Nigeria confirms imported Ebola Bundibugyo case as lawmakers demand emergency funds
First published Wed, Oct 21 · Updated Thu, Oct 22
Nigeria has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa said. The case is linked to East Africa. The patient is in the Federal Capital Territory.12
The FCT patient is a diplomat, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said the patient's condition has deteriorated.32
The House of Representatives demanded the immediate release of health emergency funds. Lawmakers also rejected a planned visit to the country's entry points and urged the Federal Government to release the emergency funds.24
UPDATES
· New development
The Ebola patient in Nigeria is Ugandan-born and travelled to Uganda on holiday before returning, Africa CDC said, adding that she needs to disclose her travel history.56
The infected diplomat has suffered organ failure, and federal and state authorities are on alert.7
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Nigeria's finance ministry rejects World Bank's 124% interest-to-revenue ratio over state loans
First published Mon, Oct 19
The finance ministry disputed the World Bank's finding that federal interest payments reached 124 percent of revenue, saying the ratio wrongly includes external loans taken by state governments. The ministry's objection was reported on Monday, the same day the dispute over the ₦7.7 trillion interest figure became public.123
The World Bank figure sits alongside its separate finding that state revenues rose 93 percent and that Nigeria's growth reached 4.2 percent. President Bola Tinubu welcomed that report, saying the economic reforms are delivering results.45
Debt, climate and inequality were placed on the agenda as Nigeria and 190 other countries convened for the World Bank–IMF summit later in the week.6
BusinessDay reported that the dispute over the debt figures unfolded as quarterly budget reports went missing, leaving the government's own revenue and interest numbers unavailable for comparison.7
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Tinubu extends tenures of correctional and immigration chiefs by 18 months
First published Tue, Oct 20
President Bola Tinubu extended the tenures of the heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service by 18 months. The approval was announced on Monday and reported across outlets the same day.1234
The extension also cleared promotion backlogs affecting 50,000 personnel, BusinessDay reported. Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo praised Tinubu for approving lifetime pay for retired immigration chiefs.51
Coverage of the decision ran from pro-government to oppositional outlets without a dispute over the facts: TheCable, Punch, Premium Times and Sahara Reporters all reported the same 18-month extension for the NCoS and NIS chiefs.3426
The decision was still being reported on Thursday, when PRNigeria, BusinessDay, Sahara Reporters and thestreetjournal.org carried the 18-month extension for the correctional service and immigration chiefs.7869
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Oyo government asks presidency to account for $3bn in NLNG dividends as Makinde stands by claim
First published Mon, Oct 19
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is standing by his claims about Nigeria LNG dividends, and the state government has challenged the presidency to explain how $3bn received under President Bola Tinubu was distributed. The dispute centres on allegations that N250bn in NLNG dividend due each state was withheld.123
The presidency rejected Makinde's revenue figures, describing them as a 'voodoo' revenue claim. The exchange between the presidency and the Oyo governor's office played out publicly over the NLNG dividend allegations.43
The APM campaign council faulted the presidency over its comment on the N250bn NLNG fund, siding against the federal government's response to Makinde.5
Makinde maintained his position on the NLNG dividends, insisting he stands by his claims after the presidency's pushback.62
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Former Delta State governor Emmanuel Uduaghan dies at 71
First published Fri, Oct 23
Emmanuel Uduaghan, a former governor of Delta State, has died at the age of 71. Outlets across the editorial spectrum reported the death, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori mourned him.123456
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also mourned the former governor, and Punch published a look at key facts about his life and career.78
Also this week
Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.
Shettima tells Nigeria's states to end reliance on federal government and build local electricity marketsVice President Kashim Shettima told Nigeria's state governors to stop depending on the federal government for electricity and to build their own power markets under the 2023 Electricity Act. He proposed an annual peer review of states' electricity markets to track how the law is being implemented.
Shettima tells Nigeria's states to end reliance on federal government and build local electricity markets
First published Thu, Oct 22
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Vice President Kashim Shettima told Nigeria's state governors to stop depending on the federal government for electricity and to build their own power markets under the 2023 Electricity Act. He proposed an annual peer review of states' electricity markets to track how the law is being implemented.123456
The push centres on shifting responsibility for power supply to the states, with Shettima urging governors to fix their own power problems and attract investment into local electricity markets rather than waiting on Abuja.3246
Attributed claim: Governors pushed back, demanding that any review of the Electricity Act protect the regulatory powers already granted to states. The Sun reported the governors' demand as the Electricity Act comes under review.7
BusinessDay reported that Shettima framed the annual review as a peer review framework meant to speed up implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act across the states.5
NPA chief Dantsoho warns cyberattacks threaten African ports and tradeAbubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, said cyberattacks pose a growing threat to African ports and to the trade that moves through them. He called for stronger digital security across the continent's port systems.
NPA chief Dantsoho warns cyberattacks threaten African ports and trade
First published Thu, Oct 22
Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, said cyberattacks pose a growing threat to African ports and to the trade that moves through them. He called for stronger digital security across the continent's port systems.12345678
Dantsoho tied the exposure to digitalisation and the adoption of artificial intelligence in port operations, which he said widens the surface attackers can target. Outlets reported his warning on Wednesday, with follow-up coverage the next day.124678
The warning covers Nigeria and other African ports, with Dantsoho seeking stronger cybersecurity measures for the region's port infrastructure.4567
Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti dies at 100 as Aiyedatiwa and Atiku pay tributeReuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader and a loyalist of Obafemi Awolowo, has died at the age of 100. His son, Ondo State Secretary to the State Government Taiwo Fasoranti, said his father had a covenant with God to die at 100.
Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti dies at 100 as Aiyedatiwa and Atiku pay tribute
First published Wed, Oct 21
Reuben Fasoranti, the Afenifere leader and a loyalist of Obafemi Awolowo, has died at the age of 100. His son, Ondo State Secretary to the State Government Taiwo Fasoranti, said his father had a covenant with God to die at 100.123
Fasoranti's son said the Afenifere leader passed peacefully in his sleep. Tributes followed from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who said Fasoranti left "a big pair of shoes to fill", and from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who said his legacy towers above any office.4567
The Ooni of Ife and former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore were among those who mourned Fasoranti. Punch described him as an Awo loyalist who led Afenifere until his death at 100.3
Nigerian Cancer Society hails Shinkafi-Bagudu as first African to lead UICCThe Nigerian Cancer Society has hailed the election of Shinkafi-Bagudu, a former first lady of Kebbi State, as president of the Union for International Cancer Control, describing her as the first African to lead the global cancer body. Nigerian outlets reported the election and her assumption of the UICC presidency.
Nigerian Cancer Society hails Shinkafi-Bagudu as first African to lead UICC
First published Wed, Oct 21
The Nigerian Cancer Society has hailed the election of Shinkafi-Bagudu, a former first lady of Kebbi State, as president of the Union for International Cancer Control, describing her as the first African to lead the global cancer body. Nigerian outlets reported the election and her assumption of the UICC presidency.123
C. S. Pramesh has been elected UICC president-elect for the 2026–2028 term, putting him in line to succeed Shinkafi-Bagudu at the head of the organisation.4
The Nigerian Cancer Society's statement framed Shinkafi-Bagudu's win as a first for Africa at the UICC, the global federation of cancer organisations.12
US court jails Nigerian Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu eight years for hacking tax firmsA US court sentenced Nigerian-born Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu to eight years in prison for hacking and fraud schemes. Prosecutors tied the case to the theft of data from tax firms and their customers.
US court jails Nigerian Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu eight years for hacking tax firms
First published Tue, Oct 20
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
A US court sentenced Nigerian-born Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu to eight years in prison for hacking and fraud schemes. Prosecutors tied the case to the theft of data from tax firms and their customers.123
The scheme targeted tax preparation firms in New York, and the court found that data belonging to 800 customers was stolen. The fraud involved was put at $8.4 million.45
The court ordered Amachukwu to forfeit $10.8 million, a figure larger than the $8.4 million fraud loss cited in accounts of the scheme.24
Attributed claim: Accounts of the case differ on the size of the fraud: Sahara Reporters and Hoodline put the scheme at $8.4 million, while Yen News described it as a $15 million fraud. All the accounts agree on the eight-year sentence and the New York tax-firm targets.456
Nigeria's electricity generation dropped sharply, with TheCable reporting output fell to 476MWNigeria's electricity generation dropped sharply, with TheCable reporting output fell to 476MW and BusinessDay reporting a plunge from 3,840MW to less than 500MW. The Guardian Nigeria reported that disruption hit 29 plants, and that Nigerians were complaining about declining supply.
Nigeria's electricity generation dropped sharply, with TheCable reporting output fell to 476MW
First published Tue, Oct 20 · Updated Wed, Oct 21
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
Nigeria's electricity generation dropped sharply, with TheCable reporting output fell to 476MW and BusinessDay reporting a plunge from 3,840MW to less than 500MW. The Guardian Nigeria reported that disruption hit 29 plants, and that Nigerians were complaining about declining supply.123
Ikeja Electric attributed the reduced power supply in its coverage area to the generation shortfall, while EKEDC said low supply in Lagos stemmed from poor electricity generation. The Nation reported that residents of Journalists' Estate and other communities petitioned Ikeja Electric over a prolonged outage.456
The System Operator, NISO, rejected claims that the national grid had collapsed, saying a partial system disturbance had been restored. NISO also explained reduced power allocations to Lagos, Abuja and the North, and the National Grid said generation had degraded even more.789
Attributed claim: Accounts of the scale of the drop differ. TheCable put generation at 476MW, while The Guardian Nigeria cited a fall from 3,840MW, a figure BusinessDay also used as the starting point before output fell below 500MW.132
UPDATES
· New development
The federal government confirmed one case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Wednesday.1011
The confirmed infection is the Bundibugyo strain, Nigeria's first Ebola case of that type.12
Tinubu receives UN's proposed 2027 budget from envoy Jimoh Ibrahim in first for NigeriaPresident Bola Tinubu received the United Nations' proposed budget for 2027 from Nigeria's envoy Jimoh Ibrahim, the first time a Nigerian president has been handed the UN budget proposal in 66 years. Ibrahim presented the estimate to Tinubu, and the president hailed Ibrahim over the presentation.
Tinubu receives UN's proposed 2027 budget from envoy Jimoh Ibrahim in first for Nigeria
First published Mon, Oct 19
Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.
President Bola Tinubu received the United Nations' proposed budget for 2027 from Nigeria's envoy Jimoh Ibrahim, the first time a Nigerian president has been handed the UN budget proposal in 66 years. Ibrahim presented the estimate to Tinubu, and the president hailed Ibrahim over the presentation.1234
Attributed claim: Real Broadcasting Network / Daily Nigerian / AIT LIVE / The Sun Nigeria: The proposal puts UN spending for 2027 at $3.3bn, a cut of $40.8m from the previous figure. Some accounts of the presentation put the budget estimate at $14bn.5678
Atiku's aide mocked the president over the presentation, offering a sarcastic "Congratulations to Tinubu" in response to the announcement.9
Wike leads 23 Rivers council chairmen and lawmakers to fresh meeting with FubaraNyesom Wike led Rivers State lawmakers and 23 council chairmen to a fresh meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the latest round of talks between the two camps. The meeting was reported as tied to the 2027 political cycle in the state.
Wike leads 23 Rivers council chairmen and lawmakers to fresh meeting with Fubara
First published Mon, Oct 19
Nyesom Wike led Rivers State lawmakers and 23 council chairmen to a fresh meeting with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the latest round of talks between the two camps. The meeting was reported as tied to the 2027 political cycle in the state.123
The Rivers State House of Assembly reversed the sack of three lawmakers aligned with Fubara. The reversal was reported the same day as the Wike-Fubara meeting.4
A Rainbow Coalition said the Wike and Fubara camps will keep meeting, and on Thursday reported a session to strengthen the Rivers State peace deal. The coalition's account presents the talks as an ongoing arrangement rather than a one-off encounter.56
APC wins all 21 Kogi chairmanship seats and 239 councillorships in council pollThe All Progressives Congress won every chairmanship seat in Kogi State's local government election, taking all 21 positions along with 239 councillorship seats. The results were reported by outlets across the editorial spectrum, from the business press to state-aligned and centrist outlets.
APC wins all 21 Kogi chairmanship seats and 239 councillorships in council poll
First published Mon, Oct 19
The All Progressives Congress won every chairmanship seat in Kogi State's local government election, taking all 21 positions along with 239 councillorship seats. The results were reported by outlets across the editorial spectrum, from the business press to state-aligned and centrist outlets.12345
Hon. Enejoh Sani credited Governor Ododo with the peaceful conduct of the council polls and tipped Tinubu and Ododo for re-election in 2027. The endorsement was carried by Kogi Reports, a pro-government outlet.6
A support group for Leke Abejide welcomed the re-election of Yagba council chairmen in the same poll. The News, an oppositional outlet, reported the group's reaction rather than the statewide sweep.7
The sweep extended beyond Kogi: Channels Television also reported that the APC swept the Lagos local government polls.8
