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Benin, Togo bypass Nigerian government to buy power directly from GENCOs

Harrison EDEH
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Benin, Togo bypass Nigerian government to buy power directly from GENCOs

AT a time when Nigeria’s electricity supply is arguably at its worst in decades, West African neighbours namely Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso are currently jostling for more electricity load offtake from Nigeria, The ICIR can authoritatively report.  

Benin and Togo already have bilateral agreements with Nigeria on electricity supply. They have also been able to scale up their power evacuation corridors, including transmission lines, sub-stations and switch-gear equipment for easier electricity off-take.

Conversely, Nigeria has been unable to optimally scale up its evacuation corridors, which currently limits offtake of power to such nations by the Nigerian government.

Therefore, these countries are considering buying power directly from power generation companies (GENCOS) in Nigeria to bypass the weakness of Nigerian power infrastructure that had been obstacles to direct supply of electricity to them. The ICIR reports that Burkina Faso has just approached the Nigerian government for power, but Benin and Togo have been regular customers.

Inside sources revealed that direct purchase from GENCOS could reduce costs. However, they must have the federal government’s consent to achieve this.

The ICIR reports that Nigeria’s current power supply oscillates between 3,000 and 4,000 megawatts despite power sector privatisation since 2013, with installed generation capacity of 14,000 megawatts.

Most Nigerian homes lack access to a constant electricity supply, with distribution companies resorting to load-shedding for homes and industrial clusters.

To worsen the crisis, Nigeria’s rising liquidity in the power sector and debts to power generation companies (GENCOS) of over trillion naira, with poor evacuation corridors, are a major cause of weak load evacuation to West African neighbours despite bilateral agreements.

“As of today, the contracting capacity for international customers, which constitutes Benin, Niger and Togo, is 606 megawatts. But they are given 306 megawatts on average, sometimes 320 megawatts, depending on line availability,” the executive director of market operations at Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Edmund Eje, told The ICIR.

“They have asked why we are not able to evacuate to them, and we have explained that our infrastructure cannot evacuate optimally to their demands, which can overstretch our grid if there’s an overload,” Eje said.

The reason for poor evacuation, Eje said, is poor transmission infrastructure, stressing that, “an electricity overload will expose the national grid to incessant collapse.”

Findings by The ICIR showed that from Ikeja West to Sakete in the Benin Republic is 470 kilometres electricity line. While 30 per cent of the line belongs to the Benin Republic, 70 per cent of it is owned by Nigeria. The line, when fully completed, can evacuate 600 megawatts of power and on 330 (kilovolts)kV of transmission line to Benin.

However, the Nigerian evacuation corridors of 70 per cent are not fully built by the federal government, while the Benin Republic axis has been completed. With the non-completion, the evacuation of power to Sakete can only currently evacuate 100 megawatts of power to Benin, leaving those at the economic corridor in the axis stranded without constant power.

Eje confirmed that the weak evacuation corridors had prompted some of the West African neighbours to discuss with power generation companies for direct electricity load offtake through a power purchase agreement (PPA).

“In the past week, three generation companies came to my office to inform me that they want to sign a PPA with Togo. Burkina Faso also came to us and indicated interest in 400 megawatts of power,” Eje added.

The Executive Secretary of the Association of Gas Generation Companies of Nigeria (APGC), Joy Ogaji, told The ICIR that the debts in the sector were affecting investors’ confidence.

“Liquidity constraints continue to strain the generation companies. Gas supply limitations disrupt consistent power delivery, with end users struggling with unreliable electricity,” she said.

Analysts believe that the transmission expansion work by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which involves upscaling of transmission infrastructure, could solve the evacuation corridor problems if the federal government intensify investments in transmission infrastructure, which still relies more on World Bank and African Development Bank funds for its works.

Recall that the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) disclosed on Sunday, March 15, that the Republic of Togo had expressed interest in increasing the volume of electricity from its company as part of efforts to meet growing power demand.

Débo-K’mba Barandao, who heads Togo’s utility company, said the country was witnessing an increasing electricity demand following the onboarding of new customers, including industrial and commercial users, as well as efforts by the Togolese government to expand electricity access nationwide.

US weighs more troop deployment as Israel-Iran tensions escalate

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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US weighs more troop deployment as Israel-Iran tensions escalate

UNITED States (US) President Donald Trump is weighing the deployment of thousands of additional troops to the Middle East as global energy lifelines came under renewed strain on Thursday, March 19.

Trump’s proposal follows the growing spillover of the US-backed Israel-Iran conflict into the Gulf, with fresh strikes hitting gas infrastructure in Qatar and missile threats directed at Saudi Arabia.

 Reuters reported that the development was revealed by officials familiar with the deliberations, as Washington scrambles to secure oil transit routes and prevent a total breakdown of global energy flows.

At the centre of the crisis is the South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reserve, struck by Israeli forces in what Trump described as a retaliatory move driven by “anger” over recent developments in the conflict, marking a dangerous expansion of targets from military to critical economic infrastructure.

Within hours, Iran responded with missile attacks that hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a facility responsible for processing roughly a fifth of global liquefied natural gas supply. Qatari authorities reported extensive damage and fires at key installations, raising alarm across global markets already rattled by weeks of instability.

Missiles were also launched toward Riyadh, with Saudi air defences intercepting several ballistic threats. Additional drone and missile strikes targeted energy sites across the Gulf, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates, forcing shutdowns and heightening fears of a coordinated campaign against oil and gas infrastructure.

The widening conflict is now directly threatening the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which about a fifth of the world’s oil supply flows. Iran’s moves to disrupt the corridor have already driven up global energy prices and intensified concerns over inflation and supply shortages worldwide.

Trump insisted that Washington had no prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on South Pars, as he issued a stark warning to Tehran that any further attacks on Gulf states could trigger overwhelming US retaliation.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from 12 Muslim-majority nations meeting in Riyadh condemned Iran’s strikes on civilian infrastructure, warning of potential military responses if attacks continue, as Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom “reserves the right” to act.

Thousands have reportedly been killed in Iran since the conflict escalated, with casualties also recorded across Lebanon, Iraq, and Gulf states. In Lebanon, displacement is surging as hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Analysts noted that with key energy hubs burning, shipping lanes under threat, and diplomacy yielding little progress, the Gulf crisis is rapidly evolving from a regional conflict into a global economic emergency, one that could redefine both energy security and military alliances in the weeks ahead.

Nigerian mother, two children die in US crash ‘on way to church’

Esther Tomo
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Nigerian mother, two children die in US crash ‘on way to church’

A NIGERIAN woman, Nihinlolawa Agoro, and two of her children have lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Texas, United States.

The crash occurred on Sunday, March 15, along US-90A between Harlem and Pitts roads.

According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO), the incident involved a sport utility vehicle (SUV) carrying five occupants and a truck travelling in the opposite direction.

Authorities said the truck crossed the median, lost control, and crashed head-on into the SUV.

The impact caused the truck to overturn before it caught fire.

Three occupants of the SUV were confirmed dead at the scene, including Agoro and two others. Two children in the vehicle, a four-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, were rescued and taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The 20-year-old driver of the truck was also hospitalised.

Investigators said they were still working to determine the cause of the crash, including whether alcohol played a role.

Officials believe the victims were on their way to church at the time of the accident, based on what they were wearing.

“Investigators are working with the district attorney’s office, and charges are expected to be filed, as alcohol is believed to be a factor,” said the FBCSO.

The ICIR’s check on the late woman’s Facebook page showed that she was a practicing lawyer in the US, and she had only two children, who died with her in the crash.

 

AIJC2026 calls for proposals

Blessing OTOIBHI
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AIJC2026 calls for proposals

THE African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC)is accepting session & speaker proposals for this year’s edition, taking place at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications from November 10 – 12, 2026.

The AIJC returns in 2026, moving from Johannesburg for the first time in its history to Nairobi, Kenya. To ensure it presents the most interesting, urgent work and journalists on the continent, the AIJC invites you to suggest speakers, panels, themes or training that would elevate the conference this year.

Organiser says, “Do you have something that needs to be shared with your colleagues? Do you have a topic or some particular training that you think would enhance the conference? Do you have an idea for a discussion that belongs on the programme?

Help shape the conference by submitting proposals by 5 April 2026”.

The annual African Investigative Journalism Conference, an initiative of the Wits Centre for Journalism, is the largest gathering of African investigative journalists.

Now in its 22nd year (2026), the conference is usually held over three days late in the year (October/November), where journalists from Africa and elsewhere gather to network, share ideas and stories, celebrate excellent, groundbreaking work, and learn from one another through a series of lectures, workshops, masterclasses and seminars.

If you are interested in sending proposals, please use this link.

Defence minister, NSA Ribadu join Tinubu on UK trip hours after Borno explosions

Mustapha USMAN
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Defence minister, NSA Ribadu join Tinubu on UK trip hours after Borno explosions

NIGERIA’S Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, were among top security officials who travelled out of the country with President Bola Tinubu for a state visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday, March 17.

They jetted out of the country despite the recent attacks on communities and military bases across several parts of Nigeria.

Tinubu departed Abuja, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the high-level visit at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. 

The Nigerian leader was scheduled to be hosted at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

In a viral video, the Defence Minister was seen among many other delegates, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, welcoming the president into the United Kingdom.

Musa and Ribadu were among the delegates listed to accompany Tinubu by the Presidency.

The presence of Ribadu, who coordinates Nigeria’s security and intelligence framework, and Musa, who oversees the country’s military operations, has drawn outrage given the worsening security situation at home, especially the triple attacks in Borno State, which killed 23 people and wounded 108 others. 

Purpose of visit

The Presidency said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with key discussions expected around trade, investment, defence cooperation, immigration, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, Tinubu is expected to hold talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The meeting is projected to culminate in the signing of several agreements, including a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and Nigerian authorities to support the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

Rising insecurity at home

The trip came at a time when Nigeria is facing renewed security challenges across multiple regions, especially the North-East. In the North-East, particularly in Borno State, insurgent groups have intensified attacks on both military formations and civilian communities.

Recent reports indicate that several military bases have come under coordinated assaults, leading to casualties among security personnel and the loss of ammunition. Civilian communities have also been targeted, with abductions and killings reported in different parts of the region.

Beyond the North-East, states in the North-West and North-Central have also continued to grapple with banditry, mass kidnappings, and communal violence. Incidents of attacks have also been recorded in parts of the South-West.

Growing concerns over leadership priorities

The absence of key security officials, including the national Security Adviser and defence minister, has triggered concerns among citizens, who questioned the timing of the trip and the priorities given to lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Nigerians argued that the presence of top security decision-makers is crucial at a time when the country is battling coordinated threats from insurgents and armed groups.

While Tinubu condemned recent attacks and directed security agencies to intensify operations, Nigerians argue that the continued escalation of violence shows deeper challenges within the country’s security architecture.

A Twitter X, Seun Awogbenle wrote “The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has no business in the UK at this time; he should be leading a delegation of the service chiefs to Maiduguri immediately. I have been remotely involved in the activities on the state visit and the key issues that have dominated the conversations are on trade, business and investment. Unlike the visit to Turkey, the UK is not offering Nigeria any material support in defence and intelligence. So, at best, he could have had someone else stand in for him on this trip. He has more serious demands on the home front.

“The minister of defence came in with the ovation from all Nigerians and to whom much is given, much is expected. Nigerians want to see tangible improvements in the security situation.”

Another user, Atikun Sokoto, expressed a similar concern, stating that “It’s a shame to see the Minister of Defence Christoper Musa among the shameless leaders who went to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London after all these tragic incidents that happened in Maiduguri, other disclosed and undisclosed locations within Arewa. Such a shame from a man who many of us celebrate when his name was sent to Senate for screening as the one that will succeed Badaru after he was forced to retire.”

Senegal to appeal CAF’s ruling awarding AFCON title to Morocco

Mustapha USMAN
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Senegal to appeal CAF’s ruling awarding AFCON title to Morocco

THE Senegalese Football Federation has vowed to challenge a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, which awarded a 3–0 forfeiture victory to Morocco in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a communiqué on Tuesday night, March 17, the Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it had received CAF’s March 17, 2026, ruling concerning the disputed final between Senegal and Morocco.

The ICIR reports that the Appeals Board of CAF ruled in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), declaring their appeal admissible and setting aside an earlier decision by CAF’s Disciplinary Board. 

According to CAF, the initial ruling was annulled because the Appeal Board found that the conduct of the Senegal team fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

It subsequently ruled that the Senegalese team had infringed Article 82 and should forfeit the match under Article 84, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory, effectively handing them the continental title.

“It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” CAF statement read.

Reacting to the development, the FSF denounced the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” noting that it brings disrepute to African football.

The body added that it would immediately initiate proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to contest the ruling.

“In defence of its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.

 Beyond the forfeiture ruling, CAF’s Appeals Board also delivered a series of related decisions arising from incidents during the final.

Moroccan international Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct under Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code. However, his sanctions were reduced, with a two-match suspension imposed, one of which was suspended, while an earlier $100,000 fine was overturned.

The Appeals Board also addressed other match incidents; partially upholding appeals related to ball boy conduct and a laser pointer incident. 

It reduced fines imposed on the Moroccan federation in those cases to $50,000 and $10,000 respectively. However, a separate $100,000 fine linked to interference around the VAR review area was upheld.

ICPC denies seeking fresh detention order for El-Rufai, says case adjourned to March 31

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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ICPC denies seeking fresh detention order for El-Rufai, says case adjourned to March 31

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports that it returned to court to seek a fresh extension of the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

In a statement Tuesday night by the ICPC’s Head, Media and Public Communication, John Odey,  the commission clarified that its appearance in court earlier that day was solely in response to an application filed by El-Rufai challenging his continued remand.

“This statement is necessary to correct inaccurate reports by some media outlets suggesting that the commission was in court today, 17th March 2026, seeking a fresh extension of his detention. The commission appeared in court today for the hearing of Mallam El-Rufai’s application, dated and filed on 6th March 2026, which seeks to overturn the court order renewing his remand issued on 5th March 2026,” Odey stated.

He explained that  a separate attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the earlier remand order issued on February 19 was dismissed by the court on March 9, adding that magistrate granted the request and adjourned the matter to March 31, 2026.

The commission said El-Rufai remained in its custody under a valid court order and insisted that due process had been followed in handling his case.

“During today’s proceedings, counsel to Mr El-Rufai was served with our response to his application. The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the commission’s response. Consequently, the gagistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response,” Odey said.

According to the ICPC, the initial 14-day remand was granted to investigate allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office. Upon its expiration, the court approved an additional 14-day extension on March 5.

“To keep the public informed, the commission provides the following timeline of the court authorised detention. The initial remand order was granted, allowing the commission to detain the suspect for 14 days to investigate allegations of money laundering and abuse of office. Upon the expiration of the initial order, the commission applied for a 14-day extension to complete its investigations, which the court acceded to on 5th March, 2026. Counsel to El-Rufai attempted to set aside the remand order issued on 19th February, 2026, but the application was dismissed on 9th March, 2026.

“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026. The commission is strictly following the court mandated timeline, including the requirement for a progress report. The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law. The remand of Mr El-Rufai has been authorised by a court of law in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015,” he added.

Odey further cautioned against what he described as “inaccurate reports” and reiterated ICPC’s policy against media trials.

“Furthermore, the ICPC remains firm in upholding its longstanding policy of avoiding media trials. We believe that legal disputes should be settled in the courtroom, not on newspaper pages and social media platforms. The commission’s leadership remains steadfast and undeterred in confronting any and all challenges in the course of the current investigation. We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the commission,” he added.

The ICIR reported that ICPC confirmed that El‑Rufai was in its custody on February 18, following the former governor’s detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he presented himself on February 16, after an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023. 

In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted him over alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering and urged anti-graft agencies to investigate him.

Report indicated that El-Rufai, who spent two nights in EFCC custody, was granted bail at about 8 p.m. on February 18 but was immediately re-arrested by armed operatives who reportedly laid in wait at the EFCC premises.

The accused has since applied for bail but a Federal High Court in Abuja on February 25 declined to entertain a bail application filed, ruling that the application was premature, insisting that the defendant must first be properly arraigned before the court could consider such an application.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for arraignment.

FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr

Mustapha USMAN
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FG declares public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr

THE Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the government, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, March 17, by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.

Eid-el-Fitr, meaning ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ is one of the most important feasts in Islam.

The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of devotion to Allah.

Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy and gratitude, beginning with a special congregational prayer at mosques and open prayer grounds.

It is also marked by feasting, gift-giving, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given to the less privileged before the Eid prayer.

Congratulating Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, Tunji-Ojo urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the period.

He also called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the peace, unity, and continued development of the country.

The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

Borno attacks: Tinubu more obsessed with crushing opposition than tackling insecurity – Atiku

Esther Tomo
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Borno attacks: Tinubu more obsessed with crushing opposition than tackling insecurity – Atiku

FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State, accusing his administration of prioritising politics over national security.

Abubakar said the worsening violence, including the return of suicide bombings, raised serious concerns about the government’s ability to protect citizens and maintain public confidence.

He particularly lambasted Tinubu for choosing to embark on a trip from Abuja to the United Kingdom hours after the attacks instead of heading for Maiduguri or remaining in the nation’s capital to console the bereaved and direct the armed forces to hunt down the attackers.

The Adamawa-born politician and Peoples’ Democratic Party candidate in the 2023 poll argued that while the president is abroad, residents are picking up human parts that litter the streets in Borno.

He further lampooned the president for issuing a press release instead of showing physical presence to commiserate with the people.

“A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated’. Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the president is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno. We urge His Majesty the King, to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras.
“Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning. A government that treats funerals as routine and criticism as treason has lost the moral authority to lead,” he said.
Abubakar further warned that the government risked undermining its credibility if it continued to focus on 2027 elections instead of addressing pervasive insecurity in the nation.

According to him, Tinubu would not campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people he failed to protect.

He also expressed sadness over the recent attacks in Borno State, noting that the resurgence of suicide bombings had revived painful memories of the Boko Haram insurgency at its peak around the 2014 Boko Haram insurgency peak.

“I am very sad at the latest terrorist attacks in Borno State and the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated,” he noted.

He acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian troops engaged in counterinsurgency operations but stressed the need for a comprehensive review of current security strategies.

Abubakar also criticised what he described as the government’s reliance on strong rhetoric, emphasising that Nigerians are more interested in tangible results than official condemnations of attacks.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain said dismissing concerns about insecurity as politically motivated is counterproductive, arguing further that terrorism affects all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

He urged the Tinubu administration to refocus its priorities on addressing the security challenges facing the country and restoring public trust.

THE ICIR reported that Tinubu departed Abuja on Tuesday for a state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The President, accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, will be hosted at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.

This organisation also reported that while Borno State writhes in pain from a deadly triple explosions that killed 23 people and injured over 100 in Maiduguri on Monday, the Vice President, Kasim Shettima, also jetted to Anambra State for Charles Soludo’s second time inauguration.

Shettima is a former governor of Borno State.

The coordinated attacks, confirmed by the Borno State Police Command, occurred at the Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police said no fewer than 108 persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries in the suspected suicide bombings.

Tuesday’s attacks are the latest on a state that has battled insurgency the early years of this century.

Borno attacks: Tinubu flies to UK, Shettima jets to Anambra for Soludo’s inauguration

Mustapha USMAN
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Borno attacks: Tinubu flies to UK, Shettima jets to Anambra for Soludo’s inauguration

WHILE Borno State writhes in pain from a deadly triple explosion that killed 23 people and injured over 100 in Maiduguri on Monday, President Bola Tinubu departed Nigeria hours after the tragedy for a state visit to the United Kingdom.

His vice, Kasim Shettima, also jetted to Anambra State for Charles Soludo’s second time inauguration.

Shettima is a former governor of Borno State.

The ICIR reported that the coordinated attacks, confirmed by the Borno State Police Command, occurred at the Monday Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police said no fewer than 108 persons also sustained varying degrees of injuries in the suspected suicide bombings.

However, despite the unfolding security situation, Tinubu left Abuja alongside the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for what the presidency described as a historic state visit to the United Kingdom.

During the visit, Tinubu is scheduled to be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, marking the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

Tinubu was airborne as flames were still smoldering in the streets of Maiduguri.

The ICIR report that this is consistent with the president’s long-standing pattern of neglecting disaster sites and rarely visits families of victims but often delegating such responsibilities to his vice or other functionaries.

For instance, in November 2025, Tinubu asked the Vice President to visit Kebbi State to sympathise with the state government and assure parents and guardians of the mass kidnapping of Maga schoolgirls of their freedom.

On December 26, 2025, Shettima visited survivors of a bomb explosion at Gamboru Market while receiving treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre. The vice president conveyed the sympathy of Tinubu to the victims.

Similarly, on February 15, 2026, Tinubu directed Shettima to lead a federal government delegation to Kano State to express “sympathy and support” for victims of the Singa Market fire disaster.

Earlier in that month, Shetimma had also led delegations to Kwara State where around 100 people were killed and about 176 kidnapped in a single attack.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tinubu condemned the Borno attacks, describing them as “desperate acts” by terrorist elements.

He expressed condolences to victims and directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation, while also ordering emergency support for the injured.

Shettima in Anambra

In the same vein, Shettima is in Anambra State to attend the second-term inauguration of Governor Charles Soludo.

A video shared by Anambra State New Media confirmed that Shettma had landed at the airport.

Nigerians express dissatisfaction

Meanwhile, many Nigerians have argued that this practice, particularly from the president, reflects a detachment from the human toll of crises.

They also questioned whether political optics and international trips take precedence over the lives of Nigerians.

Reacting to the development, a journalist with the Arise Television, Oseni Rufai, in a series of posts questioned the president’s decision to travel hours after the explosions, stating that “Why go on state visit when there was a major bombing back home.”

He also wrote “If kier Starmer had a multiple bombing in his country a day before a state visit to Nigeria, do you think he will go ahead with such.”

Another social user, Rinu Oduala wrote “While Nigerians died from suicide bombings overnight in Borno, Shettima’s home state, the vice president arrives South-East this morning to celebrate an inauguration.”

Similarly, @kaingissa condemned Shettima’s visit to Anambra, noting that “Nigeria is a mess. Upon all the catastrophe that took place in Vice President Shettima’s home state last night, instead of going to hold his people together, he proceeded to the East to merry in the name of a second term for someone that has already been sworn in before.

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