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 Lagdo Dam. This happens almost yearly. Why has it not changed?

And in international news, the US military has officially withdrawn from Niger after being ordered out by the West African country's ruling junta. What are the implications?

Support the show

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 deep dive into the escalating tensions between the Hausa and Fulani communities in northwestern Nigeria. 

Finally, we'll turn our attention to the devastating floods that have ravaged parts of West Africa. What is the impact of these floods on the region's overall stability?

Support the show

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 sector, where tensions are high between the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors. The doctors’ warning strike has evoked a controversial “no-work-no-pay” rule from the government. What does this mean for the future of healthcare in Nigeria?

Then, we turn our attention to a humanitarian crisis on the rise. The International Committee of the Red Cross has reported a 75% increase in missing persons cases across Africa in the last five years. Can anything be done to curb this problem?

Support the show

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 between the police and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja, which has turned deadly. We'll bring you the latest on this tragic incident and explore its wider implications.

Finally, we'll also touch on Niger's return to the oil export scene after a brief hiatus. What does this mean for regional politics and the global oil market?

Support the show

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 jets. This move follows a legal battle with a Chinese company over a revoked contract and an unpaid compensation award. What happened?

Finally, we look at the growing tensions in Kenya as the government considers reintroducing tax measures that were previously scrapped after deadly protests. With the country's fiscal problems running deep and the Supreme Court temporarily suspending a key ruling, the risk of further unrest looms large. 

Support the show

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 Nigeria's Edo State. After a contentious impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and his controversial return, the state government is accusing him of impersonation. We’ll break down the legal and political ramifications of this unfolding saga.

Finally, we head to Guinea, where a draft constitution has been unveiled, signalling potential changes on the horizon. With provisions for a bicameral system, bans on the death penalty, and a presidential term limit, we’ll examine what this means for the country’s journey toward democratic stability.

Support the show

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. What are the arguments and fallout from this decision?

Finally, we head to Sudan, where army ruler Abdel Fattah al Burhan has rejected peace talks with the Rapid Support Forces following a deadly drone strike. What are the implications of Burhan’s stance on the future of Sudan?

Support the show

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 of these protests? 

Next, despite President Tinubu's directive for the NNPCL to sell crude oil locally to the Dangote refinery, the future of the oil industry is still fraught with challenges. What is the problem?

Finally, in Ghana, a landmark legal decision criminalising same-sex relations has sent shockwaves through the country, especially the global LGBTQ+ community. We explore the implication of this colonial-era law on human rights in the West African country.

Support the show

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 trafficking, and more. What is the scale of the problem?

Finally, the fate of Nigeria's largest oil refinery hangs in the balance. Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is considering handing over his multi-billion-dollar project to the Nigerian government. Wow!

Support the show

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 report claimed that in a few years, malnutrition will be commonplace. What are the everyday struggles of Nigerian and Ghanaian households?

Finally, we shift gears to the situation in Kenya. President Ruto has dissolved cabinet. Is there a risk of copycat protests in West Africa? 

Support the show