The Nigerian government's 30-day petrol discount has drawn criticism from opposition figures and groups, who describe the measure as inadequate and politically motivated. The discount, which allows public transport operators to purchase petrol at cost, has been rejected by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Obidient Movement, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and the presidential campaign organisation of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an investigation into the Ondo crash that killed 25 people on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has appealed for patience as the investigation begins. Aneke led senior NAF officials to the crash site, where all relevant evidence is being secured, documented, and examined before any conclusion is reached on the cause of the accident.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has begun displaying the preliminary register of voters and distributing Permanent Voter Cards across states as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The seven-day exercise allows registered voters to verify their details, raise claims and objections, and collect PVCs from the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration conducted between August and December 2025.
Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were kidnapped in Imo State have been rescued and reunited with their families in Ibadan after seven days in captivity. The victims, who were travelling from Oyo State to orientation camps in Abia State, were rescued by security agencies along the Owerri-Onitsha road. The abductors initially demanded N50m each before reducing the ransom to N5m per person.
The Gates Foundation and MTN Group Foundation are partnering to deploy AI and digital tools to improve maternal healthcare and help detect pregnancy complications early in Nigeria. The initiative will provide digital tools to 500,000 women, 5,000 health workers, and 500 primary healthcare facilities. The technology will allow women to access reliable maternal health information in local languages and help health workers make quicker decisions when complications arise.
The pilot project, which comes with a $25m investment from 2026 to 2030, will also provide affordable devices and connectivity while testing AI applications designed to offer accurate and responsible health guidance. The intervention will be scaled up after a successful pilot phase. The partnership aims to improve maternal healthcare outcomes in Nigeria by leveraging technology and innovative solutions.
The Federal Government has announced that the petrol discount is not a return to fuel subsidy, explaining that NNPC Limited will temporarily forgo its retail profit margin and sell petrol at cost, particularly to public transport operators. The government also announced other measures aimed at cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices and transport costs, which have been a burden on Nigerians.
Key points
- The Nigerian government's petrol discount has sparked opposition from various groups and individuals.
- The Ondo plane crash killed all 25 people on board, and an investigation is underway.
- INEC has begun displaying the voter register and distributing PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
