The week ahead - Uneven ground
Nigeria and Ghana faced uneven economic growth, leadership changes, and health scares, while the UK planned a new era for the Chagos Islands and regional security shifted.
This week, the ground felt uneven for many—Nigerians realised that economic growth doesn’t always mean fuller pockets, the state oil firm got a new pair of eyes, some governors woke up a little too late, and some hunters tragically ended up being hunted. Across the border, Ghanaians panicked over an alleged flu outbreak, a junta-led state withdrew from a regional security force, and the UK prepared a new chapter for the Chagos Islands.
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What we are following this week
President Tinubu has reconstituted the NNPC board, appointing Ahmadu Musa Kida as chairman and Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group CEO, tasking them with oil sector reforms and boosting investment to $60 billion by 2030.
Seven states challenged President Tinubu's Rivers intervention, claiming he exceeded constitutional powers and violated Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan defied a Kogi rally ban, held a Sallah celebration, and received a large supporter welcome.
Edo suspended unregistered vigilantes after the Uromi lynchings. Meanwhile, protests in Benue escalated over herder attacks. Olena, a community in the state, faces a siege.
Despite economic challenges, six Nigerian banks reported a 62.38% increase in profit after tax to $2.2 billion in 2024. Nigeria's GDP also grew by 3.84% in Q4 2024, driven by the services sector.
A suspected African Swine Fever outbreak in Ghana's Savannah Region has killed hundreds of pigs. Farmers are slaughtering and burying sick pigs to curb the spread amid concerns over recurring losses.
Niger's junta has withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force, a regional coalition fighting Islamist groups in West Africa's Lake Chad area, to focus on strengthening security around oil sites.
The UK is finalising a deal with Mauritius to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, allowing the UK and US to maintain a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.