Current Nigeria News

General

Nigerian Tribunal Upholds $220M Fine on Meta and WhatsApp for Data Privacy Breaches
In addition to the hefty penalty, the Tribunal directed the tech giants to pay $35,000 to the FCCPC to cover the cost of its investigation—bringing the total amount payable to $220.035 million within 60 days. In a major legal victory for Nigeria’s data protection regime, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday upheld a $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for multiple data privacy violations.
In addition to the hefty penalty, the Tribunal directed the tech giants to pay $35,000 to the FCCPC to cover the cost of its investigation—bringing the total amount payable to $220.035 million within 60 days. In a major legal victory for Nigeria’s data protection regime, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday upheld a $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for multiple data privacy violations.
NiMet Workers Suspend Strike After Keyamo’s Intervention, Await Resolution by May 13
The suspension, announced after a high-level meeting with the minister, is effective until May 13, 2025, to allow time for the ministry to address the issues raised. Employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their industrial action following the intervention of Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), had embarked on strike over unresolved grievances, including poor working conditions, unimplemented wage adjustments, salary disparities, and lack of training opportunities.
The suspension, announced after a high-level meeting with the minister, is effective until May 13, 2025, to allow time for the ministry to address the issues raised. Employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their industrial action following the intervention of Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), had embarked on strike over unresolved grievances, including poor working conditions, unimplemented wage adjustments, salary disparities, and lack of training opportunities.
IMF Urges Nigeria to Prioritise Efficient Spending Amid Heightened Expenditures
Davide Furceri, Division Chief in the Fiscal Affairs Department, underscored the need for stronger prioritisation and resource efficiency to ensure sustainable economic impact. At the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a strong advisory to the Nigerian Federal Government, emphasizing the importance of judicious and efficient spending during this period of heightened fiscal outlays.
Davide Furceri, Division Chief in the Fiscal Affairs Department, underscored the need for stronger prioritisation and resource efficiency to ensure sustainable economic impact. At the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a strong advisory to the Nigerian Federal Government, emphasizing the importance of judicious and efficient spending during this period of heightened fiscal outlays.

Economy

World Bank Predicts Surge in Nigerian Poverty by 2027 Under Tinubu’s Economic Policies
According to the World Bank, this rise in poverty aligns with a historical pattern where nations with abundant natural resources and governance challenges tend to record the highest poverty rates The World Bank has issued a stark warning in its April 2025 Africa’s Pulse report, projecting that poverty levels in Nigeria will rise by 3.6 percentage points by 2027 — the final year of President Bola Tinubu's first term. The report categorizes Nigeria as a resource-rich but fragile state, where poverty is expected to worsen, unlike other regions in sub-Saharan Africa that are projected to experience modest improvements.
According to the World Bank, this rise in poverty aligns with a historical pattern where nations with abundant natural resources and governance challenges tend to record the highest poverty rates The World Bank has issued a stark warning in its April 2025 Africa’s Pulse report, projecting that poverty levels in Nigeria will rise by 3.6 percentage points by 2027 — the final year of President Bola Tinubu's first term. The report categorizes Nigeria as a resource-rich but fragile state, where poverty is expected to worsen, unlike other regions in sub-Saharan Africa that are projected to experience modest improvements.
IMF Cuts Nigeria’s 2025 Economic Growth Forecast to 3.0% Amid Oil Price Dip
This marks a 0.2 percentage point drop from its previous forecast of 3.2%, as revealed in the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook report, unveiled during the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded Nigeria’s 2025 economic growth projection to 3.0%, citing the impact of falling global oil prices.
This marks a 0.2 percentage point drop from its previous forecast of 3.2%, as revealed in the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook report, unveiled during the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded Nigeria’s 2025 economic growth projection to 3.0%, citing the impact of falling global oil prices.
China Seeks Stronger Africa Ties: Vice Chairman Hu Chunhua Wraps Up Strategic Visits to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal
Hu reaffirmed China’s support for building an all-weather partnership with Africa, while leaders from all three nations expressed commitment to the one-China policy and furthering bilateral cooperation. Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led a high-level delegation to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal from April 8 to 17, 2025, aiming to strengthen China-Africa relations. The visits emphasized China’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and deepening collaboration in infrastructure, trade, governance, and modernization efforts.
Hu reaffirmed China’s support for building an all-weather partnership with Africa, while leaders from all three nations expressed commitment to the one-China policy and furthering bilateral cooperation. Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), led a high-level delegation to Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal from April 8 to 17, 2025, aiming to strengthen China-Africa relations. The visits emphasized China’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit and deepening collaboration in infrastructure, trade, governance, and modernization efforts.

Entertainment

Fanti Carnival Returns in Lagos, Rekindling Afro-Brazilian Heritage and Cultural Unity
Rooted in 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnee customs, the revived Fanti Carnival reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to preserving multicultural heritage while driving tourism and community engagement. The iconic Fanti Carnival lit up Lagos Island on Easter Sunday, making a triumphant comeback after years of dormancy. With the theme “Heritage and Unity,” the 2025 edition celebrated the rich Afro-Brazilian legacy of Lagos through vibrant costumes, samba rhythms, and a colourful street parade.
Rooted in 19th-century Afro-Brazilian returnee customs, the revived Fanti Carnival reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to preserving multicultural heritage while driving tourism and community engagement. The iconic Fanti Carnival lit up Lagos Island on Easter Sunday, making a triumphant comeback after years of dormancy. With the theme “Heritage and Unity,” the 2025 edition celebrated the rich Afro-Brazilian legacy of Lagos through vibrant costumes, samba rhythms, and a colourful street parade.
Elon Musk Allegedly Fathered Child Named Romulus in 2024, Turned Down $15M Gag Offer Says Ashley St. Clair
A recent paternity test cited in the WSJ reportedly confirms Musk’s probability of paternity at 99.9999%. Birchall, described as Musk’s “longtime fixer,” allegedly warned St. Clair that pursuing a legal route often leads to “worse outcomes” for women in similar cases. Ashley St. Clair, a political commentator and influencer, has publicly alleged that her 2024-born son, Romulus, was fathered by Elon Musk, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published April 15. The child’s name, Romulus, mirrors that of Rome’s mythological founder, adding intrigue to the revelation.
A recent paternity test cited in the WSJ reportedly confirms Musk’s probability of paternity at 99.9999%. Birchall, described as Musk’s “longtime fixer,” allegedly warned St. Clair that pursuing a legal route often leads to “worse outcomes” for women in similar cases. Ashley St. Clair, a political commentator and influencer, has publicly alleged that her 2024-born son, Romulus, was fathered by Elon Musk, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published April 15. The child’s name, Romulus, mirrors that of Rome’s mythological founder, adding intrigue to the revelation.
Spotify Paid $10B in Global Royalties in 2024, African Artists See Explosive Growth Led by Nigeria and South Africa
The platform’s data reveals a dramatic rise in royalties for Nigerian and South African performers, highlighting Africa's growing influence in the global music scene. Spotify, the global audio streaming giant, announced it paid out $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024, with African artists enjoying record-breaking growth as international interest in the continent's music surged.
The platform’s data reveals a dramatic rise in royalties for Nigerian and South African performers, highlighting Africa's growing influence in the global music scene. Spotify, the global audio streaming giant, announced it paid out $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024, with African artists enjoying record-breaking growth as international interest in the continent's music surged.
World News

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