The Central Bank of Nigeria is expected to maintain or raise its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at its upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, following its 50-basis-point rate cut to 26.5% in February 2026. The February decision was supported by easing inflation, exchange rate stability, stronger external reserves, and improving macroeconomic conditions. However, since then, external developments, particularly renewed tensions in the Middle East, have introduced fresh inflationary and external sector risks. These shifting conditions are likely to make the MPC more cautious, favouring a pause or modest tightening to assess the direction of key economic indicators before considering further easing. Reasons MPR may be held or raised 1. Inflation has resumed…
Author: Newsdesk
Some experts have expressed concern that China’s zero-tariff regime on exports from Africa could encourage the export of unprocessed minerals and undermine Nigeria’s value addition policy. The experts spoke to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja. Ashenews reports that the zero-tariff policy, which took effect from May 1, aims to create new export and industrialisation opportunities for Africa amid rising global protectionism. Under the new arrangement, China has extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Prior to this, it had already removed tariffs on 100 per cent of tariff lines for 33 Least Developed…
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa Region has cautioned against panic following the declaration of the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). “Fear by itself is an outbreak,” and “Ebola is highly manageable,” the organisation stated. Prof. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa and a cardiologist, urged the public to rely on accurate information while reacting to the outbreak. He explained that the PHEIC declaration would help draw international attention to the Ebola situation, mobilise resources quickly, and ensure coordinated global response. “Ebola…
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic maritime cooperation to enhance security and safeguard trade routes in the Gulf of Guinea. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, stated this during a meeting with the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saylem Alshamsi. This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Tuesday in Abuja. Abbas said the collaboration focuses on boosting maritime domain awareness, shipbuilding, naval technology transfer, and coordinated responses to transnational maritime threats. He identified piracy, crude oil theft,…
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expelled 11 officers and members and suspended 14 others over alleged disobedience to resolutions and decisions of its National Executive Council (NEC). The decisions were taken at the end of an emergency NEC meeting held on Monday in Lagos. Briefing journalists after the meeting, TUC President-General, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the disciplinary measures were based on the report of a committee set up on April 27 to investigate acts of misconduct within the congress. Osifo explained that the committee was mandated to review cases of “flagrant disobedience” by members, officers and affiliates,…
A 500-level Law student of the University of Abuja, Amra Salihu, has emerged winner of the 2026 Amnesty International Intervarsity Debate. The University of Abuja clinched first position with 86.1 points, defeating Imo State University, which came second with 73.7 points. Madonna University secured third place with 72 points. The Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Dr. Isa Sanusi, announced the winners at the grand finale of the debate, themed “Speak. Act. Defend Rights,” on Monday in Abuja. Sanusi said the organisation remains committed to expanding the annual debate competition across Nigeria to enhance young people’s participation in human rights…
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday held a stakeholders’ engagement and community outreach in Katsina as part of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on floods and related hazards. The exercise aimed to strengthen disaster risk governance and build resilience against flood-related disasters ahead of the 2026 rainy season. Participants included officials from the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), various ministries, departments and agencies, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, traditional institutions, women and youth groups, community representatives, and the media. Speaking at the event, NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar said the campaign was designed to promote early and…
Some environmental experts in the Niger Delta have called for urgent interventions to tackle persistent environmental pollution in the region. The experts spoke at the opening of the 2026 Press Week of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Port Harcourt. They noted that the persistent pollution had led to increased crises and destruction of means of livelihood. The 2026 Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week has the theme: “The Imperatives of Comprehensive Clean-Up of the Niger Delta Environment: Role of the Media.” Speaking at the event, the Traditional Ruler of Upata Kingdom, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo, called for a review…
The United Nations has called on the international community to urgently scale up support for both the Ebola response and the broader humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made the call on Monday in New York while giving an update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda. According to Dujarric, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. He added that the declaration highlights the high risk of further spread and the likelihood that the outbreak…
The Foundation for Human Capacity Development and Innovation on Monday organised the second edition of its annual inter-school spelling bee competition for primary school pupils in Suleja, Niger State. The event, sponsored by Rear Adm. Hamza Ibrahim, was held at the foundation’s premises and began with the national anthem. It was followed by remarks from one of the organisers, Fatima Adamu. Adamu described the foundation as a non-governmental organisation focused on education, innovation, and skills development for community empowerment. She said the spelling bee was designed to promote quality education and build confidence among young learners. According to her, the…