The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, Enugu State with effect from April 22, 2025.
A statement from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) indicated that the closure of Enugu International Airport is necessary to carry out emergency repairs on the runway.
In the statement, signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, it was noted that “there is a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.”
Mrs. Orah added that “emergency repairs will be conducted on that portion of the runway from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025.”
In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period.”
She further emphasised that “as part of FAAN’s commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.”
While appealing for understanding, FAAN stated that all flights will be diverted to other airports.
“FAAN appeals to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time. All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports.”
The authority also expressed regret over the “late and unexpected notice regarding this closure.”
The naira appreciated against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Tuesday, despite the high inflation rate.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the naira strengthened to N 1,598.95 per dollar on Tuesday, compared to the N1,604.48 it traded at on Monday.
This indicates that the naira gained N5.53 against the dollar at the official rate on a day-to-day basis.
Meanwhile, in the black market, the naira remained stable at N1,610 per dollar—the same rate recorded on day to day basis.
Naira appreciated against dollar in the black market on Monday but experienced a slight depreciation at the official market.
The latest appreciation of the naira at the official market comes as Nigeria inflation rate eased to 24.23 percent on Tuesday.
The Enugu State Government has received 100 out of the 1,000 tractors ordered by the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to boost agriculture in the state.
Another batch of 100 is also underway, while the remaining 800 will be assembled at the new Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre established by ODK Group, Danish firm.
Conducting newsmen on an inspection of the tractors in Enugu on Monday, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, said this was in fulfilment of Governor Mbah’s earlier promise to mechanise agriculture in the state, boost food production, create jobs, and drive the state’s GDP to $30 billion by 2031.
According to Ubru: “What you’re seeing here is a fulfillment of Governor Mbha’s manifesto on mechanising agriculture and ensuring that the agriculture sector in Enugu State takes a different shape and also ensuring that we increase our productivity up to 200 folds by ensuring that Enugu becomes the food basket of Nigeria. This can only be done through mechanisation.
“We have received 100 heads of tractors imported from Denmark through the Notra Tractors Company. Apart from the 100 we just received, they have assured us that in the next 60 to 90 days, another 100 will be delivered to the state, while the balance of 800 tractors will be assembled here in Enugu. We have also seen the implements that will accompany those tractors to the farm.
“The tractors have been tested at the farm estate in Akpawfu, Nkanu East Local Government Area. This model has an engine capacity of 75 horsepower and we have assurance that if we encounter difficult terrains, the company can increase the capacity to 90 horsepower”, he stated.
The commissioner explained that the Assembly Plant would have two production lines capable of assembling 10 tractors per day, with another section dedicated to practical training of tractor operators, adding that to ensure sustainability, the plant would also have a service centre for tractor repair and maintenance.
The Commissioner said the Assembly Plant alone will create 3,600 jobs.
Ubru also observed that the tractors would be made accessible to farmers, stressing that the government’s aim was to empower farmers and make agriculture attractive and profitable.
“A lot of job opportunities for our young people and a lot of value will be created. Prior to this time, our small holder farmers as well as commercial farmers found it difficult to apply mechanization process in their farm and that also hindered productivity. Going forward, tractors will be made accessible to farmers, farming will be easier and an attractive profitable business and no longer merely to satisfy subsistence needs.
Reiterating that the government was in the process of establishing 260 farm estates across the state, the Commissioner said that the estates would provide services for the small holder farmers and serve as centres where tractors could be easily accessed.
“The farm estate is going to be a one-stop-shop that will provide a lot of services for our small holder farmers. Each farm estate will have 200 farmers where we will provide mechanised services. This translates to 52,000 direct jobs. The farm estate will have a tractor shade housing the tractors so that the farmers can get the services of a tractor when they need it. We will have improved seedlings extended to the farmers, and the extension workers in each of the farm estate will provide extension services to the farmers”, he stated.
The commissioner further said that the Ministry of Agriculture was working out the modalities to enable the farmers to access the tractors in time before the next farming season commences in the state in the next two weeks.
Also speaking, the Chairman of All-Farmers Association in the state, Chief Romanus Anayo Eze expressed delight at the new tractors, saying the state had never seen such a large number of tractors.
“I thank Governor Peter Mbah for fulfilling his campaign promises, unlike others in the past, who would tell us they would do this and that, but they won’t fulfil it.
“When the governor said he would make provision for 1,000 tractors in the state, myself in particular and others doubted it. But what we are seeing today is different. For the first time, Enugu is procuring 100 tractors. We are so excited and farmers of Enugu State are happy.
“Since this year, farmers have been calling to ask for tractors, but today, with this, everyone is smiling and happy over this big development.
“This farming season, we are going to be farming with brand new tractors. So, I am happy because these are new ones that won’t break down.
“Before now, we did not have up to four tractors in the Ministry of Agriculture. Before now, some of those tractors could not leave the Ministry to the farm without breaking down on the way. That was what was obtainable before.
“Our promise is that with these tractors, there will be food sufficiency in Enugu State. There will be employment. Most of our youths will be gainfully employed through the farm estates he establishing in the 260 wards”, he said.
Nigerians could soon feel the pinch from the US–China tariff showdown, if this power play doesn’t end soon.
In early April 2025, China imposed export controls on key rare earth minerals as part of its response to new U.S. tariffs. Rare earth elements (like samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, etc.) critical for electronics, electric vehicles, and defense were placed on a controlled list.
Beijing’s curbs apply to all countries (not just the US), demonstrating China’s ability to “weaponize” its dominance in these minerals.
But we all know the biggest importer of these minerals are Americans and this move is a response to the tariff hikes.
Since China produces ~90% of the world’s rare earths, this move threatens to squeeze global supply chains for products ranging from smartphones to EV batteries.
Manufacturers worldwide are scrambling to find alternative sources, as these minerals are vital for semiconductors, magnets, and other high-tech components
Meanwhile, the US has slammed a whopping 104% tariff (doubling the price) on Chinese tech gadgets and electric vehicles, and China hit back with an 84% duty on American goods.
Although Nigeria claims it will not respond to the tariff hike.
Less than a week after Trump’s announcement the US claimed that,Nigeria placed an import ban on 25 different product categories which impacts U.S. exporters, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods.
Hence the 14% tariff hike.
Restrictions on items like beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits limit U.S. market access and reduce export opportunities.
Hmmm are we going to grow a back bone?
This tit-for-tat trade war may raise prices of smartphones, laptops, and car parts in Nigeria. Food costs and general inflation could also climb as global supply chains slow down.
Stay prepared, and leave Temu and whiskey alone for now 😃 ( the owner of this shade knows themselves)
The naira depreciated by 2.4 per cent and 2.6 per cent in March at both the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market window and the parallel market compared to the previous month.
According to the latest Afrinvest Monthly Market Report titled ‘Analysing Global and Nigerian Economies & Financial Markets’, the naira dropped to N1,536.82/$ and N1,530.00/1.00 at the NAFEM window and parallel market, respectively.
AIICO Capital, in its monthly macroeconomic market report in March, also confirmed that the naira came under a lot of demand pressure despite interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the tune of $668.8m.
“The naira experienced significant depreciation in March 2025 due to persistent demand pressure in the (Nigerian) foreign exchange market.
Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria intervening with substantial dollar sales totalling $668.8m, the naira weakened by 2.97 per cent m/m, closing at N1,536.82/$ from N1,492.49/$ at the start of the month,” stated AIICO Capital.
In the period under review, demand remained robust, particularly from foreign portfolio investors and local corporates. AIICO Capital said that the parallel market mirrored this trend, depreciating by about N43.50/$ to N1,536.00/$.
Although liquidity improved mid-month with CBN interventions, demand continued to outstrip supply.
In the final week, despite continued CBN dollar sales and a slight appreciation of 0.5 0.5 bps, the naira remained under pressure. On a quarterly basis, the naira depreciated by 7 bps q/q at the NFEM window. Meanwhile, external reserves fell by c.$110m to $38.31bn,” AIICO Capital further stated.
In terms of outlook, the investment house sees the CBN sustaining liquidity to stabilise the naira in the near term. “However, global risks—like US tariffs and retaliatory measures—may spur volatility and capital flight,” the report concluded.
Already, the Central Bank of Nigeria has stated that the naira has felt the impact of the global macroeconomic shifts set by the new tariffs imposed by the US president, Donald Trump.
In a statement signed by the Director, Financial Markets Department, Omolara Duke, the apex bank stated that recent movements in the foreign exchange market between April 3 and 4, 2025, made it inject about $197.71m through sales to authorised dealers on Friday into the FX market. The dollars sold between N1,519 and N1,595.20/$, according to analysts.
“In line with its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and supporting orderly market functioning, the CBN facilitated market activity on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the provision of $197.71m through sales to authorised dealers. This measured step aligns with the Bank’s broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market.
“The CBN continues to monitor global and domestic market conditions and remains confident in the resilience of Nigeria’s foreign exchange framework, which is designed to adjust appropriately to evolving fundamentals.
All authorised dealers are reminded to adhere strictly to the principles outlined in the Nigeria FX Market Code and to uphold the highest standards in their dealings with clients and market counterparties,” Duke said.
In the past week, the naira recorded heightened volatility at the interbank Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. Early in the week, it remained relatively stable, trading between N1,525–N1,535/$ on the back of consistent CBN support and moderate offshore inflows. However, by midweek, there was a sharp reversal as offshore demand surged, compounded by weakened oil prices following OPEC+’s supply hike and global risk-off sentiment driven by Trump’s tariff announcements.
This led to strong FX demand pressure and limited supply, pushing the naira to as high as N1,570/$. Despite CBN’s intervention, the naira depreciated by 1.97 per cent w/w to close at N1,567.02/$, and foreign reserves declined by $149m to $38.15bn.
Amid the external pressure on the naira, analysts at Afrinvest said the pressure may be compounded due to the stoppage of the naira-for-crude initiative. It was projected that with the end of the initiative, FX demand would shoot up, as refineries join the “FX-seeking queue while PMS importers source more products from abroad. Against this backdrop, we expect the naira to remain pressured near-term, barring any unforeseen shocks.”
Cardinalstone, in its macroeconomic update on Monday, also affirmed that the Nigerian FX market has been negatively affected by offshore investors’ flight to safety as increasing domestic dollar demand put pressure on the naira (1-month return of -8.6% and YtD of -5.8%).
“Some of the concerns relate to the risk of the government not meeting its revenue target and the higher deficit that could imply. Speaking to this risk, crude production declined to c. 1.67 mbpd in February (vs. 1.74 1.74mbpd in January) amidst the material contraction in oil price (down by 14.2% YtD),” CardinalStone said.
Commenting on the global ripple effects, former Zenith Bank chief economist Marcel Okeke warned that the Trump-led tariff war could trigger inflation globally, with Nigeria particularly vulnerable due to its import dependence. “We’re likely to see an uptick in imported inflation,” he said.
Senator Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed a N5.1 billion lawsuit against Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi for alleged defamation. The suit, filed on April 7, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, seeks a series of declarations and damages over statements made by Senator Nwaebonyi during televised interviews and online videos.
Through her legal team led by Michael Jonathan Numa SAN, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contends that Nwaebonyi, during a March 6 appearance on Channels TV’s *Sunrise Daily*, described her as a “gold digger,” “habitual liar,” and “habitual blackmailer.” She claims the statements are false, malicious, and defamatory, and have caused significant harm to her reputation and standing in public view.
The lawsuit also cites a March 3 interview on Arise News where Nwaebonyi allegedly stated she was “a mother of six from different men.” Further comments included in YouTube videos from News Central TV and other platforms are also being challenged. Among the statements highlighted are accusations that her current marriage was a result of blackmail and that she falsely accused Reno Omokri of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that these remarks, broadcast to a wide audience, are not protected under freedom of speech and instead amount to personal attacks aimed at damaging her character. She seeks a declaration that the statements are defamatory, an apology published in national newspapers, and a court order restraining Senator Nwaebonyi from making further defamatory remarks.
In addition to the requested N5 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, she is also asking the court to award N100 million as the cost of the action and post-judgment interest at 10 percent per annum until full payment is made.
President Donald Trump has informed his inner circle that Elon Musk will soon step back from his role as a key administration figure, shifting to a supporting advisory position.
While Trump remains pleased with Musk’s contributions to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), both men have agreed it’s time for Musk to return to his business ventures, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.
Musk’s exit follows growing frustrations within Trump’s administration over his unpredictability and perceived political liabilities, according to Politico.
His outspoken support for a conservative judge who lost a Wisconsin Supreme Court race by 10 points underscored concerns about his role. Despite previous assurances that Musk was “here to stay,” the shift in stance aligns with the upcoming expiration of his 130-day special government employee status.
A senior administration official noted that Musk is expected to maintain an informal advisory role. Another insider dismissed the idea that Musk would completely disappear from Trump’s orbit, saying, “Anyone who thinks that is fooling themselves.”
The move comes amid tensions over Musk’s lack of coordination with senior staff and Cabinet members. His unexpected social media posts, including controversial agency-cutting plans, often blindsided White House officials.
Despite these challenges, Trump has continued to publicly praise Musk’s work.
During a Cabinet meeting, Trump lauded him for exposing government waste: “Elon, I want to thank you—I know you’ve been through a lot,” he said, calling him “a patriot” and “a friend of mine.”
Musk, wearing a red MAGA hat, received further praise from Cabinet members who had previously clashed with him over his aggressive bureaucracy-cutting approach.
Both men have hinted at Musk’s departure. When asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier if he would leave when his special government employee status expires, Musk responded, “I think we will have accomplished most of the work required to reduce the deficit by $1 trillion within that time frame.”
Trump echoed the sentiment, saying, “At some point, Elon’s gonna want to go back to his company. I’d keep him as long as I could.”
While Musk has been a powerful ally, some in Trump’s circle believe his unpredictability is becoming a liability. One longtime adviser put it bluntly: “They think he’s a genius, but he’s a one-man wrecking ball.”
The shift became evident at a recent Cabinet meeting when Trump clarified that agency cuts were the responsibility of department heads, not Musk. While some officials felt relieved, others acknowledge Musk’s significant role in Trump’s agenda. “Elon’s taken a lot of bullets for Trump—a lot,” one ally noted. “But if it starts to rub off on him, that’s when the honeymoon ends.”
According to the report, tensions peaked about a month ago when Trump told secretaries during a March 6 Cabinet meeting that they, not Musk, were responsible for making cuts at their agencies.
When Trump doubled down at last week’s Cabinet meeting, confirming Musk’s impending departure from his full-time White House role, some secretaries felt relieved, according to sources familiar with their thinking.
Still, Trump’s praise for Musk was sincere, they said. Despite their tumultuous relationship, insiders insist the president will always hold a special place for Musk—if not in his administration, then in his heart.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the petition to recall the senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is inadequate.
INEC said this in a terse post on X while promising to release a detailed statement on the development later.
The post read: “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
President Tinubu has succumbed to the general outcry for overhaul of the present NNPC Board led by Mr Kyari . Confirming the overhaul in a statement made available to BVI Channel 1, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the President dissolved the NNPCL Board and appointed Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Kyari’s replacement, effective from Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
According to him, President Tinubu also appointed Ahmadu Musa Kida as NNPC’s new non-executive Chairman, replacing Pius Akinyelure, and also announced Adedapo Segun as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Onanuga said, the President, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), also appointed six non-executive directors from each geopolitical zone, who include: Henry Obih representing the south-east, Bello Rabiu from the north-west, and Yusuf Usman from the north-east. Others, he said, include Babs Omotowa, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), for the north-central, Austin Avuru for the south-south, and David Ige for the south-west.
He further announced that the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, and Aminu Said Ahmed of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will represent their respective ministries on the new Board.
Onanuga cited need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC” as the reason Tinubu invoked his powers under section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to carry out the sweeping reconstitution and shake-off
“This restructuring is aimed at repositioning NNPC Limited for greater productivity and efficiency in line with global best practices. We are taking bold steps to transform the company into a more commercially driven and transparent entity,” he stated.
He reiterated that the changes are with immediate effect, adding that the new Board has been handed a strategic action plan, which includes a “review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives”.
It was further gathered Onanuga that Tinubu, who has prioritised investment-driven reforms in the oil sector, highlighted that since 2023, his administration has attracted $17 billion in new investments and is now targeting $30 billion by 2027and $60 billion by 2030.
According to him, the government also aims to raise crude oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million by 2030, alongside a gas production goal of 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.
“Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030,” he added, further stating that the administration has prioritised domestic refining capacity to reduce reliance on fuel imports and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security.
Concluding, he said “President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns. He wished them well in their future endeavours.”
It was gathered that the new Group CEO of NNPCL, Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State, obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He started his career at Elf Aquitaine before joining the Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1991 as an associate production technologist.
His expertise spans petroleum process engineering, strategic planning, and field development, having worked across Europe and the Middle East.
In 2015, he was appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).
Until his latest appointment, he was executive vice-president and chief operating officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, leading a consortium that recently acquired Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) for $2.4 billion.
On his own side, Kida, the new non-executive Chairman of NNPCL brings over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector. Also a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering, he has a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.
He began his career at Elf Petroleum Nigeria before moving to Total Exploration and Production, where he rose to become Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. He most recently served as an independent non-executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group, before his latest appointment by President Tinubu.
It would be recalled that many independent groups, including the Arewa Democratic Front (ADF), has repeatedly called and mounted pressure on President Tinubu to sack, arrest and investigate Mele Kyari as NNPCL Boss, citing many reasons, such as incompetence, inefficiency, corruption, 6 trillion PMS subsidy debt and persistent fuel crisis, among others.
The groups had further demanded that Kyari, after sack, be held accountable for his actions and, if found guilty, be prosecuted and made to face the fullest weight of the law.
Today being 31st March,2025 ,it has become obvious that our political class is not ready for democracy and good Governance.
Our education system has not prepared us to appreciate the basic issues confronting third world Countries and we have not intentionally developed our education system to address the needs of our environment.
Sadly , Nigerian President and Governor(s) were all playing politics with Governance . The people of Nigeria have been weaponized with poverty , hunger and fear for unknown, however, cannot think straight .
We are good at copying ,imitating ,hence,we have not copied the system of Democracy to address our local needs and to that extent , democracy has failed us . What we have is the Government of few by the few and for the few privileged people . At the federal level , President Tinubu is busy with appointments into federal boards and offices without programs that will favour millions of Nigerians . At the State level , what we have are Emperors occupying Government houses.
As Ambassador of Good Governance, let me remind us that Good Governance is putting political and institutional processes to development goals. At the federal level, the present system of government with over 200 million people is not sustainable. The centre is too powerful and must devolute powers to the federating units . The electoral body must be reformed to make the body truly independent. Nigeria identity management office must be reformed to make it compulsory for every Nigerians to have a biometric number within a few months .
At the State level ,Governors should stop playing politics with Governance . Nigeria’s faulty Constitution gives Land administration to the Governors. They should use the provision to create economic prosperity for the masses viz food security, affordable housing ,and healthcare among others. Political and institutional processes that will lead to food security and massive job creation as well as addressing economic inequalities should be given top priority .
Now study the meaning of Good Governance to be informed;
Good governance refers to the process by which public institutions conduct public affairs and manage public resources, ensuring the realization of human rights, and operating in a manner essentially free of abuse, corruption, and with due regard for the rule of law.
Core Principles of Good Governance-
1. Participation: Involves all citizens in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are represented.
2. Rule of Law: Ensures that all individuals, including government officials, are subject to and accountable under the law.
3. Transparency: Means that information is readily available and accessible to the public, allowing for scrutiny and accountability.
4.Responsiveness: Involves institutions and processes that are responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens, ensuring their interests are protected.
5.Consensus-Oriented: Focuses on building consensus and finding common ground through dialogue and negotiation.
6.Equity and Inclusiveness: Strives to ensure that all groups, including marginalized and vulnerable populations, have equal access to opportunities and resources.
7. Effectiveness and Efficiency: Ensures that resources are used wisely and that government actions achieve desired outcomes.
8.Accountability: Means that those in power are held responsible for their actions and decisions, and that there are mechanisms for redress and accountability.
Importance of Good Governance:
1. Good governance is crucial for promoting sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for citizens.
2.It helps to build trust in government and institutions, and to strengthen democratic values.
3. It is essential for protecting human rights and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to justice and opportunities.
