Nigeria's crude oil production has reached a six-year high, exceeding its OPEC quota and signalling a recovery in the oil sector. At the same time, Dangote Refinery has started pricing fuel in U.S. dollars for bulk buyers.  Does rising oil production outweigh the economic risks of dollar-priced fuel?

Nigeria raised ₦5.08 trillion through bond sales to finance government spending and infrastructure, reflecting strong investor confidence but also raising concerns about the country's growing debt. Should Nigeria rely more on borrowing or on increasing government revenue to fund development?

Ghana recorded 24,778 fraud cases, highlighting growing concerns over financial crime. What should Ghana prioritise: strengthening financial security or boosting economic growth?

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Nigeria Customs' revenue rose by 28.85%, while the NNPC's revenue fell by 13%. What do these contrasting performances mean for Nigeria's economy?

Meanwhile, Nigeria has opened a new lithium processing plant to add value to its mineral resources and support industrialisation. How can Nigeria maximise the benefits of its critical minerals? Is there a geopolitical angle to this?

Finally, Moroccan authorities said they disrupted a suspected Islamic State-linked terrorist plot, highlighting ongoing security threats in the Sahel. What more should African countries do to tackle terrorism across the region?

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Credit to Nigeria's government has increased sharply as the country seeks a new Eurobond. Will increased borrowing strengthen Nigeria's economy or deepen its debt challenges?

The Dangote Refinery has attracted nearly $2 billion through its IPO and secured additional crude supplies from the UAE. Will these developments cement Dangote Refinery's position as a key player in Africa's energy sector?

Deadly floods in the Ivory Coast have killed 20 people and are threatening the country's cocoa mid-crop. What steps should African governments take to protect communities and key industries from climate-related disasters?

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More African countries are using the Chinese yuan for trade with China, deepening China's economic influence on the continent. Should Africa rely less on the US dollar?

Ivory Coast has announced a new oil discovery that could boost its economy, attract investment, and create jobs. Can oil wealth truly benefit ordinary citizens?

Nigeria's Senate has voted for state policing following a Bill sent by President Bola Tinubu. Will state-controlled police will improve security or be politically abused in the country?

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Benin’s new President, Romuald Wadagni, has commenced a subregional tour to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic cooperation, and address regional security challenges. What should be his top priority during this tour?

Nigeria has intensified its fight against terrorism, securing 150 terrorism-related convictions and sentencing four people to death for their role in the 2022 Owo church attack. What additional measures should Nigeria adopt to prevent terrorism and strengthen national security?

Meanwhile, an Army officer was killed during a rescue mission involving students in Oyo State, underscoring the risks security personnel face while safeguarding civilians. What more can be done to enhance the safety of security personnel during rescue operations?

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This week, we focus on SBM Intelligence's latest report, Nigeria 2027: How the Country May Vote – Voter Sentiment Tracker, Wave 1 Analysis.

The report provides an early snapshot of voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 elections, revealing widespread dissatisfaction with the country's direction, strong support for political change, and significant regional differences in voter preferences. It highlights the importance of voter turnout, identifies the South-West as a key battleground region, and shows that economic hardship and insecurity remain the issues that matter most to Nigerians.

The report also raises concerns about the growing influence of social media, misinformation, and AI-generated content on the electoral process.

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Teachers across Nigeria are protesting rising school kidnappings, demanding stronger protection for students and staff as insecurity continues to disrupt learning. Will measures put in place by the government be enough to make schools safe again? 

Nigeria’s private sector has warned against further compulsory wage increases, saying many businesses are already struggling with high costs despite the ₦70,000 minimum wage. Should wages go up faster to match living costs, or should businesses be protected from added pressure? 

The U.S. plans to reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications from nearly 50 to just 20 regional hubs as part of a broader immigration policy shift. Will this policy make U.S. visa processing more efficient, or create new barriers for Africans seeking travel, study, and business opportunities in the United States? 

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Last Friday, Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye fired Ousmanne Sonko, the Prime Minister and longtime ally. Despite the dismissal, Sonko remains influential after being elected speaker of parliament. Could this political split affect Senegal’s stability and democratic progress?

Nigeria's drug enforcement agency seized a $363 million meth lab hidden in a forest in Ogun State, marking one of Nigeria’s biggest drug busts. Could this operation weaken drug trafficking networks in the country?

The NNPC has accused Dangote Refinery of attempting to create a monopoly in Nigeria’s fuel sector amid ongoing tensions over fuel supply and pricing. Could this dispute affect competition and fuel prices in Nigeria?

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The World Health Organization has declared that an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under control. However, Rwanda has tightened border measures as a precaution. How should countries balance health security with trade and movement during outbreak responses?

Cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire are protesting over payments, while a farmers’ group is also demanding an audit of the country’s cocoa regulatory council over concerns about transparency. What steps should be taken to ensure fair pricing and accountability in the cocoa industry?

INEC has closed the window for political defections, while Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has declared his presidential ambition, adding to the growing list of strong contenders ahead of the next election cycle. What political outcomes should Nigerians expect from this increasingly competitive race?

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With critics accusing the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi of being a French operation, could the summit mark a turning point in how Africa positions itself in the global economy and unlock stronger partnerships for sustainable growth?

Nigeria’s stock market has surpassed ₦160 trillion in value. What is driving this renewed momentum in Nigeria’s stock market, and can the surge in investor confidence be sustained amid the country’s economic realities?

President Tinubu has appointed a Homeland Security Adviser. Would the move aid the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance national safety and stability?

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