5 Things You Need to Know in Nigeria Today
From politics to the economy and national security, here are the top stories shaping Nigeria this Tuesday.
1. Tinubu Lifts Rivers State Emergency Rule
President Bola Tinubu has ended the six-month state of emergency in Rivers, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature.
Why it matters: The decision restores governance in one of Nigeria’s most oil-rich states, easing political tension and potentially stabilizing oil production.
2. Government Suspends 4% Import Levy
The federal government has suspended the controversial 4% Free On Board (FOB) levy on imports after pressure from business groups and importers.
Why it matters: The move relieves traders and consumers already battling inflation, signaling a policy rethink on trade competitiveness.
3. Ansaru Leader Jailed for Terror Charges
A senior Ansaru militant leader, Mahmud Muhammad Usman, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for terror-related offenses, including illegal mining used to fund insurgency.
Why it matters: The ruling strikes at militant financing and reinforces government efforts to hold terror groups accountable.
4. Boat Tragedy Claims 31 Lives in Niger State
A boat carrying around 90 people capsized after hitting a submerged tree trunk in Niger State, leaving at least 31 dead. Rescue operations are ongoing.
Why it matters: The disaster highlights recurring safety failures on Nigeria’s waterways, especially during the rainy season, and the urgent need for better regulation.
5. Catholic Bishops Raise Alarm Over Hardship
Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, says the nation is “full of fear, flight, and funerals,” citing insecurity, economic hardship, and poor public services.
Why it matters: The warning amplifies public frustration and adds moral weight to demands for urgent reforms.
Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers, Reinstates Fubara as Governor
