Nigeria Digest: Key Stories from July 27, 2025

The newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen of Lagos state's local government areas were sworn into office. The Commissioner for Local Government, Bolaji Robert, congratulated the newly elected officials.

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor in Anambra State, asserted that certificates are not a prerequisite for effective governance, and expressed confidence in becoming the people's preferred choice in the upcoming election.

A Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) attempt to set aside a previous judgment ordering INEC to investigate and prosecute those involved in electoral violence and offenses during the 2023 general elections.

Senator Athan Achonu condemned the deadly attack on three communities in Imo State, where at least seven people were killed, urging swift action from both the police and the government to address the alarming security situation.

Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian government for arresting social media influencer Ghali Isma'il, who made a video questioning President Tinubu's health. The organization called for his immediate release and condemned the attempt to silence critical voices on social media.

The trial of former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke was stalled due to the absence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's counsel, prompting the judge to expect the agency to rectify this issue.

A suspected ritualist in Niger State was arrested for selling his grandmother's skull to a herbalist, intending to use it for money-making purposes. The police recovered the skull and are pursuing further investigation.

A 29-year-old TikToker from Kano State was charged and remanded in custody for announcing President Tinubu's supposed obituary, which was deemed to incite public disaffection and spread false information.

The Jigawa State Police Command made significant arrests related to cable vandalism and drug trafficking, recovering a stolen vehicle and ten AK-47 rifles.

The Police Force Intelligence Department- Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) successfully neutralized three suspected bandits in multiple operations across five states, recovering ten AK-47 rifles linked to criminal activities.

The Finance Minister has the authority to set the start date for a 5% surcharge on all petroleum products under the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA).

Dangote Cement reported a strong first-half performance in 2025, with a Profit After Tax of N520 billion and a 17.7% revenue growth, driven by cost optimization, robust distribution channels, and expansion initiatives.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed the week with a 2.18% gain in the All-Share Index, led by the Industrial Goods Sector, fueled by investor confidence in blue-chip stocks.

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BAT Nigeria) called for comprehensive export reforms to enhance the country's manufacturing competitiveness and stimulate its export sector.

A gas explosion at a fast-food outlet in Lagos claimed the life of a 20-year-old staff member and injured 13 others. Authorities launched an investigation and urged businesses using gas to prioritize safety measures.

The FRSC has confirmed that five people were killed in a road accident in Anambra State.

A flood in Yola has resulted in five deaths and 55 injuries, with many more displaced due to the severe flooding.

A boat accident in Niger State tragically killed at least 25 people, including 10 members of one family. The incident occurred when the boat carrying goods and passengers capsized in the Shiroro Local Government Area.

Following a fatal boat accident at a collapsed bridge in Taraba State, Gimbiyar Lau has urged the federal government to declare the bridge's reconstruction a national emergency. The bridge collapse killed three of Lau's family members, highlighting the infrastructure's critical importance.

The Lagos State Government has ordered 18 traffic offenders to undergo psychiatric evaluation to address dangerous driving habits and improve road safety.

Lagos State doctors have declared a three-day warning strike to protest unpaid salaries and arrears, warning of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.

Bandits in Zamfara State killed 38 out of 56 kidnapped victims despite receiving over N50 million in ransom payments.

NDLEA operations across several states have resulted in significant drug seizures, including the arrest of an 80-year-old woman and the confiscation of large quantities of illegal substances.

Despite receiving over N50 million in ransom, bandits in Zamfara State killed 35 of the 56 kidnapped hostages.

Another student from Ondo State's Adekunle Ajasin University has been killed, adding to the growing number of fatalities in recent months.

The National Association of Ondo State Students has called for urgent government intervention to address the recurring killings of students in the state.

Taiwo Afolabi's SIFAX has launched a direct export service to the United Kingdom, enhancing trade opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

Babcock University's graduation ceremony saw 243 students receive first-class honors, with the Vice Chancellor urging graduates to contribute positively to society.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has donated vehicles to the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, to support its upcoming operations.

ActionAid Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to rural development and digital empowerment through various community-led initiatives.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria has recovered N18.9 billion in delinquent loans over the past year through improved recovery strategies.

Benue State farmers have raised concerns over the influx of herdsmen and cattle, fearing the destruction of their farmlands and potential conflict.

The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) violated the constitutional rights of two female corps members by prohibiting skirts. The court stated that NYSC’s policy violated their freedom of religion and human dignity.