THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stirred another controversy by saying he would have “shot” a journalist with Channels TV, Seun Okinbaloye.
Presidency defends Tinubu’s Jos airport visit as Obi, Atiku fault action
THE NIGERIAN presidency has defended Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his decision to meet victims of recent violence in Plateau State at an airport facility rather than visiting affected communities, citing logistical and security constraints.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 3, by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the government said the President’s schedule had to be altered due to overlapping high-level engagements and operational limitations.
According to the presidency, Tinubu’s day initially included receiving Mahamat Idriss Déby in Abuja before travelling onward. However, after being briefed on the killings in Plateau by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the President adjusted his plans to include a visit to Jos.
The statement explained that the delays during the diplomatic engagement disrupted the revised travel timeline. The presidency added that aviation limitations at the Jos airport, particularly the lack of equipment for night operations, meant the President could not safely travel into the city and return before nightfall.
“As a result, representatives of the affected communities were brought to a venue near the airport to enable the President to meet them promptly,” the statement said.
The government maintained that the visit was substantive rather than symbolic, noting that Tinubu met victims, listened to community leaders and security officials, and proposed measures including the deployment of surveillance technology to improve security. It also highlighted that top defence and police officials had already visited the worst-hit areas, including Rukuba, before the President’s arrival.
Despite the explanation, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, described the airport meeting as a sign of detachment from the suffering of affected communities. Through his aide, he argued that the President’s visit fell short of an “on-the-spot assessment,” saying it did not extend beyond the airport or directly reach grieving families.
Similarly, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, faulted the approach, calling it “irresponsible” and lacking empathy. He drew comparisons with a previous presidential visit to Benue State, where Tinubu also did not visit attack sites.
Obi said, “What happened in Plateau highlights a complete absence of leadership. True leadership requires presence, empathy, compassion, and a willingness to meet people where their pain truly lies.”
He warned that such actions risk deepening public frustration and a sense of abandonment among communities repeatedly affected by violence, urging the federal government to take more decisive and visible steps to address insecurity.
The presidency, however, insisted that the objectives of the visit were achieved, stressing that sustainable peace requires engagement with stakeholders and coordinated security responses rather than optics.
The exchange underscores growing political tension over how best to respond to persistent insecurity, particularly in regions like Plateau State, where recurring attacks have continued to claim lives and displace communities.
Ghana announces visa-free entry for Africans
GHANA has announced plans to introduce a visa-free policy for all African travellers, in a move aimed at deepening unity and improving movement across the continent.
John Dramani Mahama, president of Ghana, made the announcement, stating that the policy will take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with the celebration of Africa Day.
“I am also pleased to announce that effective 25th May, 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” the president said.
While countries in West Africa, including Nigeria, already enjoy visa-free travel under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol, Ghana’s new policy extends similar access to all Africans beyond the sub-region.
The announcement came after a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
President Mahama noted that Ghana already shares a visa-free arrangement with Zimbabwe, highlighting the ease of travel between the two countries.
“But between Ghana and Zimbabwe are In-laws, have a visa-free environment already. We can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa. You hop onto the plane and arrive in each other’s country.”
He explained that the new policy reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to Pan-African ideals.
According to him, the country sees itself as responsible for remaining open to Africans across the continent.
Mahama also linked the decision to Kwame Nkrumah’s vision, stressing that African countries must move faster toward deeper integration.
The visa-free entry will work as part of a broader e-visa reform programme expected to launch the same month. Government officials say both initiatives are designed to simplify travel, encourage tourism, and make Ghana more attractive to investors.
The president assured that necessary measures have been put in place to manage the system effectively and maintain national security.
“Let me assure the public that adequate systems have been put in place to protect prospective visitors and to ensure that the security of our nation is not compromised,” he stated.
Mahama added that efforts are ongoing to secure more visa waiver agreements for Ghanaian citizens travelling abroad. Since taking office in 2025, his administration has reportedly signed over 20 such agreements to strengthen the value of the Ghanaian passport.
Beyond travel, both Ghana and Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to stronger cooperation on regional and global issues. The leaders emphasised the importance of unity, dialogue, and respect for international law in addressing global challenges, including conflicts and economic instability.
President Mnangagwa described the visit as productive and forward-looking, noting that both countries share common goals around African development and cooperation.
“We remain rooted in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation, and a shared aspiration for African prosperity,” he said.
Whistleblower to be re-arraigned over firearms charge after exposing police payroll scam
THE Nigeria Police Force has re-arraigned Mubarak Bello, the whistleblower who exposed a payroll racket at Katsina command, before the Federal High Court in Katsina for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Bello, a resident of Katsina, was charged by the office of the Inspector-General of Police on March 23, 2026, for allegedly possessing a locally made gun, four rounds of live ammunition, and two expended cartridges without a valid licence.
The ICIR reports that Bello was originally charged in a Katsina magistrate court in October 2025 with possession of a forged police ID, impersonation, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and dealing in ATM cards — charges the accused calls “trumped up”.
On March 3, 2026, the Katsina magistrate court discharged Bello, prompting police to file a fresh charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at the Federal High Court.
Allegations before the court
The new charge alleges that on September 13, 2025, around 3:00 a.m., Bello was intercepted in Kofar Durbi Quarters while driving a Toyota Corolla. Police stopped and searched him, recovering a firearm and ammunition. Bello allegedly failed to produce a lawful license, leading to his arrest and forensic examination of the items.
He was charged under Sections 3 and 8(1)(2) of the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The police plan to call three witnesses: the arresting officer, investigating officer, and a forensic expert to verify the weapon’s functionality.
Whistleblower background
Bello’s arraignment came amid longstanding harassment, threats to his life and prosecution for his role as a whistleblower in an alleged multi-million-naira payroll fraud at the Katsina State Police Command.
On September 14, The ICIR reported that the police had issued a statement over the arrest of 38-year-old Bello, accusing him of impersonation, possession of a fake police identity card, and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Katsina State police command claimed Bello’s arrest on September 13, 2025, came after a routine night patrol team intercepted his Toyota Corolla. The state Police Public Relations Officer ( PRO), Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, said officers recovered a locally made rifle, live cartridges and a ‘fake’ police ID card.
However, Bello and sources familiar with the case alleged that his arrest was aimed at silencing him over his whistleblowing activities.
The ICIR gathered that Bello was first given a contract as a typist in 2009 to assist the finance department (formerly Mechanised Salary Section, MSS). Before then, he ran a shop at Kofar Turpi, doing typing jobs for police.
As a contract worker in the finance department, Bello became well acquainted with the processes through which officers’ salaries were administered across the state.
He alleged that fictitious police officers’ names were added to the salary system, diverting millions of naira monthly to accounts linked to Katsina Command finance officers, including the Finance Officer and an Assistant Finance Officer.
In 2019, Bello petitioned multiple anti-corruption agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over the alleged “ghost workers” scheme within the command.
Documents reviewed by The ICIR showed that Bello also wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Police Service Commission in 2020 after his earlier complaints failed to yield action.
In a 2020 petition to the Attorney General, Bello said he was initially instructed to process what he believed were legitimate recruitment documents. He noted that he did not suspect any wrongdoing at first, and when he sought clarification, the officers told him it was part of a “new recruitment process.”
He claimed that he was misled by the officers to forge certificates, open bogus accounts, create appointments and confirmation documents, generate fake promotion and transfer letters.
Bello said when the officers returned for a second phase of the exercise, they asked if he had more names to add to the list, but he refused. According to him, they persisted and eventually pressured him to submit his own name and that of an associate, Muhammad Hussaini, even producing police identity cards for both of them.
During the first and second processes, he listed more than a dozen officers for some of the policemen in the finance unit of the Katsina police command.
Retaliation and arrest
Following his allegations, Bello claimed he became a target of intimidation and repeated attacks. He said threats intensified after he insisted on reporting the incident since December 2019.
In 2020, Bello told investigators from ICPC that police officers raided his home in Sabon Unguwa, Katsina, and his office at the command headquarters, seizing documents and equipment.
He was consequently arrested and detained over impersonating a police officer, claims he maintains were false.
A source at the ICPC source had told The ICIR that some of the claims in Bello’s petition had merit, noting that certain payroll entries he flagged corresponded with suspicious records already unearthed by the agency’s investigation.
Attempts by the ICPC to question officers named in Bello’s petition reportedly stalled after the police authorities failed to grant approval for their appearance. It was reliably gathered that the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), wrote to the Inspector General of Police at the time to release the affected police officers under investigation for questioning but this was never done.
‘I was threatened, attacked’
Speaking with The ICIR, Bello alleged that he had faced multiple threats and physical attacks after exposing the alleged fraud. In earlier accounts, he said police officers raided his home and office, confiscating documents and equipment linked to his claims.
He also recounted being beaten by officers at the Katsina Divisional Crime Officer’s office in 2020.
Independent findings by The ICIR show how thugs attacked him with machetes, leaving deep cuts in October 2024. His head was macheted and his hand suffered deep cuts.
In a voice note obtained and reported by The ICIR, he appealed to acquaintances for help, saying he had been ambushed and was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Katsina.
Sources within the ICPC confirmed that Bello had reported several threats to his life before and after submitting his petition. These circumstances, according to some sources, may lend credence to his claim that he carried a locally made firearm for self-defence.
Bello disputes firearms allegations
Bello rejected the police claims against him, insisting the charges are a deliberate attempt to intimidate, victimise and silence him. He maintained that the firearm found in his possession was for self-defence following repeated attacks on his life after he reported the alleged fraud.
“I had no option than to protect myself after the several attacks,” he said, adding that he had applied for a licence to carry a locally made gun and formally notified police authorities, but received no response.
“I wrote to the Katsina Police command to apply for a gun… I followed the process, but they didn’t issue it to me,” he said. “Even after I got the gun, I informed the DC CID and asked for a licence, but they ignored it.”
Bello also disputed claims that a police identity card found in his possession was fake, stating that he had been issued identification documents during his time working with the police.
Appeal Court upholds ruling against NBC’s power to fine broadcasters
THE Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed an appeal by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), affirming an earlier ruling that stopped the commission from fining broadcast stations.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, April 2, the three-member panel ruled in favour of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), which had challenged the NBC’s powers in court..
The court upheld the May 2023 ruling of the Federal High Court, where one of its judges, James Omotosho, held that only courts, not regulatory agencies, had the power to impose fines for offences.
Omotosho had ruled that fines were sanctions imposed on individuals or organisations found guilty of criminal offences, and that only courts of law in Nigeria had the authority to impose such penalties.
He consequently set aside the fines imposed by the NBC on 45 broadcast stations.
The ICIR reports that the fines, amounting to ₦500,000 each, were announced by the commission on March 1, 2019, for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Omotosho further ruled that the NBC “is neither a court nor a judicial tribunal to make pronouncements on the guilt of broadcast stations,” adding that the commission’s actions violated the Nigerian Constitution.
The judgment was entered after the NBC failed to appear in court to defend the suit, despite evidence showing it had been duly served with court processes.
In July 2023, the NBC filed a motion asking the same court to set aside the judgment, arguing that the judge lacked jurisdiction and had made his decision without considering relevant facts.
However, on November 23, 2023, Omotosho dismissed the application, describing it as ‘futile’ and “an afterthought,” and noting that the commission had chosen not to defend the case when it had the opportunity.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the NBC proceeded to the Court of Appeal.
At the hearing of the appeal on February 4, 2026, the NBC’s legal team, including Victor Ogude and Kehinde Wilkey, adopted their written arguments and made additional submissions.
Counsel to MRA, Ezenwa Anumnu, also adopted his brief and responded on behalf of the organisation.
Delivering the lead judgment, Oyejoju Oyewumi, a judge, upheld MRA’s arguments, ruling that the NBC’s appeal lacked merit.
She held that having failed to challenge the case at the Federal High Court, the commission could not raise issues at the appellate stage.
The two other justices on the panel, Abba Bello Mohammed and Donatus Uwaezuoke Okorowo, agreed with the lead judgment.
With this ruling, MRA has secured victory in the first of the two separate appeals involving the NBC over similar judgments of the Federal High Court restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations.
The second appeal, still pending before the Court of Appeal, stemmed from another Federal High Court judgment delivered on January 17, 2024, by Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.
In that case, the court also ruled against the NBC in a suit filed by MRA after the commission imposed fines of ₦5 million each on a television station and three pay-TV platforms in 2022.
The fines were issued over allegations that the stations undermined Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry.
The Court of Appeal heard arguments in the second appeal on March 25, 2026, and has reserved judgment, which is expected to be delivered at a later date.
Media coalition counters Shettima, says journalists face harassment in Nigeria
TOP media bodies in Nigeria and globally have raised concerns about Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent comments that dismissed reports of journalists facing harassment in the country.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, six Nigerian and international media organisations accused his government of ignoring ongoing attacks on journalists.
“Since you assumed office as Nigeria’s president in 2023, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has documented Nigerian authorities detaining journalists without warning and mistreating them in custody. Numerous journalists have been arrested and prosecuted over their reporting, including on defamation and cybercrime charges,” the group said.
Comprising the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, the Africa Editors Forum, the Media Rights Agenda, the International Press Centre, and the International Press Institute Nigeria, the group criticised Shettima’s claim of February 27, in which he told members of the Nigerian Press Council that no Nigerian journalist had been harassed in the past three years.
He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for being tolerant and said his government supported press freedom.
“On February 27, a State House press release quoted Vice President Shettima saying to members of the Nigerian Press Council, ‘For the past three years, have you heard of any harassment of journalists? He added that your ‘tolerance threshold is so high.’ The press release also said your administration had promoted ‘an environment that is conducive for journalists to carry out their duties without harassment.”
The coalition said the claims ignored many real and well-documented attacks on journalists under Tinubu’s watch. They asked the president to punish those responsible for such abuses and to change laws that make journalism risky.
Since Tinubu became president in 2023, groups like CPJ have reported several cases where journalists were arrested, attacked, or detained by security forces.
For example, CPJ said at least 56 journalists were attacked or harassed during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. Security forces were reported to have used bullets and tear gas on journalists covering the protests.
The IPC recorded 65 separate attacks on journalists in 2024, including physical violence, unlawful arrests, and threats. Media Rights Agenda reported 86 violations of press freedom in 2025, while CJID said it had confirmed 231 attacks on journalists since Tinubu assumed office.
The groups said these numbers showed a serious problem and called on the government to take action to stop the violence and intimidation.
They also mentioned past cases that are still unresolved, including the death of Onifade Emmanuel Pelumi, who was found dead in a Lagos mortuary days after being detained while covering protests in October 2020.
According to CPJ, at least 23 journalists have been killed in Nigeria since 1992. Thirteen of those deaths were directly linked to their work, and two other journalists are still missing and believed to be dead.
Call for action ahead of 2027 elections
The coalition warned that the build-up to the 2027 general elections could see increased pressure and violence against the media unless urgent measures are taken.
“We have not seen meaningful efforts to end impunity when journalists are targeted,” the groups said, addng, “Your government must ensure that the periods before, during, and after the coming elections are safe for those who report the news.”
The coalition called on Tinubu to match his “friendship with the media” with bold action: to investigate and prosecute those responsible for media attacks, return Pelumi’s body to his family, and protect journalists as an essential part of Nigeria’s democracy.
The ICIR recently reported that press freedom in Nigeria faced renewed threats following two separate incidents in Bauchi and Niger states.
The attacks, reportedly carried out by government officials, sparked outrage among Nigerian and international media, which called for urgent action to identify and punish those responsible.
Don’t panic, CBN tells Union, Keystone, Polaris depositors over recapitalisation
ALTHOUGH the March 31st deadline for their recapitalisation was not met, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised depositors with Union, Keystone, and Polaris banks not to panic about their funds.
The apex bank said the banks were still undergoing judicial and regulatory procedures, while assuring depositors about the safety of their funds.
The Director of Banking Supervision at the CBN, Olubukola Akinwunmi, who disclosed this on Thursday, April 2, in Abuja on Arise Television Business Morning Programmes, assured depositors of the safety of their funds.
“It’s important we tell Nigerians that these banks have the capacity to raise the required capital, and they’re in the process of raising the required capital, the likes of Union, Keystone and Polaris banks. However, there are judicial and regulatory processes to be addressed before that can be concluded.
He added, “It’s appropriate as an institution that supports the rule of law that we consider it necessary and the governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has mentioned in the last MPC meeting that these banks have different pathways to recapitalisation.”
He said that Nigerians and depositors with the banks had nothing to panic about and could go in and withdraw their funds without any fear of losing their money.
He noted that the apex bank maintained close watch on these banks until the judicial processes are concluded, noting that “they’ll be back on recapitalisation based on the minimum capital requirements stipulated by the apex bank once the processes are sorted.”
Akinwunmi also informed that banks would undergo occasional “stress tests” to ensure their financial stability without waiting for a long-term recapitalisation.
He emphasised the importance of occasional stress tests for banks to ascertain their risk exposure to businesses and the handling of depositors’ funds.
“We don’t have to wait for another 20 years for another recapitalisation to happen. The stress test framework requires the banks to adequately manage a scenario that could happen when there’s a shock that exposes them to higher risks.
“On an ongoing basis, banks should assess their risk exposure based on a gradual deterioration of their loan books, which is a scenario-based deterioration and the bank’s capacity to raise the required capital while managing their risk exposure,” he explained further.
The focus, he said, was for banks to proactively manage their capital adequacy and, where necessary, raise fresh capital required to maintain a capital base without unexpected risk exposure.
“What that does is to ensure that… the banks can maintain a banking system that is stable, resilient and sound for business,” he added.
The ICIR reports that the apex bank has concluded the recapitalisation programme of Nigeria’s banking sector, an effort aimed at strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy.
The CBN introduced a revised recapitalisation policy in March 2024, giving banks a 24-month window, from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026, to strengthen their capital base. The policy requires Nigerian banks to strengthen their capital base, with thresholds of N500 billion (international), N200 billion (national), and N50 billion (regional).
Affirming the conclusion of the exercise on Wednesday, April 1, the CBN stated that 33 banks had met the new minimum capital requirement, while raising a total of N4.65 trillion in fresh capital over 24 months.
It stated that the programme recorded strong participation from both domestic and international investors, with 72.55 per cent of capital sourced locally and 27.45 per cent from international markets, which reflects sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector.
The central bank stated that all banks remained fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.
It added that the programme had strengthened capital adequacy ratios (CAR), with the sector maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks.
The bank noted that the minimum CAR thresholds remained at 10 per cent for regional and national banks and 15 per cent for banks with international authorisation.
The recapitalisation exercise, implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, has improved asset quality, reinforcing balance sheet transparency and overall financial system stability.
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ADC rejects INEC stance, to proceed with congresses, convention
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it would proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) decision to stop recognising the party’s leadership, led by former Senate President, David Mark.
The ICIR reported that citing a recent Appeal Court ruling, INEC removed all ADC leaders from its portal on Wednesday April 1.
Reacting to the decision, the party accused the electoral body of bias and undue interference in its internal affairs.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, revealed this during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Thursday, April 2, where he maintained that ADC had fulfilled all legal requirements, including notifying INEC ahead of its scheduled activities.
“We have given INEC 21 days’ notice. They have accepted the notice. So, whether they come and continue with our congresses, we’ll continue with our convention,” Abdullahi said.
In its decision on Wednesday, the commission said it would no longer recognise Mark or his team as officials of the party pending the final determination of a case over the party’s leadership, currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Abdullahi, however, argued that INEC’s interpretation of the Appeal Court’s order over the party’s leadership crisis was flawed and politically motivated.
He accused the commission of abandoning neutrality and aligning with external interests to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Today, INEC has been bamboozled. INEC has been intimidated. INEC has succumbed to intimidation, and they are determined to coronate President Bola Tinubu.”
The ADC spokesperson explained that the party had followed due process in its leadership transition, noting that the former chairman had resigned and that INEC was duly informed.
According to him, the electoral umpire was recognising rival claims and creating confusion within the party.
He stressed that the disputes over party leadership remained internal matters that should not be subject to external interference.
Abdullahi insisted that the Court of Appeal’s directive to maintain the status quo did not justify INEC’s decision to alter the party’s leadership records.
He further alleged that recent developments were part of a broader political strategy to undermine credible opposition ahead of the next general elections.
“The most important point today is that all this is part of an orchestration by the ruling party to destabilise. It is very clear, INEC has shown its hand that it is biased, All this points to INEC trying to create a case. We can see our democracy opening into our very eyes. And we’re asking for proof as if we are foreigners. It is very clear what is going on and it should concern everybody.”
Abdullahi, however, reiterated that the ADC remained focused on its internal processes and would not be deterred.
He stressed that the party’s congresses and convention were critical steps in strengthening its structure and preparing for future elections.
The ICIR reported earlier on Thursday that lawyers condemned the INEC’s decision. They described the commission’s position on the ADC leadership as a threat to the nation’s democracy and an attempt to ensure only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is the only major political party that will participate in the 2027 general elections.
The ICIR reports that the ADC has been widely seen as the only major opposition to challenge the APC which produced President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
Tinubu is currently gearing up to seek re-election, and many Nigerians believe the ADC is the only viable opposition to the APC, given that 32 of Nigeria’s 36 governors are currently in the APC.
Despite the influx of the Nigeria governors into the APC, prominent politicians, including former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwanso, former minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, and former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi are among the leading figures in the ADC.
Meanwhile, there are concerns that the ADC may not participate in the 2027 polls should the case in court lingers and INEC refuses to change its position on not recognising any of the party’s leaders.
According to the INEC timetable, political parties are to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
The ADC’s failure to resolve its leadership crisis will mean that the APC goes to the poll without a major challenge, as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once branded as Africa’s largest political party, has seen its membership depleted by mass defections and currently faces similar leadership crisis.
Middle East tension: Australia, India, others offer economic relief while Tinubu borrows more
ON the heels of the US-Iran conflict, several countries across the World are offering economic relief to their citizens to cushion the impact of the higher global energy prices, while Nigeria is borrowing more money despite selling oil at a higher price of $100 per barrel.
Already, there is a growing concern as the Nigerian government expected relief is not forthcoming. Additionally, crude-for-Naira swap deal with Dangote Refinery has not fully insulated the citizens from the effects of the volatile oil prices.
From Australia to Pakistan, India and Egypt, leaders are taking initiatives that help citizens rise out of the economic crisis occasioned by the US-Iran conflict.
Conversely, Nigeria is borrowing more, with the latest $6 billion external loan request approval by the legislature on Tuesday, March 31, an indication that the government has not maximised gains from the oil windfall, selling about $100 per barrel.
The conflict has pushed global oil prices up, benefiting Nigeria’s oil exports but also increasing fuel costs for citizens. Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the cost of transportation and food prices on the rooftops.
Analysts believe that the first quarter inflation figure, when released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), would reach 19 per cent as a result of the US-Iran conflict.
“PMS at N1,370 is the new normal. The impact of this on various levels of economic activities, fertiliser, diesel and aviation fuel is feeding into the global rate of inflation. The government must think of a way of allowing the windfall to favour the people through a structured management plan,” an economist and the CEO of financial derivatives, Bismarck Rewane, said.
Notably, the Nigerian government is benefiting from the windfall, whereas the Nigerian people are taking the heat on inflationary pressure.
“There’s a windfall in income for the government and a shortfall in income for Nigerian consumers. The question is how do we transfer income into the pockets of the people,” Rewane queried.
He suggested to the federal government of Nigeria to liaise with the refiners and give crude at a subsidised rate that will push down the price. It could be a temporary measure.
“This could help to offer transportation relief and avoid rising energy costs, which affect food prices and other logistic costs,” he said.
Countries’ response to the US-Iran conflict
Meanwhile, as the conflict has lasted more than a month now, several countries are rolling out economic relief measures. For instance, India, Australia, the Philippines, and Egypt are among those taking proactive steps.
Australia is currently cutting off fuel taxes and offering transport relief to its citizens.
India had a 30-day emergency waiver from the US Treasury, allowing it to snap up stranded Russian oil cargoes and keep domestic fuel prices stable.
Pakistan’s government has followed suit and slashed energy consumption with a four-day work week and shut schools for two weeks.
In a similar vein, the Philippines has declared a state of emergency, trying to stay ahead of a transport workers’ strike and potential economic disruption.
The World Bank, on its own part, stepped in with financial aid for countries hit hard by the conflict, using its fast-disbursing policy financing tools to help governments cope with the energy cost crunch.
Analysts stressed that the government needs to transmit monies into the pockets of businesses and the working class by paying contractors, offering school grants, and properly concessioning roads to ensure Nigerians are properly shielded.
Remembering how Ya’adua handled a similar situation
The ICIR reports that this wasn’t the first time there has been a global economic crisis. Under former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, there was a global economic meltdown, and he initiated some programmes and policies to cushion the effect.
His government set up a global economic response strategy that was reviewed after each Federal Executive Council meeting to assess strategies.
At that time, shortly before he died, Ya’ardua set up an economic team and launched a ₦1.3 trillion stimulus package, targeting key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure to get Nigeria’s economy moving.
The then government increased spending to stimulate growth, while the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut interest rates to encourage borrowing and boost liquidity.
Analyst suggestions
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CFG Advisory, Tilewa Adebajo, who spoke on the development, said the shocks currently being experienced showed that Nigeria’s economy is more linked to the global economy.
He said that the crisis will expose Nigeria to cost-push inflation and it’s impacting the price of economic activities.
“Nigeria has built its reserves to over $50 billion currently, and we have had some gains, although not maximally as expected. What we expect is that inflation will go up, and there’s going to be cost-push inflation. It’s going to cause a good price hike.
He suggested that a shift in policy could come through structural reforms and ensuring strategic reserves in the oil sector to avoid volatile price shocks.
Lawyers fault INEC over ADC leadership dispute, warn of threat to 2027 polls
LEGAL practitioners have criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
They warned that the commission’s actions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reactions followed INEC’s decision to remove the names of the party’s leadership, led by former Senate President David Mark, from its official portal.
The commission said the action was based on a Court of Appeal order directing parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum in the party’s leadership crisis.
Reacting to the this, the party rejected the INEC interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.
The party described the interpretation as inconsistent, saying that the decision was shaped by outside influence.
A statement by its National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said “We reject INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling.
“We knew that INEC was being pressured by a government that has become jittery from the ADC’s rising momentum even in the face of its relentless assault on all opposition parties.”
Several lawyers, however, argued that INEC might have misinterpreted the court’s directive.
Ekemini Udim, in a Facebook post, said his review of the appellate court judgment showed that it did not support INEC’s decision.
He described the commission as “a serious threat to democracy,” insisting that the status quo before litigation was the emergence of Mark and other new leaders.
According to him, reversing that position contradicts the court’s intent and raises concerns about INEC’s role in shaping the political landscape ahead of 2027.
Human rights lawyer Inebehe Effiong also questioned the development, suggesting there were signs of “a well-orchestrated sinister conspiracy” to weaken opposition politics.
Effiong noted that the ADC’s entire executive had reportedly resigned to pave the way for a new leadership, including Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Effiong pointed out that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had already ratified the new leadership.
“The Court of Appeal said the parties should maintain status quo ante bellum. This means the state of affairs before the suit before the Federal High Court was filed by the claimant. Before the suit, who was the chairman of the party? Was it not David Mark? Is this INEC saying that the order of the Court of Appeal implies that there should be leadership vacuum in the ADC until the case is determined by the Federal High Court? Whose script is this INEC playing?” he asked.
Similarly, legal practitioner Festus Ogun, in a series of posts on X, criticised both the courts and INEC, describing the situation as unconstitutional.
He argued that disputes over party leadership fall outside the jurisdiction of Nigerian courts, citing provisions of the Electoral Act which, he said, bar judicial interference in internal party affairs.
According to him, the use of interim or preservatory orders in such matters amounts to an abuse of court process and risks shrinking Nigeria’s political space.
He further questioned how a “status quo” order could justify the removal of names that had been submitted before the suit was filed.
Adding to the debate, another lawyer on social media, with the handle Tunde Adejumo9, argued that INEC’s actions went beyond what the Court of Appeal intended.
He explained that the doctrine generally referred to maintaining the state of affairs before the dispute began, not altering it.
In the ADC case, he said, removing the names of the current National Working Committee members effectively prejudged issues still pending before the Federal High Court, including an application for interlocutory injunction filed by Nafiu Gombe.
Adejumo maintained that INEC, in complying with the court order, ought to have preserved the existing leadership structure on its portal rather than taking steps that could influence the outcome of the case.
“INEC, in compliance with the Court of Appeal’s order of status quo ante bellum, should have simply maintained the existing state of affairs, leaving all names on its portal intact and refraining from any actions that might affect the merits of the pending suit or motion for interlocutory injunction.
“Any order for removal of names is properly within the purview of the trial court, should it grant the motion for interlocutory injunction or the reliefs sought in the substantive suit. It is not for INEC to take such a step independently,” he wrote.
The ICIR reports that the ADC has been widely seen as the only major opposition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which produced President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
Tinubu is currently gearing up to seek re-election, and many Nigerians believe the ADC is the only viable opposition to the APC, given that 32 of Nigeria’s 36 governors are currently in the APC.
Despite the influx of the Nigeria governors into the APC, prominent politicians, including former vice president Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former secretary to the government of the federation, Babachir Lawal, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwanso, former minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, and former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi are among the leading figures in the ADC.
Meanwhile, there are concerns that the ADC may not participate in the 2027 polls should the case in court lingers and INEC refuses to change its position on not recognising any of the party’s leaders.
According to the INEC timetable, political parties are to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
The ADC’s failure to resolve its leadership crisis will mean that the APC goes to the poll without a major challenge, as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), once branded as Africa’s largest political party, has seen its membership depleted by mass defections and currently faces similar leadership crisis.