The week ahead - Reflection and resurgence
Nigeria paused for ex-President Buhari’s funeral amid political shifts, economic gains, and security woes. Meanwhile, Ghana, battles youth unemployment.
Nigeria paused this week as former President Buhari was laid to rest. As flags flew at half-mast, many reflected on his legacy amidst ongoing national developments—the Supreme Court settling Edo's political drama, while the APC strengthened its stranglehold on Lagos, and a hefty loan for a vital coastal highway indicated growing confidence. Meanwhile, the country’s oil production hit its OPEC quota, boosting the economy, yet security challenges like kidnappings and tragic attacks persist. Internationally, some African leaders had lunch with Donald Trump, though US deportation policies are causing visa headaches for Ghana, which is also tackling unemployment, a key driver of resurgent extremism.
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What we’re following this week
Nigeria’s ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, 82, passed away in London after a long illness. His body was returned to Daura, Katsina, for an Islamic burial. Dignitaries, including President Tinubu and African leaders, attended the state funeral. Tinubu renamed Maiduguri University in his honor/ Buhari's death has sparked a national debate.
Nigeria’s Supreme Court dismissed the PDP’s appeal against APC’s Monday Okpebholo, affirming his Edo gubernatorial candidacy. Meanwhile, APC swept Lagos LG elections, securing all chairmanship seats and 375 of 376 councillor positions, leaving PDP with just one seat.
Nigeria met its OPEC crude oil output target of 1.5 million bpd in June 2025, achieving 1.505 million bpd—the highest since January. Meanwhile, the NNPC aims to raise production to 2 million bpd by 2027, supported by the Dangote refinery.
Nigeria obtained a $747 million syndicated loan, led by Deutsche Bank, to fund the first phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The 47-km CRCP stretch is 70% complete. Finance Minister Edun cited investor confidence, while a tolling framework ensures long-term financial sustainability.
There were security incidents across the country. In Plateau, a militia raid killed 20, with locals accusing the government of neglect. Bandits killed six farmers and abducted dozens in Niger State, looting and rustling cattle. Delta police recovered ₦5 million in ransom and arrested five kidnappers, killing six suspects in a shootout.
Ghana’s Defence Minister identified youth unemployment and poverty as major drivers of violent extremism, emphasising grassroots conflict resolution. The military aims to recruit 12,000 youths to curb instability.
At a White House luncheon, Donald Trump and African leaders from Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal discussed economic cooperation, with Senegal highlighting tourism investments. Meanwhile, the US faces deportation challenges, as Nigeria resists repatriations, leading to visa restrictions on non-compliant nations like Ghana.
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Nigeria's economic future is hampered by its poor foreign direct investment (FDI) appeal, failing to rank in Africa's top 10. Insecurity, poor infrastructure, and corruption are issues, but arbitrary law enforcement and unpredictable property rights are key deterrents. Recent demolitions, like Landmark Beach Resort, and issues like trapped airline funds, severely damage investor confidence. Rebuilding trust requires prioritising the rule of law, transparent policies, and a reliable judicial system.