Current Nigeria News

General

Tinubu’s Aide Blasts UK Minister Kemi Badenoch Over False Citizenship Claim
In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch claimed she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender — a statement Onanuga called a “lie” and a display of ignorance. Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has criticized British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for her inaccurate remarks on Nigerian citizenship laws. In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch claimed she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender — a statement Onanuga called a “lie” and a display of ignorance.
In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch claimed she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender — a statement Onanuga called a “lie” and a display of ignorance. Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has criticized British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for her inaccurate remarks on Nigerian citizenship laws. In an interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch claimed she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children due to her gender — a statement Onanuga called a “lie” and a display of ignorance.
U.S. Embassy Urges Americans in Nigeria to Resolve Visa Overstays Before July 31 or Face Fines, Bans
Following recent declarations by Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigerian government will begin full enforcement of visa overstay penalties starting August 1, 2025. These measures include: The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued an urgent advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, warning them to resolve any visa overstay issues before July 31, 2025, to avoid severe penalties under Nigeria’s newly enforced immigration policy.
Following recent declarations by Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigerian government will begin full enforcement of visa overstay penalties starting August 1, 2025. These measures include: The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued an urgent advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, warning them to resolve any visa overstay issues before July 31, 2025, to avoid severe penalties under Nigeria’s newly enforced immigration policy.
Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported from South Africa After Rape Acquittal Sparks Outrage and Prosecutor Appeal
Omotoso, 66, who spent eight years in jail, was cleared last month of 32 charges, but his acquittal has drawn backlash across South Africa. Critics blame prosecutorial mishandling, a claim echoed by the presiding judge. Timothy Omotoso, the Nigerian televangelist acquitted of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, has left South Africa amid public outrage and renewed legal scrutiny.
Omotoso, 66, who spent eight years in jail, was cleared last month of 32 charges, but his acquittal has drawn backlash across South Africa. Critics blame prosecutorial mishandling, a claim echoed by the presiding judge. Timothy Omotoso, the Nigerian televangelist acquitted of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, has left South Africa amid public outrage and renewed legal scrutiny.

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

Nigeria Secures $300M for Creative Economy, Targets 2 Million Jobs by 2027 – Minister Hannatu
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Musawa revealed that the ministry has launched the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) — a $200 million initiative backed by AfreximBank to offer accessible funding for businesses across film, music, fashion, and tourism. Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced that the ministry has secured over $300 million in investment commitments aimed at transforming the nation’s creative sector and generating two million jobs by 2027.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Musawa revealed that the ministry has launched the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) — a $200 million initiative backed by AfreximBank to offer accessible funding for businesses across film, music, fashion, and tourism. Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced that the ministry has secured over $300 million in investment commitments aimed at transforming the nation’s creative sector and generating two million jobs by 2027.
Chris Brown Denied Bail in UK Assault Case, Remains in Custody Ahead of June Court Date
Chris was denied bail after the court deemed him a flight risk. The incident in question reportedly occurred in February 2023 at a London club, though specific details have not been released publicly. Chris Brown, 36, has been arrested in the UK and will remain in police custody until at least June 13, following charges of grievous bodily harm with intent stemming from an alleged 2023 nightclub assault in London.
Chris was denied bail after the court deemed him a flight risk. The incident in question reportedly occurred in February 2023 at a London club, though specific details have not been released publicly. Chris Brown, 36, has been arrested in the UK and will remain in police custody until at least June 13, following charges of grievous bodily harm with intent stemming from an alleged 2023 nightclub assault in London.
TikTok Mum Sentenced for $48K Money Laundering Scheme Linked to Fraud — No Jail Time
The court heard her then-boyfriend fraudulently claimed over $151,000 in GST refunds through false business activity statements, with more than $700,000 in attempted claims denied by the Australian Taxation Office. A 26-year-old TikTok influencer, Raven Bianca Buck, broke down in tears as a Queensland court revealed how she spent tens of thousands in stolen money on luxury items — including jewelry and a Mercedes-Benz.
The court heard her then-boyfriend fraudulently claimed over $151,000 in GST refunds through false business activity statements, with more than $700,000 in attempted claims denied by the Australian Taxation Office. A 26-year-old TikTok influencer, Raven Bianca Buck, broke down in tears as a Queensland court revealed how she spent tens of thousands in stolen money on luxury items — including jewelry and a Mercedes-Benz.
World News

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