The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered Nigeria’s economic growth projection for 2026 to 4.1%, down from its earlier estimate of 4.4%, citing a combination of global shocks and domestic cost pressures. The revision, a 0.3 percentage point downgrade, was disclosed during a media briefing marking the release of the IMF’s April 2026 Global Financial Stability Report. While the new forecast is below the January projection, it remains slightly above the Fund’s October 2025 outlook. Explaining the adjustment, Deniz Igan, Deputy Chief of the Macro-Financial Division in the IMF’s Research Department, said the relatively strong momentum recorded across Sub-Saharan Africa…
Author: Newsdesk
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says Nigeria’s crude oil production increased to 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd) in March 2026, according to its latest Monthly Oil Market Report released on Monday. The figure reflects a modest recovery in output, although Nigeria remains below its assigned production quota. OPEC data shows production rose from 1.31 million bpd recorded in February, representing a 5.25 per cent increase. The figures were based on direct communication with Nigerian authorities. However, data from secondary sources placed Nigeria’s output higher at 1.46 million bpd in March, up from 1.44 million bpd in…
A new Australian study has found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly present in tap water at levels currently considered safe, may damage embryos and impair female fertility. The findings were disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday by the University of Adelaide, based on research examining the effects of PFAS-contaminated tap water on female mice after daily consumption over periods of four weeks and six months. According to the study, exposure to PFAS chemicals caused cellular damage to ovulated eggs and developing embryos, ultimately disrupting reproductive outcomes. “Our study shows that just four weeks of consuming regular tap…
The Federal Government is investigating “sharp-sharp” loan operators for violating customers’ data privacy, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) National Commissioner Vincent Olatunji revealed Tuesday. These unregulated digital lenders—often called loan sharks—provide instant loans without collateral but have been accused of aggressive recovery tactics. Speaking on the sidelines of a Data Protection Officers training in Abuja, Olatunji said some apps access borrowers’ phone contacts, harass family and friends, share images without consent, and send defamatory threats. He urged Nigerians to read loan agreements carefully, raise awareness of their rights, and note that such unethical practices occur globally. “Many borrowers expose their…
The Society for Conservation Biology – Africa Region (SCB-AR) is ramping up efforts to close the gap between scientific research and policy implementation in Africa’s biodiversity conservation. SCB-AR President Dr. Adedotun Afolayan shared this during an interview in Ibadan on Tuesday. She emphasized that translating research findings into practical solutions is essential to tackle the continent’s environmental challenges. The society is deepening direct engagement with policymakers through evidence-based position statements and policy dialogues to shape government decisions on biodiversity. A key example is SCB-AR’s policy paper, “Salvaging Okomu National Park from Ruin: Proposals for Sustainability in Critical Times”, which converts scientific…
The Chinese government has unveiled new guidelines aimed at improving the drug pricing mechanism to ensure medicines remain within a reasonable and sustainable price range. Issued by the General Office of the State Council, the guidelines emphasize refining a market-oriented approach to drug price formation while supporting the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical industry. They also underscore the need to guarantee public access to medicines that are both effective and affordable. READ ALSO: NEMSAS blames poor telecoms for slow emergency response A key provision focuses on optimising the initial pricing framework for newly launched drugs, including innovative therapies. For high-level…
Prof. Charles Adetunji, a biotechnologist, has said that biotechnology holds significant potential to drive Nigeria’s industrial expansion through innovations in biofuels, efficient waste conversion, and local pharmaceutical production. Speaking in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, Adetunji noted that biofuels offer a viable pathway for reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels while stimulating industrial activities across agricultural value chains. He explained that crops such as cassava and sugarcane, along with agricultural residues, can be processed into ethanol and biodiesel to support the nation’s energy needs and promote rural development. On waste management, the expert said biotechnology provides solutions for converting…
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and a youth-based organisation, EKO 57 Support Group, are partnering to mobilize youths across the state to promote environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management practices at the grassroots. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said this in a statement made available to reporters on Tuesday in Lagos. Gbadegesin said the partnership was mooted when he received the leadership of the group, led by social media influencer Adams Kehinde (Lege Miami) and Remilekun Oshodi (Remi Surutu). He said the collaboration would expand LAWMA’s advocacy and sensitisation efforts across the 20 local government areas…
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions to development and humanitarian challenges. UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Mohammed had returned from Nigeria, where she visited Zamfara and Benue states and met with communities affected by insecurity and displacement. He said she witnessed firsthand the scale of humanitarian needs, as well as ongoing response efforts by authorities and partners. Meanwhile, the UN says digital tools are transforming Nigeria’s response to humanitarian challenges, including tracking internally displaced persons, despite funding constraints and technology gaps. The development was highlighted at the ongoing 59th Session…
The Nigerian Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) says poor telecommunications connectivity remains a major challenge, limiting effective emergency response across the country. Dr Doubra Emuren, National Coordinator of NEMSAS, said this on Monday in Abuja at a workshop for journalists organised by NEMSAS in collaboration with the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR). The training, themed “Strengthening Communications for Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria,” is aimed at improving media engagement and public understanding of emergency systems. Emuren said unreliable network coverage continues to disrupt emergency call systems, noting that the National Emergency Number, 112, coordinated by…