Nigerian Tribunal Upholds $220M Fine on Meta and WhatsApp for Data Privacy Breaches
PunchNG

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.

NiMet Workers Suspend Strike After Keyamo’s Intervention, Await Resolution by May 13
 Daily Trust

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.

IMF Urges Nigeria to Prioritise Efficient Spending Amid Heightened Expenditures
 Tribune Online

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.

Lagos Ride-Hailing Drivers Announce May Day Strike Over Alleged Exploitation by Uber, Bolt, Others
 Report Afrique

Lagos Ride-Hailing Drivers Announce May Day Strike Over Alleged Exploitation by Uber, Bolt, Others

According to AUATON’s spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, drivers have endured a raft of unfair conditions — from high commission deductions and unregulated facial recognition technology to poor safety measures and abrupt account suspensions The Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a 24-hour strike on May 1, coinciding with International Workers' Day. The move is a protest against what the union describes as exploitative practices by major ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, inDrive, and Rida.

APC Releases Nomination Fees for Lagos LG Polls, Offers Discounts for Youth and Women
 News Diary Online

APC Releases Nomination Fees for Lagos LG Polls, Offers Discounts for Youth and Women

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants contesting in the upcoming July 12 Local Government Election in Lagos State. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants contesting in the upcoming July 12 Local Government Election in Lagos State.

NNPC Cuts Petrol Prices in Lagos and Abuja Following Dangote Refinery Reduction
 The Nation Online

NNPC Cuts Petrol Prices in Lagos and Abuja Following Dangote Refinery Reduction

The price drop follows Dangote Refinery’s April 16th adjustment, which saw ex-gantry petrol rates fall to ₦890 per litre, prompting downstream partners to respond accordingly. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS)—commonly known as petrol—across its filling stations in Lagos and Abuja, aligning with the recent ex-depot price cut by Dangote Refinery.

EFCC and Interpol Launch Joint Probe into N1.3 Trillion CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX) Fraud Scandal
 ThisDay Live

EFCC and Interpol Launch Joint Probe into N1.3 Trillion CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX) Fraud Scandal

Operated by foreign nationals alongside Nigerian collaborators, CBEX collapsed on April 9, 2025, leaving thousands of investors unable to access their funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in partnership with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), has initiated a high-level investigation into the alleged N1.3 trillion fraud involving CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX), a now-defunct digital investment platform.

Northern Region Will Shape 2027 Presidency, Says Former VP Aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
 Hallmark News

Northern Region Will Shape 2027 Presidency, Says Former VP Aide Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Reflecting on past efforts to destabilize the region through violence, he stressed the importance of collective vigilance across ethnic and religious lines. Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared that the North will play a decisive role in determining Nigeria’s political future ahead of the 2027 elections. In a widely circulated video, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that no candidate can secure the presidency without Northern support, urging unity among Northern groups regardless of religion or ethnicity.

NIN Registrations Hit 118.4 Million in March 2025, Lagos, Kano Lead Enrolment Surge
 The Nation Online

NIN Registrations Hit 118.4 Million in March 2025, Lagos, Kano Lead Enrolment Surge

According to NIMC’s latest update, Lagos (12.7M), Kano (10.4M), and Kaduna (6.9M) top the list of enrolments. In contrast, Bayelsa (767,620), Ebonyi (999,991), and Ekiti (1.1M) recorded the lowest numbers. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) announced that the number of Nigerians registered in the National Identification Number (NIN) database rose to 118.4 million as of March 2025, reflecting an increase of over one million from February’s total of 117.3 million.

Falana Claps Back at Wike: ‘Nigeria’s Only Life Bencher Without a Court Case’ Amid Supreme Court Defection Row
 Sun News NG

Falana Claps Back at Wike: ‘Nigeria’s Only Life Bencher Without a Court Case’ Amid Supreme Court Defection Row

Wike had criticized Falana during a public statement, claiming the senior lawyer’s comments were false and dangerous, capable of inciting political unrest in Rivers. He also labeled Falana a “television lawyer,” questioning his legal credibility. Renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has issued a fiery rebuttal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who accused him of misrepresenting a Supreme Court ruling on the political defection crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly.

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Religious Books, Nabs Suspects with Drugs Meant for Bandits
 The Cable NG

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Religious Books, Nabs Suspects with Drugs Meant for Bandits

In Bayelsa State, a raid uncovered 557.2kg of skunk, 5.6kg of methamphetamine, and 29.8g of heroin from a residential hideout. The agency emphasized its commitment to cracking down on drug trafficking and its ties to insecurity. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a series of high-profile drug shipments in Lagos and Bayelsa, including cocaine concealed inside religious books, according to a statement issued on Sunday by spokesperson Femi Babafemi.

NIDCOM Rescues 3 More Trafficked Girls from Ghana, Total Repatriated Nigerians Now 200
 Independent NG

NIDCOM Rescues 3 More Trafficked Girls from Ghana, Total Repatriated Nigerians Now 200

According to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, the girls were received at the commission’s Lagos office on Thursday, April 18, and have since been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has successfully facilitated the return of three more Nigerian girls trafficked to Ghana, bringing the total number of Nigerians rescued from the West African country to approximately 200 in recent months.

Tinubu Governing from Europe, Set to Return April 21 After Easter Break — Presidency
 Punch News

Tinubu Governing from Europe, Set to Return April 21 After Easter Break — Presidency

The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu remains fully engaged in governance despite being away from Nigeria for nearly two weeks. In a statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency confirmed that Tinubu, currently in London after a stop in Paris, continues to direct the affairs of state remotely.

Inibehe Effiong Demands ₦100M Compensation for Wrongfully Detained Teen, Alabi Quadri
 Politics Nigeria

Inibehe Effiong Demands ₦100M Compensation for Wrongfully Detained Teen, Alabi Quadri

Effiong applauded the DPP’s stance and demanded the immediate removal and disciplinary action against the Amukoko DPO and Inspector Odigbe Samuel, accusing them of a “sinister and corrupt scheme” to frame the teenager. Prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called on the Nigeria Police Force to pay ₦100 million in compensation to 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who was wrongfully detained for months at Kirikiri Correctional Facility over false armed robbery charges.

UN Humanitarian Agency to Scale Back—but Not Exit—Nigeria Amid Global Job Cuts
 ENCA

UN Humanitarian Agency to Scale Back—but Not Exit—Nigeria Amid Global Job Cuts

In a statement sent to AFP, Trond Jensen, Head of OCHA in Nigeria, said the agency is “gradually scaling back” and transitioning to a “humanitarian advisory team”, not fully withdrawing. The The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has clarified that it will not shut down its operations in Nigeria, despite ongoing global funding cuts that will lead to a 20% workforce reduction worldwide.

EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State, Recovers Cars, Cash, and Fetish Items
 Tribune Online

EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger State, Recovers Cars, Cash, and Fetish Items

The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate following credible intelligence linking the individuals to cybercrime activities. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna LGAs of Niger State. The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate following credible intelligence linking the individuals to cybercrime activities.

Lagos Court Frees Viral Teen Protester Alabi Quadri, Clears Him of Armed Robbery Charges
 Daily Post

Lagos Court Frees Viral Teen Protester Alabi Quadri, Clears Him of Armed Robbery Charges

Presiding Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi ordered his release on Thursday, following legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which found no evidence linking the minor to the alleged crimes. A Lagos magistrate court has freed Alabi Quadri, the teenager who gained national attention during the 2023 presidential elections for courageously standing before the convoy of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. Quadri, who had spent several months in Kirikiri Prison, was cleared of all charges, including conspiracy to commit felony and armed robbery.

Lagos Targets 6GW Power Boost in Energy Independence Drive, Seeks Private Investment.
 The News Nigeria

Lagos Targets 6GW Power Boost in Energy Independence Drive, Seeks Private Investment.

The initiative stems from the Lagos State Electricity Act, signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in December 2024, which provides a legal foundation for private sector participation in public power infrastructure. Lagos State has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate 6 gigawatts of electricity within the next three years, marking a major step toward energy independence and 24-hour economic productivity. The announcement was made during the Lagos Energy Summit held on Tuesday, where government officials engaged with investors, regulators, and energy stakeholders.

Comedian MC Tagwaye Declares for AMAC Chairmanship Under SDP, Vows to Redefine Local Governance
 Sun News NG

Comedian MC Tagwaye Declares for AMAC Chairmanship Under SDP, Vows to Redefine Local Governance

In a statement released on Sunday, Tagwaye shared a vision of inclusive governance, progress, and sustainable development for AMAC. Leveraging his public service experience and widespread popularity, he pledged to transform the council into a benchmark for local government effectiveness in Nigeria. Popular Nigerian comedian Dr. Obinna Simon, widely known as MC Tagwaye, has officially declared his intention to run for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship under the banner of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Nigeria Gazettes ECOWAS Tariff Offer to AfCFTA, Confirms Zero Duties on 90% of African-Traded Goods
 The Cable NG

Nigeria Gazettes ECOWAS Tariff Offer to AfCFTA, Confirms Zero Duties on 90% of African-Traded Goods

The move, made at the AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting in Kinshasa, signifies Nigeria’s formal commitment to grant preferential tariff treatment to eligible goods under the AfCFTA agreement, including zero duties on 90% of goods traded within Africa. In a major step toward deepening intra-African trade, Nigeria has officially gazetted and transmitted its ECOWAS tariff schedule to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat. The announcement was made by Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, via her official X (Twitter) page on Monday.

Roadside Bomb Kills 8 in Borno as Suspected Boko Haram Attack Hits Passenger Bus
 Africa News

Roadside Bomb Kills 8 in Borno as Suspected Boko Haram Attack Hits Passenger Bus

Boko Haram, a designated terrorist organization, launched its insurgency in 2009 to impose a radical form of Islamic law. The conflict has claimed over 35,000 lives and displaced more than 2 million people, according to the United Nations. At least eight people were killed and more than a dozen injured on Saturday when a roadside bomb, allegedly planted by Boko Haram insurgents, struck a passenger bus along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria.