NIGERIA: #endSARS protests at a crossroads
The shooting of peaceful protesters by security forces in Lagos in the evening of 20 October is likely to become a watershed moment for the #endSARS protests. Throughout 21 October, reports of civil unrest targeting government buildings, security installations as well as proper… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username […]
NIGERIA: Amid Protests, Government Playing the Waiting Game
While the wave of youth protests engulfing major urban centers does not show signs of abiding, the government appears set to continue playing the waiting game, hoping for the largely peaceful protests to peter out eventually. However, reports of armed thugs disturbing protests –… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: #endSARS Protests No Arab Spring-Style Movement Yet
After several days of protests demanding the disbandment of a notorious police unit, the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS), Nigeria’s chief of police announced the unit’s immediate dissolution 11 October. Nevertheless, demonstrators vowed to continue their protests unle… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: The Most Sensible Budget Proposal Yet
The 2021 budget proposal presented on 8 October by President Muhammadu Buhari to both houses of the National Assembly is arguably the most realistic spending plan put forward by this administration yet. Key assumptions underpinning the budget are more conservative than in previou… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: Will the PIB finally pass?
On 28 September, the government forwarded the latest draft Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the National Assembly for consideration. Amid other things, the bill suggests putting the state-owned Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on a new legal basis and stripp… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: Edo state election informs race for Buhari’s succession
The outcome of the 19 September gubernatorial election in the southern Edo state will have major implications for the balance of power within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In fact, if the APC fails to win in Edo state, this could put a premature end to south-west… Become a member to read the […]
NIGERIA: Micromanagement of scarce FX resources continues
Two actions taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) this week highlight the bank’s persistent penchant for micromanaging the exchange rate rather than heeding calls from international lenders to float the currency. The measures introduced on 24 and 25 August are likely aimed a… Become a member to read the rest of this […]
NIGERIA: Amid reform concessions, the core remains untouched
On 14 August, the National Bureau of Statistics published unemployment figures for the first time in almost two years. Following another (small) devaluation of the official exchange rate in July and the removal of the fuel subsidy, the publication of the rather embarrassing unemp… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: Anti-corruption czar suspended amid ruling party power tussle
On 7 July, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the suspension of Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), amidst allegations of gross misconduct. Since accusations of corrupt practices already surrounded Magu when he was appointed i… Become a member to read the rest of this article
NIGERIA: Ruling APC sounding the informal starting gun for Buhari’s succession
The upcoming Edo State election reveals increasing factionalism within the ruling party vis-à-vis the 2023 presidential nomination. A timely resolution of the all-important question of which regional faction may lay claim to succeed President Muhamadu Buhari remains unlike… Become a member to read the rest of this article