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 Statistics reported that Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, up from 3.19% in Q2 driven by a strong services sector and improved oil production. Unemployment fell to 4.3%, but with rising lending rates at 27.50%, how real is this progress?  

In Ghana, election tensions are high. Journalist Oheneba Nana Asiedu was arrested for spreading false information, while opposition leader John Mahama accused the ruling party of voter intimidation. How will this affect the upcoming 7 December elections? 

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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, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Chad’s President Idriss Déby to strengthen ties against jihadist groups following Deby's threat to quit the Multi-National Joint Task Force. Can enhanced regional cooperation curb the ongoing violence in the Sahel?

Finally, in a week of critical elections from one end of the Sahel to the other, Senegal got a new parliament, Gabon passed a new constitution to prevent dynastic rule post-coup, and Somaliland got a new leader in a landmark election. How might these political shifts shape governance and stability in Africa?

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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 ₦1.24 trillion in unsold inventory, a 357.6% spike from last year, while cable TV provider Multichoice lost 243,000 subscribers due to rising costs. How can businesses cope?

Finally, Mozambique faces unrest over disputed elections, leading to deadly protests and a closed border with South Africa. Could the violence spill over and affect regional stability?

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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 political impact of the UDC's parliamentary win?

In Nigeria, 32 out of Nigeria's 36 states rely on federal allocations for over 55% of their revenue, with Lagos and Rivers being exceptions. We explore the impact of this dependence on state economies, how other states can increase internal revenue, and the challenges President Tinubu may face in passing the tax reforms bill amid opposition from the Northern States Governors Forum.

Finally, we discuss the 60% drop in foreign travel in Nigeria, with passenger numbers at key airports in Lagos and Abuja falling sharply due to the high cost of foreign currencies, especially the US dollar. This has made international travel increasingly expensive for Nigerians. We explore the potential impacts on Nigeria's aviation industry, how Nigerians might adapt, and what the government can do to address the currency challenges.

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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 Cantonment in Niger State, displacing over 20 communities. How will this security breach affect local stability, and what does it say about Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts?

Finally, a Federal High Court has halted federal allocations to Rivers State over irregularities in its 2024 budget approval. Could this decision disrupt governance in Rivers? What does it mean for fiscal accountability?

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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 575 million litres between mid-September and early October. How would this affect fuel availability and prices in the coming months?

Finally, Jumia is exiting South Africa and Tunisia to focus on more profitable markets like Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, citing economic challenges and strong competition in those regions. Will this strategic shift improve Jumia’s profitability, and what impact will it have on the e-commerce landscape in Africa?

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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 standing, and what does this mean for regional security?

In the Horn of Africa, the Presidents of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia have joined the Somali Army in its anti-terror fight, leaving Ethiopia further isolated. With regional dynamics shifting, how will Ethiopia navigate this growing isolation, and what will it mean for regional stability?

Finally, in Nigeria, the headline inflation rate for September 2024 rose to 32.70%, up from 32.15% in August. Food inflation reached 37.77% year-on-year, and core inflation hit 27.43%. How will this sharp rise in inflation affect everyday Nigerians, and what can the government do to stem the tide?

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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 discuss last weekend's local elections in Rivers state and the violent aftermath which has seen multiple fatalities and the burning of local government offices. The political landscape in that state is becoming increasingly turbulent. Given the problems between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike, what does all this mean for governance in the state?

Finally, the NNPC’s decision to end its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery. This move opens the floodgates for marketers to negotiate directly with the refinery, setting the stage for changes in pricing and the potential end of subsidies. What does this mean for Nigerians? 

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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 billion in unpaid oil and gas revenues.

Then, we turn our attention to Benin, where a former sports minister and a prominent businessman have been detained amid allegations of plotting a coup. What are the prospects of further coup contagion in West Africa? 

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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, we’ll take a closer look at the geopolitical tensions rising in East Africa, where an Egyptian warship has delivered a significant arms shipment to Somalia.

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