Author: Opalim Lifted

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has criticised the World Bank for urging Nigeria to expand imports of petroleum products and food, warning the move could derail ongoing economic reforms. In a statement, CPPE’s chief executive, Muda Yusuf, described the recommendation as “deeply troubling” and out of step with Nigeria’s current economic direction. The World Bank, in its recent Nigeria Development Update, had suggested issuing more fuel import licences to ease price pressures and curb inflation. However, the report has since been withdrawn after attracting widespread criticism. Yusuf argued that Nigeria is already seeing improvements in key…

Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom and France will co-host a major international summit to tackle the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis and restore global shipping. More than 40 countries are expected to participate in the high-level meeting, aimed at developing a coordinated multinational response to the disruption of one of the world’s most critical oil and trade routes. In a statement shared on X on Monday, Starmer warned that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is intensifying global economic strain and worsening cost-of-living pressures. “The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging.…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the implementation of 2026 fiscal policy measures (FPM), which include significant tariff amendments. In a circular seen by Chronicle NG dated April 1, 2026, and signed by Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, the government announced that the new measures supersede the 2023 FPM. The policy includes a national list of 127 tariff lines with reduced import duty rates designed to “promote and stimulate growth in critical sectors of the economy”. According to the document, the import adjustment tax (IAT) on items like crude palm oil has…

Residents of farming communities in Benue State are fleeing their homes as a fresh wave of violence linked to suspected herders disrupts rural life and threatens food production. In Guma Local Government Area, farmers in Uvir and Nyiev wards have abandoned their farmlands following repeated attacks and killings in recent weeks. The situation has worsened since the onset of the rainy season, a critical planting period, leaving vast stretches of fertile land uncultivated. Locals say armed herders now move freely through these communities with cattle, making it too dangerous for farmers to return. As a result, many residents remain in…

The Yobe State Government has clarified that the recent air strike on Jilli market targeted a Boko Haram stronghold in neighbouring Borno State, not civilians. The clarification follows reports that several civilians were killed and injured after a military air raid along the Borno–Yobe border. In a statement issued on Sunday, Dahiru Abdulsalam, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Mai Mala Buni, said the operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai. According to him, the mission specifically targeted Jilli, a known Boko Haram enclave located in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State. “The…

Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for urgent and sweeping reforms of the African Union (AU), warning that the continental body is no longer capable of meeting Africa’s current and future needs. Speaking at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa, where he addressed intelligence and security chiefs from across Africa, Ruto said he had been tasked by fellow heads of state to lead efforts to review and transform AU institutions. He argued that the organisation must be fundamentally restructured if it is to effectively support Africa’s development ambitions and respond to emerging political, economic and security challenges. “My colleagues, heads…

The United States (US) has commended Nigeria for accelerating the prosecution of terrorism-related cases following the conviction of 386 suspects in recent mass trials. In a statement published via X on Sunday, Massad Boulos said Washington welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening accountability and justice. “The United States commends the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes. We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts,” the statement reads. “We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially released what it calls updated lists of its Convention Committee and subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming national convention. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the update is aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention. In the official list, former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, will chair the convention, while former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, will serve as vice chairman. Dr Ajuji Ahmed will serve as secretary. The official announcement confirms the composition of the National Convention…

Troops of the joint task force (north-east) Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a 15-year-old suspect over his alleged involvement in a deadly attack in Borno state. The suspect, identified simply as Tijjani, was apprehended on Sunday while reportedly on his way to purchase food for members of his group. Military sources said Tijjani is linked to the attack that led to the killing of Oseni Braimah, a brigadier general, and three other soldiers. Braimah, commander of the 29 task force brigade under operation Hadin Kai, was killed on Thursday during an attack on a military base by suspected Boko Haram…

Nigeria’s political tensions are set to escalate as the Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed Tuesday to hear three crucial appeals stemming from leadership crises rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Two of the appeals were filed by a PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki, while the third was instituted by former Senate President, David Mark, who is also a factional National Chairman of the ADC. The cases challenge recent rulings of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, intensifying internal disputes within both parties. The PDP faction’s appeals—SC/CV/166/2026 and SC/CV/164/2026—arose from judgments delivered on…