Good morning. Here are the latest news updates from Nigeria as of this morning:
Business and Economy Shell Completes Sale of Nigerian Onshore Subsidiary: Shell has finalized the sale of its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), to Renaissance, a consortium comprising four Nigerian exploration and production companies and one international energy group. Renaissance now holds a 30% stake in the SPDC joint venture. Dangote Refinery Sparks Petrol Price Competition: Aliko Dangote's new 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery has initiated a price war in Nigeria's downstream oil industry by reducing petrol prices for distributors. This move has led the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to follow suit, with petrol prices in Lagos dropping to ₦860 per liter. The competition is influenced by declining global oil prices and the removal of government fuel subsidies.
Health Meningitis Outbreak in Northwest Nigeria: Authorities have confirmed a meningitis outbreak in Kebbi State, resulting in at least 26 deaths since late January. Over 200 suspected cases have been recorded, prompting the establishment of isolation centers and the dispatch of medical supplies to control the disease's spread. Neighboring Sokoto State has also reported suspected cases and is urging residents to seek medical attention if they exhibit symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, and severe headaches.
Politics Nigeria to Appoint Ambassadors After 18-Month Gap: Eighteen months after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in September 2023, Nigeria is set to appoint new ambassadors for its over 100 diplomatic missions. The delay has been attributed to funding issues, which are now reportedly being resolved. Security services have begun conducting background checks on potential appointees, with appointments expected soon.
Sports Nigerian Footballers Excluded from National Team: The Nigerian national football team has announced its final squad for upcoming friendlies, excluding Sevilla players Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, who were initially on the preliminary list. Adams' exclusion is due to injuries, while Ejuke, despite his recent performance, remains a regular substitute and will stay with Sevilla during the international break.
Labor and Employment Content Moderators Mourn Nigerian Colleague in Kenya: Tech workers in Kenya held a vigil for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok employed by Teleperformance Kenya, who passed away recently. Olubunmi had been unable to return home to Nigeria for two years and had complained of fatigue. Content moderators in Kenya have reported poor working conditions, including low pay, lack of mental health support, and long working hours.
Public Health Call for State of Emergency Over Gender-Based Violence: Activists and civil society organizations in Nigeria are urging the declaration of a state of emergency due to a surge in gender-based violence. In 2025, nearly two dozen women have been killed, with 17 cases reported in January alone—a 240% increase compared to the same period last year. Activists cite inadequate legislation and prosecution measures as contributing factors.
Please note that news developments are ongoing and subject to change.....
News Within The Country.....