello, the terrorist responsible for mass attacks in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states, sent word giving residents an ultimatum to leave their homes or risk being attacked.
On a separate occasion, Turji instructed community members to drain a dam or face dire consequences.
The community members are asking government officials and security agencies to help defeat Turji.
They are fearful and worried; constantly threatened with violence and no help in sight.
Two weeks ago, Turji Bello’s group killed 44 security agents in Zamfara
But the real threat is people wearing what they want
The Delta State Police Command says anyone found guilty of ‘indecent dressing’ risks a fine of N50,000 or community service under the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP Act).
In Politics
The 2027 general elections prep has started. One significant development is a new coalition coalition formed by some of Nigeria’s ‘rich and famous’ politicians.
Who is in it? Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark are the main faces of this new movement.
Other politicians who joined ADC include former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
They have all left their former parties to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to reports, this represents one of the “biggest shake-ups in Nigerian politics since the end of military rule in 1999.”
Mark revealed that the coalition attempts to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
Recall that multiple politicians presently holding political seats in various capacities have left their parties to join APC over the past few months.
The coalition aims to present a united front in the 2027 elections. Recall that Atiku and Obi secured 29% and 25% of votes in the last elections, respectively. Combined, their votes presented a stronger chance of winning.
Analysts like Ben Kenneth believe the coalition can defeat the current ruling party. However, analyst Sani Hamisu argues that President Tinubu has a better chance of winning, citing the rarity of elected leaders in Nigeria and Africa losing second-term elections.
ADC is predicted to become Nigeria’s main opposition party with this coalition. The only thing we need is for somebody to shout: Avengers assemble!
The latest on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs Akpabio and the Senate
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been granted bail on alleged cybercrime charges. The Nigerian Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, charged her with cybercrime for allegedly accusing Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello of trying to have her killed.
During court proceedings, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pleaded not guilty and was granted bail — This marks her second arraignment in two weeks.
In her other arraignment, Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt and ordered to pay a N5 million fine to the federal government over a satirical post she made in response to a court order.
She was instructed to apologise to the court, which must be published in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.
A win for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has described Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as “excessive and without a clear legal foundation.”
The judge noted that the National Assembly sits for 181 days in a legislative year, the same duration as the suspension, making it an overreaching act that silences the voices of the constituency Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan represents.
However, the court sided with Senator Akpabio, ruling that his refusal to allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak because she was not in her designated seat did not violate her rights.
The court dismissed Senator Akpabio’s claims that the judiciary didn’t need to interfere in the issues within the National Assembly.
New APC chair
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has resigned. Following Ganduje’s resignation, several states in the North-Central have expressed their desire for the National Chairman of APC position to ‘return to the zone’. Among these states are Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and others.
Money
Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s latest price update
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has again reduced the price of a litre of petrol from N880 to N840.
The new prices took effect on June 30, a week after the refinery jacked its prices up to N880.
Fuel stations like MRS Oil & Gas, Ardova Plc, Heyden, and others with special agreements with the refinery are expected to reduce their prices to N900.
Before the price reduction, the refinery also announced the free distribution of petrol and diesel to marketers, dealers, and other large users nationwide, alongside the purchase of 4,000 brand-new CNG-powered tankers scheduled for deployment on August 15, 2025
Despite the reduced Dangote Refinery’s petrol prices, marketers across the country have refused to lower their filling station prices.
The marketers said they bought the petrol when the price was N880, so they can’t sell it for less until that batch runs out.
Because what’s a new week without a new loan?
According to the Data from the Debt Management Office Nigeria’s total debt to the World Bank as of March 2025, was $18.23 billion. This is including $16.99 billion from the International Development Association and $1.24 billion from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The World Bank has now approved an additional $65m credit facility for Nigeria under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement project. This additional financing brings the total project financing to $145m.
The SPESSE project, which started in 2021 after a $80 million loan in 2020, is targeted at “strengthening Nigeria’s procurement systems and enhancing compliance with environmental and social standards across the public and private sectors.”
The newly approved loan will upgrade the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system.
It will also create certification programs to professionalise Nigeria’s procurement workforce. Since the project commenced in 2021, 33,000 officers have been trained, with 25,000 awaiting training.
ECOWAS Bank approves $100m for Lagos-Calabar highway construction
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development has approved $100m in funding for constructing a 47.7km stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The funds released will boost the construction progress, which is projected to be completed by 2028.
EBID’s approval aligns with its mission of funding €174 million and $125 million for infrastructure and social development projects across West Africa.
According to EBID, funding the Lagos-Calabar highway is intended to improve access across nine states, improve connection to seaports and remote agro-industrial zones, and facilitate more efficient movement of goods and services. It will also improve the livelihood of residents in coastal communities.
What does the country owe?
Nigeria currently owes a total of $97.23 billion in debt, with 52.72% as external debt and 47.28% as domestic, according to the Debt Management Office.
Government attempts and government failures
The government hates its workers
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is not happy with the government (understandable).
The association released a statement where they expressed disappointment in how the government constantly neglects university workers, does not pay salaries and is not concerned about their working conditions.
SSANU also reminded the government that they have not yet settled all the workers whose salaries were withheld for two months because they participated in a strike in 2022.
They also criticised the 20% allocation they received from the disbursed N50 billion Earned Allowance. The 20% was shared among SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, contradicting the agreement signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in 2022.
SSANU has threatened to sue the government if its demands are not met.
Lagos begins crackdown on single-use plastics (again)
The Lagos State Government has announced another attempt to impose its rule against single-use plastic, starting 1st of July.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the plastic ban is in place to curb environmental degradation and promote sustainable living.
Some plastics banned include Styrofoam food packs, plastic straws, lightweight nylon bags, disposable cups, and plastic cutlery. Stores or shops caught selling any of these items will face legal consequences.
The commissioner also assured concerned citizens that the plastic ban wouldn’t lead to unemployment but would provide new opportunities in the eco-friendly industry.
USA’s Rules
Donald Trump’s African leaders' party
US President Donald Trump has announced a mini-summit with 5 African leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal from 9 to 11 July.
How does Trump feel about Africa? Unclear
Upon taking office, the US dried up the USAID well, which is where many Global South countries – a lot of African countries – were getting lifesaving aid .
In May, Trump had choice words and strange accusations for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a brief but heated meeting.
However, the U.S. administration also brokered peace between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, helping to ease tensions between the two countries.
What’s the summit for?
The summit is set up to discuss commercial opportunities between the US and the chosen countries.
According to a rep, Trump believes that “African countries offer incredible commercial opportunities which benefit both the American people and our African partners,"
The U.S. administration also clarified that the United States is not trying to do charity work, they want to “favour those nations that demonstrate both the ability and willingness to help themselves.”
And with that, Nigeria, you are (one of) the weakest link(s).
Other news
A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to three promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), who are being detained over an alleged $1 billion cryptocurrency fraud - Punch.
A committee comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, EFCC, CBN, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has been set up to track the disbursement of student loans across institutions in Nigeria - Punch
A committee comprising representatives from key healthcare associations in Nigeria has concluded its review on raising the retirement age for medical consultants from 60 to 70 years. The committee will present findings and recommendations at meeting with the FG on July 7 – Punch
This edition was written by Hope Ibiale, and edited by Muhammed and Adetomiwa. That New News is an independent, self-funded project by me (Adetomiwa). Thank you for reading, sharing and donating. I love you like I birthed you 😘