Today is Biafra Memorial Day, which for a lot of Igbo people is a day that remembers the brutality of Nigeria's civil war that ended 55 years ago. Earlier in the week, SBM Intel published a report on the impact of secessionist sit-at-home protests that have been affecting Southeast Nigeria since 2021. Our study found that the protest action has cos…

France-Algeria relations have worsened following mutual diplomatic expulsions. At the same time, al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM claimed to have killed 200 soldiers in a major attack on a military base in northern Burkina Faso. What steps can be taken to restore diplomatic ties and improve regional security? Nigeria's Senate is considering a bill to create…

More than 52 million people in West and Central Africa are projected to face food insecurity during the June–August season, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and rising food inflation. The World Food Programme warns that nearly 3 million people could face emergency hunger. How can governments and multilaterals prepare for escalating food crises i…

This week, it was reported that the Trump administration plans to slash $555 million in funding for the African Development Bank’s main development fund as part of sweeping cuts to foreign aid. What does the future hold for the AfDB? Renaissance Energy halted oil shipments through the Okordia-Rumuekpe pipeline in Rivers State due to a suspected sab…

Ghana has temporarily agreed with Gold Fields to continue mining while awaiting parliamentary approval. At the same time, Atlantic Lithium is pleading for tax relief amid falling global prices. Meanwhile, the country’s oil production continues to drop, with output declining for the fifth year. What steps can Ghana take to manage its natural resourc…

A leaked memo from the U.S. State Department indicates that the Trump administration is weighing reducing America's diplomatic presence in Africa as part of its broader effort to slash government spending. How could a smaller U.S. presence affect diplomatic ties and development efforts across Africa? Nigeria has taken a significant step toward regi…

France and Algeria have restored ties after months of tension over France’s support for Morocco’s Western Sahara plan. Meanwhile, Algeria banned Mali flights after shooting down a drone. Could Algeria’s renewed friendship with France worsen its relations with Sahel neighbours? At least 52 people were killed in recent attacks on six villages in Nige…

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new board for the NNPC, intending to increase oil sector investments and raise production to 2 million barrels. How effective will the new board be in achieving these ambitious targets? Meanwhile, seven opposition states are suing President Tinubu over his suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, claimi…

Some Nigerian leaders have argued that Western-style democracy does not work well in Africa. Former President Obasanjo called for a new system. How can Nigeria create a democratic system that aligns with its cultural and political realities? Fulani herder-farmer violence in Nigeria has escalated into a nationwide security threat. A new report by SB…

The US expelled South Africa’s ambassador, Ebrahim Rasool. This rare diplomatic action intensified tensions between the two nations. How might this expulsion impact US-South Africa relations moving forward? Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of undermining the country amid the conflict between the DRC and the Rwanda-backed…

NNPC first announced that had stopped supplying crude to local refineries, including Dangote, then announced that it was renegotiating with Dangote. How will this affect fuel prices and Nigeria’s economy in the coming months? The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria opposes a new law that significantly increases financial charges on businesses. Wha…

According to our report "Price of Everything", despite rising food prices and living costs, Nigerians continue to spend on streaming and cable TV. Internet use is also increasing despite a 50% hike in data prices. Without action to stabilise the economy and boost food production, inflation will keep hurting households. How can both food and digital…

Thousands of Nigerians who fled to Chad due to the Boko Haram insurgency have started returning to Maiduguri, Borno State. What challenges might these returnees face as they reintegrate into their communities? Nigeria is preparing to conduct its first national population and housing census since 2006, incorporating biometric and digital technology.…

Nigeria’s inflation rate fell to 24.48% in January 2025 from 34.8% in December after the government updated how it measures inflation, reducing the impact of food prices in the calculation and adjusting the weights for housing and transport. How will this new inflation calculation affect the cost of living? Lawmakers moved four tax bills forward de…

Valentine’s Day has become a major spending event in the country, with gifts, dining, and entertainment driving consumer activity. Traditional gifts remain popular, but experiential gifts are also in demand. How did businesses that adapt to evolving preferences position to benefit from this growing market? President Bola Tinubu has requested the Na…

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025. However, ECOWAS will maintain diplomatic ties, recognise their passports, and allow trade under existing agreements while keeping communication channels open. How might this exit affect regional stability and cooperation in West Africa? Nigeria’s oil regulator will deny …

Boko Haram killed at least 20 fishermen in Borno State, and ISWAP fighters attacked a Nigerian military base in Malam-Fatori, killing 20 soldiers. The militants surprised the troops with gun trucks and gunfire, burning buildings and forcing people to flee. How can Nigeria better protect its people and military from these insurgent attacks? Rwandan-…

Nigeria's BVN enrollments reached 64.83 million by January 2025, and the CBN introduced new platforms and accounts to simplify fund transfers and investments for Nigerians abroad. How will these initiatives improve financial inclusion for Nigerians in the diaspora? Environmentalists oppose restarting oil production in Ogoniland, demanding a $1 tril…

During China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit, President Tinubu urged expanding the $2 billion currency swap, revisiting the $50 billion Africa aid package, and supporting Nigeria's UN Security Council bid. China pledged deeper cooperation and implementing FOCAC agreements, and the China Development Bank granted Nigeria a $254.76 million loan for…

Nigeria's poor road infrastructure poses a significant economic burden, costing the country billions of naira annually in lost productivity and resources. SBM recently surveyed 245 commercial drivers across eight major hubs, and we saw widespread dissatisfaction with road conditions. We talk about the report. Landmark Africa, known for the Landmark…

For our final podcast of the year, we’ll review 2024 highlights and look ahead to 2025 using SBM’s The Year Ahead Report. Regarding the economy, we think that oil prices in 2025 will stay steady at $65-$75 per barrel. Nigeria’s oil production may fall short of its 2 million barrels/day target, hitting 1.8 million instead. We expect GDP to grow by 3…

This week in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria fined Moniepoint and OPay ₦1 billion ($578,000) each in Q2 2024 for compliance violations, adding to its regulatory clampdown. Are these measures necessary for financial stability, or could they hinder fintech innovation? Meanwhile, the country recorded a ₦5.81 trillion trade surplus in Q3 2024, wit…

This week, it's all about Ghana. The country is preparing for Sunday's elections and is set to go to the polls to elect a new president. The political landscape is heating up as candidates gear up for a highly competitive race. Then, Ghana's Jubilee oil field production dropped to 89,000 barrels per day due to issues with the J69-P well and downtim…

After being idle for a couple of decades, the 59-year-old Port Harcourt Refinery suddenly resumed operations. With an initial production capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, this marks a major step in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. How quickly will this impact fuel supply and stabilize the domestic market? The National Bureau of Sta…

On November 21, Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland and self-proclaimed IPOB leader, was arrested in Finland on terrorism-related charges. Accused of using social media to incite violence in Nigeria, his arrest highlights the impact of online rhetoric. How will this affect separatist activities in southeastern Nigeria? Meanwhile, Nige…

We start with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Nigeria, the first by an Indian PM in 17 years. With over $27 billion in Indian investments in Nigeria, what is the potential to expand trade and cooperation? Will this historic visit deepen Nigeria-India ties? Next, Nigeria’s economic woes are mounting. Manufacturers report ₦1.2…

We begin in Southern Africa, where Botswana is undergoing a historic political shift. After 58 years of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rule, the country has elected opposition candidate Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) as its new president. What are the implications of his victory for Botswana's future? What are the broader po…

We begin in Ghana, where Islamist militants from Burkina Faso are allegedly using northern Ghana for supplies and medical support, despite denials from Ghanaian authorities. Is Ghana at risk of becoming a safe haven for insurgents? How might this impact regional security? In Nigeria, terrorists have reportedly overtaken the Nagwamase Military Canto…

Nigeria's government has proposed a 5% excise duty on telecom services, gaming, and betting as part of a new tax reform bill. How will this new tax burden affect consumers and businesses, and what could it mean for Nigeria’s digital economy? Next, the Dangote Refinery missed its petrol supply targets, delivering only 148 million litres instead of 5…

We begin in Northern Nigeria, where less than a month after Defence Minister Bello Matawalle faced accusations of sponsoring banditry, Bauchi South Senatorial District lawmaker Shehu Umar Buba is facing similar allegations. Though the Muslim Rights Concern has refuted these allegations, how will these accusations affect the lawmaker’s political sta…

First, we head over to Kenya, where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faces impeachment over serious allegations, including self-enrichment and inciting ethnic hatred. Is a feud with President Ruto now out in the open? How will this reshape the future of leadership in the country? What will be the effect on the region? Then, we come to Nigeria to d…

In today’s episode, we discuss SBM's Health Preparedness Index for 2024—a yearly report that looks at the state of the healthcare infrastructure across Nigeria. Next, we explore the alarming findings from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which reveals that as of June 2024, the federal government is owed a staggering $6.071…

First we turn our attention to the Central Bank of Nigeria, which has made headlines by raising its Monetary Policy Rate for the fifth time this year. Next, we’ll discuss Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and its bottler, Nigeria Bottling Company, which has unveiled a plan to inject $1 billion into the Nigerian economy over the next five years. And finally…

This week, we look first at the NNPC's revelation that petrol prices will vary across the country—ranging from ₦950 ($0.57) in Lagos to as high as ₦1,019 ($0.62) in Borno—depending on logistics costs. Then, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has alerted Nigerians about potential flooding from the regulated water releases at Cameroon’s…

Today we discuss the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress. What are the implications of Mr Ajaero's detention for the country's unions and the broader political terrain of the country? Next, a notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, has issued a chilling warning to the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria, necessitating a de…

In today's episode, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has hiked the fuel pump price—from ₦617 to ₦897 per litre. This price surge comes just days after the NNPC admitted to owing suppliers over $6 billion. How will this affect Nigerians' daily lives, and is the country any closer to solving its fuel crisis? Next, we look at the health sec…

Before diving into this week’s topics, we will take a quick look at SBM’s report on kidnap in Nigeria. Then, we'll examine the sudden resignation of Ahmed Abubakar, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency’s Director General. What's behind this surprising move, and what does it mean for national security? After that, we discuss the latest confrontation betw…

In our first story, we dive into Nigeria’s oil sector, where the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has declared a net profit of ₦3.297 trillion for 2023, its largest ever Naira profit. Is this a cause for celebration? Next, we explore a development involving the Nigerian government as a French court authorises the seizure of three presidential je…

The MTN Group is facing a financial storm as it predicts a half-year loss due to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira and operational hurdles in Sudan. With earnings per share plummeting and business activity in Nigeria hitting an eight-month low, we'll explore how these economic shifts reshape the region. Then political drama is unfolding in Nige…

Today we explore the Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s ambitious move to secure a $2 billion loan in Europe. With soaring petrol prices and liquidity issues at Dangote Industries, what does this mean for Nigeria's economy? Next, we examine the controversial increase in the Ways and Means advances okayed by Nigeria's House of Representatives. Wh…

First, apologies for the less than 100% quality of this recording. Nigeria has been experiencing poor network connectivity for some days now, allegedly to prevent protestors from communicating and organising, and it is to the protests we turn to first. Nigeria is currently engulfed in waves of protests, causing unrest and deaths. What are the roots…

Uganda is on edge as security forces clamp down on opposition protests even as President Yoweri Museveni faces mounting discontent. We’ll unpack the latest developments. Next, West African criminal networks are feeling the heat. Interpol’s Operation Jackal III has dealt a significant blow to these syndicates involved in financial fraud, human traff…

Today we discuss the recent landmark rulings of the ECOWAS Court of Justice against Nigeria and Ghana and the significance of both rulings for human rights in the region. Then, both Ghana and Nigeria are facing a cost-of-living crisis which continues to bite hard. Nigeria recently ranked among the worst-hit countries in Africa, while in Ghana, a re…

First, we consider Nigeria's debt burden, which has ballooned to a staggering ₦121 trillion, raising concerns about the country's ability to service its loans and invest in vital areas. Next, we look at a potential source of conflict in West Africa. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have left ECOWAS and formed the AES. Alliance of Sahelian States. Final…

Governors from Nigeria's southern region are advocating for state-by-state negotiations for the new minimum wage based on individual financial capabilities. What are the implications of this move on the ongoing debate surrounding worker compensation. Next, we examine the cost of a healthy diet, which has surged by 32% in just a few months, making i…

Nigeria's oil production has declined by 30,000 barrels per day. What factors are driving this reduction, and how might it affect the country's economy and its standing in the global oil market? Next, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, is seeking an out-of-court settlement in his ongoing legal battle. How could this influen…

Nigeria has just sealed a groundbreaking $3.5 billion agreement with Afreximbank. What does this mean for Nigeria's textile industry and the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles? Next, clashes between supporters of Rivers's Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have escalated. What's fueling these tensions? Finally, in …

In today's episode, Nigeria's state governors are sounding the alarm over a proposed ₦60,000 minimum wage, calling it unsustainable. We'll examine why these governors believe the wage hike is economically untenable. Next, we'll focus on the controversy surrounding Nigeria's "cost-of-collection" approach to funding government-owned enterprises. The …

In this week's episode, we turn our attention to Sudan's forgotten conflict. Next, we examine a troubling report from Nigeria's Southeast region, where the Eastern Security Network (ESN) is said to have launched an attack on soldiers. Who is the ESN, and what are the ideological splits within the group? How does this internal conflict exacerbate th…

In a week where we got an old-new anthem, Nigeria’s GDP has taken a hit. Despite showing higher growth than the same period last year, Nigeria's GDP growth has dipped compared to the previous quarter. What’s behind this fluctuation? We’ll also explore the factors that could influence Nigeria's economic performance in the coming months and pinpoint …