Author: Damilola

The Nigerian naira traded within a narrow and relatively stable range against the United States dollar on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, across both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the naira hovered around ₦1,374 per dollar. Trading during the session fluctuated within a band of about ₦1,362 to ₦1,378, reflecting modest day-to-day movements. At the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, rates remained slightly higher. Bureau De Change operators in major trading hubs such as Lagos and Abuja quoted the…

The Federal Government has called for urgent accountability from South Africa following the deaths of two Nigerians and a resurgence of anti-foreigner protests, warning that the situation poses risks to diplomatic ties and the safety of its citizens. Nigeria’s position was conveyed after it summoned South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner, Lesoli Machele, to a meeting in Abuja with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed. In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the deaths of Nnaemeka Matthew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro — allegedly linked to assaults by South African…

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Seyi Makinde has unveiled its timetable and guidelines for the 2026/2027 general elections, including detailed schedules for primaries and the cost of nomination forms. The announcement, shared via the party’s official X handle on Monday and signed by Organising Secretary Theophilus Dakas, outlines key activities leading up to the polls. According to the timetable, the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms will run from May 5 to May 13, 2026, covering all elective positions—from state assembly to the presidency. The cost of forms was pegged at N100 million…

Former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on his supporters to register with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following his defection to the party. Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, formally joined the NDC on Sunday after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing uncertainties surrounding the party’s future after the April 30 ruling of the Supreme Court. At the event, the NDC national chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, presented membership cards to both politicians. Speaking afterwards, Kwankwaso said discussions with party leaders revealed a shared ideological direction, which informed their decision to join the platform.…

At least 130 Nigerians have signed up for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa, as the federal government intensifies efforts to safeguard its citizens amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a situation update shared on her X handle on Sunday, noting that the evacuation plan is part of wider diplomatic and security measures being coordinated through Nigerian missions. She said the initiative follows directives from Bola Tinubu, who ordered close monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad. “The President has reiterated that the priority at this time…

The Nigerian naira began the first trading week of May on a relatively stable note against the US Dollar, maintaining a narrow range across both official and informal foreign exchange markets. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency is currently exchanging at about ₦1,375.98 to the dollar. Early trading on Monday, May 4, 2026, showed only slight movements, with the naira briefly touching ₦1,376.00 before settling back, marking a marginal improvement from the ₦1,375.65 recorded earlier in the day. Activity at the official window reflects cautious optimism among market participants, with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continuing…

Nigerian doctors are set to benefit from a policy shift by the United States, following a rollback that allows physicians to once again process and apply for visas. Earlier in the year, the US government imposed a broad visa restriction affecting several countries, including Nigeria, on the grounds of national security. The move disrupted the plans of many foreign-trained doctors, as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) halted visa renewals and processing. Medical professionals of Nigerian origin were among those significantly impacted, given their strong presence in the US healthcare system. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges…

A leading presidential aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, says Nigeria’s minimum wage can no longer guarantee even a modest standard of living amid worsening economic conditions. In a message posted on X on Friday to commemorate Workers’ Day, the former Anambra governor attributed the decline in workers’ welfare to rising inflation, escalating food prices, transportation costs, and broader economic hardship. Obi stressed that no country can outgrow the strength and wellbeing of its workforce, noting that national development is rooted in human capital, productivity, and the dedication of workers. “When workers suffer, the…

Popular South African opposition figure, Julius Malema, has strongly criticised citizens involved in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, questioning the justification often tied to job losses. Malema made the remarks on Thursday at an event marking the 14th anniversary of the Collen Mashawana Foundation. His comments come amid renewed concerns over xenophobia following viral videos showing violence against African immigrants — particularly Ghanaians, Zimbabweans, and Nigerians — across parts of South Africa. The Nigerian consulate in Johannesburg recently confirmed that two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, were killed in the escalating tensions. Addressing the issue, Malema, who leads the…

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has called on Nigerian workers to harness their electoral influence ahead of the 2027 general elections by supporting leaders committed to improving living standards through better wages and people-focused policies. In a statement marking the 2026 Workers’ Day, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, emphasised the need for workers to move beyond symbolic recognition and actively shape the country’s political direction. The party’s message comes at a time of increasing economic strain, with many Nigerians grappling with inflation, rising transport and energy costs, and a widening gap between earnings and living expenses. Johnson…