Author: Ayobami Ogungbemi

President Bola Tinubu has projected that Nigeria is on track to attract nearly $20 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2026, attributing the expected inflow to ongoing economic reforms, regulatory easing, and improved macroeconomic stability. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, he emphasized that Nigeria’s investment climate is becoming increasingly competitive as structural bottlenecks are dismantled. According to him, the removal of long-standing regulatory barriers has significantly boosted investor confidence. Consequently, foreign capital is flowing into key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. He stressed that Africa must transition from exporting raw materials to developing…

A Nigerian man, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced in the United States to 115 months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a long-running online fraud operation that targeted victims across America. The scheme, which reportedly lasted over a decade, defrauded at least 23 individuals of more than $700,000 through various internet-enabled scams. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the sentence was delivered on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, with an official statement released the following day. Emesim, 53, a legal resident of Newark, New Jersey, was found guilty of laundering proceeds generated…

Fresh political tensions have emerged across several states as Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, begins its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. The growing crisis has sparked protests, disrupted consensus negotiations, and intensified allegations of candidate imposition in key states, raising fears of internal divisions within the party. As the primaries officially commenced on Friday, party leaders loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intensified consultations to prevent the disagreements from escalating into a nationwide political crisis. Several APC-controlled states, including Kano, Kaduna, Taraba, Oyo, Yobe, and Abia, have reportedly witnessed sharp disagreements over endorsements, automatic tickets, and…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially entered the 2027 presidential race under a PDP/APM political alliance, marking a major development in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. He made the declaration during a massive rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where a large crowd of supporters and political stakeholders gathered in solidarity. During his speech, Makinde announced, “Today, I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, declare my candidacy for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the PDP/APM alliance.” His entry into the race places him alongside other prominent contenders, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, and Adewole Adebayo, all positioning…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi have officially submitted their presidential nomination forms at the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja, marking a significant moment in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. The move highlights increasing political activity as key figures position themselves for Nigeria’s top office. Meanwhile, the development reflects ongoing political realignments as influential aspirants intensify efforts to secure party tickets. In a statement shared on his X handle, Atiku Abubakar described his ambition as part of a broader national movement focused on restoring prosperity, rebuilding institutions, and…

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has launched a nationwide baseline study alongside the training of 100 small-scale dairy farmers in Oyo State to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock industry, enhance food security, and increase local dairy production. According to the ministry, the initiative reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-driven governance. Field activities for the baseline study were conducted between April 20 and 24, 2026, using a mixed-methods approach that included data reviews, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the livestock value chain across cattle, poultry, small ruminants, piggery,…

Dangote Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is targeting a $50bn valuation for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals ahead of its planned stock market listing, according to Bloomberg reports. The refinery, which began operations in 2024, is expected to attract strong investor interest as Dangote considers selling up to a 10 per cent stake through the Nigerian Exchange, potentially raising about $5bn. Furthermore, a senior executive confirmed that the valuation aligns with internal projections, although details of the transaction remain limited. Additionally, the listing is expected to strengthen Africa’s capital markets, especially as the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery gains dominance in…

A Delta Air Lines flight travelling from Atlanta in the United States to Lagos, Nigeria, unexpectedly returned to its departure airport after spending nearly eight hours in the air. The incident, which affected passengers aboard Flight DL54, disrupted travel plans and sparked reactions from travellers who had already prepared for arrival in Lagos. The Airbus A330-200 aircraft departed the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday evening for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. However, while flying over the Atlantic Ocean, the crew decided to turn the aircraft around and head back to Atlanta following what the airline later described…

Nigeria’s sprint hurdling star Tobi Amusan will aim for a third African women’s 100m hurdles title as she begins her campaign at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra. The championship officially starts today at the University of Ghana, with Amusan entering the competition as one of the strongest contenders in the event. The world record holder arrives in Ghana with an outstanding record at the continental championships. Over the years, she has secured five gold medals across both individual and relay events, further strengthening her status as one of Africa’s greatest athletes. Although Liberia’s reigning champion Ebony Morrison…

Nigeria has intensified discussions with the World Bank over a proposed $1.25bn loan aimed at supporting economic reforms, improving competitiveness, and creating jobs across the country. Reports indicate that the facility, known as the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration programme, has reached an advanced stage in the World Bank’s approval process. According to available documents, the loan is scheduled for consideration on June 26, 2026, just months before Nigeria’s next presidential election. If approved, the facility will become the second-largest World Bank loan secured under President Bola Tinubu, following the $1.5bn reform financing approved in 2024. At the…