Nigeria Digest: July 19, 2025

Former Minister Babatunde Fashola believes it is unrealistic to expect Nigeria's local governments to function independently under the current constitution. He commented on the Supreme Court's ruling on local government autonomy, stating that while legal experts have differing opinions, the constitution does not currently provide a framework for full local government independence.

Former Senator Shehu Sani advised Peter Obi against leaving the Labour Party, urging him to focus on the party's efforts moving forward. Sani believes Obi's efforts would be more successful within the Labour Party context.

The Labour Party in Lagos State has vowed to challenge the recent local council election results, citing inconsistencies and irregularities in the process.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos are recognized as full-fledged local governments within the Nigerian Constitution.

Anambra residents, particularly traders in Onitsha, have praised Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for restoring peace and order to the commercial city.

A faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure has declared the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State as null and void.

South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), a political support group, officially launched its Anambra chapter to gather support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), along with two other officials, are facing money laundering charges for allegedly diverting funds meant for local government elections to a company with no contractual link to the commission.

The EFCC Chairman revealed that 18 serving governors are currently under investigation, highlighting a concern about financial impropriety within the Nigeria's government.

The Enugu Police Command has successfully busted a child trafficking syndicate, rescuing six victims and arresting 10 suspects involved in the operation.

The EFCC Chairman revealed that 18 serving governors are currently under investigation and cited a case of a former governor fleeing the country to avoid arrest.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), along with two other officials, are facing money laundering charges for allegedly converting funds meant for local government elections.

The Imo State Police Command announced the recovery of a significant arsenal of weapons and the arrest of over 2,700 suspects involved in various criminal activities.

FSDH Research believes Nigeria's economic outlook for the second half of 2025 is cautiously optimistic, predicting gradual stabilization driven by ongoing reforms and improved export performance.

CBN MPC member Sagagi predicts the Naira will appreciate to N1,450/$1 by the end of 2025, citing positive impacts of exchange rate reforms and monetary policy adjustments.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributed N1.818 trillion to the Federal Government, States, and Local Governments for June.

First HoldCo has denied claims of selling its shares.

Customs officers in Rivers have seized illicit drugs valued at over N20 billion, aligning with efforts to support President Tinubu’s security and economic goals.

NCDC has issued a health alert due to increased risks of cholera, yellow fever, and dengue, urging precautions against mosquito breeding and ensuring vaccinations.

The FRSC reported nine fatalities and seven injuries from a Borno auto crash, with one victim succumbing later at a hospital.

Four people drowned after falling into a blocked waterway in Zangon Kaya, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State. The Kano State Fire Service confirmed the incident which occurred on Friday.

The NSCDC, FFS, and NIS recruitment portal crashed due to an overwhelming volume of document uploads, causing frustration among applicants.

Under its CSR initiative, Customs aims to support 50,000 students by 2025 with educational materials, recently renovating a Lagos school.

Peter Obi urged government intervention in UNICAL’s crisis, emphasizing that students should not suffer due to leadership failures.

The House of Representatives raised concerns over alleged mismanagement by UBEC’s Executive Secretary, questioning restructuring decisions.

A self-proclaimed gospel singer and eight others were convicted of cybercrime in Kwara, forfeiting items including techno phones and $200.

The landlord suspected of masterminding the murder of two AAUA students has died in police custody, with additional suspects arrested.

A resident was arrested in Abuja after a three-year-old boy drowned in an uncovered soak-away pit, prompting a police investigation.

Gunmen attacked Kyamarawa in Kauran Namoda LGA of Zamfara State, killing four people, kidnapping residents, stealing property, and rustling cattle.

Residents of Uikpam in Benue State have fled their homes after gunmen attacked the community, prompting calls for increased security presence.

Concerned residents of Odo Ayedun and surrounding communities in Ekiti State are urging both the federal and state governments to repair the deteriorating Odo Ayedun–Omuo Federal Road, citing safety and economic concerns.

Charles Aniagwu, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, emphasizes that expanding port infrastructure beyond Apapa Port is crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential.

FirstBank has disbursed a cumulative total of N1 trillion in instant digital loans since launching its digital lending platform in 2019.

Journalists in Niger State are being urged to prioritize accuracy and balanced reporting, prioritizing national interest and security over being the first to report a story.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) reports that extortion associated with National Identification Number (NIN) registration has decreased by 40% and NIN enrolment currently stands at 122 million.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has facilitated over $800 million in investments and boosted CNG-powered vehicle numbers to over 100,000 in one year.

The Kwara State government calls on herders and farming communities to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Award-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy has apologized for his controversial remarks about Afrobeats, a genre that has elevated his career and those of many African musicians.

The ongoing constitutional debate distracts from the need to elect capable leaders who can deliver good governance within the existing system.