Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over reports of xenophobia in South Africa, highlighting the need to protect Nigerian citizens and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries. The issue has renewed discussions around the safety of foreign nationals, discrimination, and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.


Tinubu concerned about Xenophobia in South Africa

Nigeria’s political landscape heats up as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the country’s next elections. The opposition leaders are seeking to build a stronger political front as Nigeria prepares for another closely watched electoral battle. Watch this report for the latest developments, political alliances, and what the challenge could mean for Tinubu and Nigeria’s opposition.


Nigeria elections: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar & Peter Obi challenge Tinubu

US President Donald Trump has praised Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to tackle violence affecting Christian communities, marking a shift from his earlier criticism over Nigeria's treatment of Christians. The remarks were made in a letter released by Nigeria's presidency.

US Prez praises Nigeria President Tinubu's efforts against violence towards Christians

Nigeria is considering a partial debt write-off for domestic airlines as part of efforts to stabilise the country’s aviation sector. President Tinubu has requested a formal proposal to evaluate possible relief measures aimed at supporting struggling carriers facing mounting operational costs and financial pressures.

Nigeria Considers Partial Debt Write-Off for Airlines; President Tinubu Seeks Formal Proposal

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a historic state visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. Tinubu highlighted growing terrorism challenges back home, while both sides agreed to step up cooperation, including a deal to speed up deportations. The visit signals a renewed push to strengthen UK-Nigeria ties.


UK-Nigeria Ties: President Tinubu Meets PM Starmer, Flags Terror Threat At Home 

King Charles hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the growing relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

During the meeting, the British monarch described the ties between the two countries as a “partnership of equals”, underscoring efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.

The visit reflects ongoing engagement between the UK and Nigeria on trade, security and shared global interests.

UK-Nigeria: King Charles Hosts Nigeria’s Tinubu, Calls Ties a ‘Partnership of Equals’ | WION

Nigerians on Sunday refused President Bola Tinubu’s call for a suspension of protests against a cost of living crisis. Protesters in the commercial city of Lagos and the capital city Abuja said the president did not address their issues which include bringing back the subsidy and reducing the cost of education, and also failed to call for the arrest of the policemen who killed protesters in the last 3 days.

Nigeria protests persist despite Tinubu's plea

On Wednesday Nigerian president Bola Tinubu signed a bill into a law reverting the national anthem to a previous version composed by a British expatriate.

Nigerian President reverts nation to independence-era anthem

The verdict is in and it's a victory for the Nigerian incumbent president Bola Tinubu. A Nigerian court has now dismissed the petition by the opposition labour party to overturn the president's victory in the elections last February.

Nigeria marks 25 years of democracy, Tinubu shares his vision for the future

<p>Nigeria's presidential election tribunal on Wednesday rejected an opposition challenge to Bola Tinubu's win in February's disputed vote, following a pattern seen in previous election years in Africa's most populous country.</p>

<p>No legal challenge to the outcome of a presidential election has succeeded in Nigeria, which returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of almost uninterrupted military rule and has a history of electoral fraud.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-uses-car-tyres-to-cover-military-aircraft-to-deter-ukrainian-drone-attacks-report-632902">Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report</a></p>

<p>Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came second and third respectively, had asked the court to invalidate the election, alleging irregularities.</p>

<p>Judge Haruna Tsammani, reading out a lengthy ruling on behalf of the tribunal's panel of five justices, rejected Obi's petition point-by-point. He was due to move onto Abubakar's petition next, which was also expected to be dismissed.</p>

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<p>European observers had said in June the elections were marred by problems including operational failures and a lack of transparency that reduced public trust in the process.</p>

<p>However, the elections came and went with little sign of any groundswell of popular opposition, and Tinubu has been accepted by the international community as Nigeria's legitimate leader. As the tribunal was giving its ruling, he was in India preparing to take part in the G20 summit there.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa</strong></p>

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<p>Atiku and Obi can appeal to the country's Supreme Court to strike down the tribunal's ruling. Any appeal must be concluded within 60 days of the date of the tribunal judgment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;the judgments of the Presidential Election Petitions Court were rejected by the Labour Party (LP). The party stated that&nbsp;the court's&nbsp;judgment “did not reflect the law and the desire of the people”.</p>

<p>“Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious. What is at stake is democracy and we will not relent until the people will prevail," the party said, in a statement.</p>

<p>“We salute the doggedness of our team of lawyers who fearlessly exposed the wrath in our system. We can only weep for democracy in Nigeria but we refuse to give up on Nigeria," it added.</p>

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Nigeria's presidential election tribunal on Wednesday rejected an opposition challenge to Bola Tinubu's win in February's disputed vote, following a pattern seen in previous election years in Africa's most populous country.

Nigeria's presidential election tribunal on Wednesday rejected an opposition challenge to Bola Tinubu's win in February's disputed vote, following a pattern seen in previous election years in Africa's most populous country. No legal challenge to the outcome of a presidential election has succeeded in Nigeria, which returned to democracy in 1999 after three decades of almost uninterrupted military rule and has a history of electoral fraud. Also Read | Russia uses car tyres to cover military aircraft to deter Ukrainian drone attacks: Report Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who came second and third respectively, had asked the court to invalidate the election, alleging irregularities. Judge Haruna Tsammani, reading out a lengthy ruling on behalf of the tribunal's panel of five justices, rejected Obi's petition point-by-point. He was due to move onto Abubakar's petition next, which was also expected to be dismissed. Also Read | 'Why won't he...': Musk questions Zuckerberg regarding cage fight European observers had said in June the elections were marred by problems including operational failures and a lack of transparency that reduced public trust in the process. However, the elections came and went with little sign of any groundswell of popular opposition, and Tinubu has been accepted by the international community as Nigeria's legitimate leader. As the tribunal was giving its ruling, he was in India preparing to take part in the G20 summit there. Watch | Kenya hosts maiden climate summit in Africa × Atiku and Obi can appeal to the country's Supreme Court to strike down the tribunal's ruling. Any appeal must be concluded within 60 days of the date of the tribunal judgment. Meanwhile, the judgments of the Presidential Election Petitions Court were rejected by the Labour Party (LP). The party stated that the court's judgment “did not reflect the law and the desire of the people”. “Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious. What is at stake is democracy and we will not relent until the people will prevail," the party said, in a statement. “We salute the doggedness of our team of lawyers who fearlessly exposed the wrath in our system. We can only weep for democracy in Nigeria but we refuse to give up on Nigeria," it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Nigerian election tribunal rejects challenge to Tinubu's presidential poll victory

Nigerian appeals court is set to rule on the opposition's move to overturn President Tinubu's recent presidential election.

Nigerian president's disputed poll victory

Nigeria opposition parties claim irregularities in presidential polls

<p>Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What do Tinubu’s reforms entail?</strong></h2>

<p>The reforms have been cited as bold and comprehensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They include the elimination of a costly fuel subsidy, the replacement of the country's central bank governor, and the initiation of a deep overhaul of Nigeria's power industry described as chronically inadequate in recent memory.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What do they mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The measures have garnered a positive response, with Nigeria's dollar bonds experiencing a rally and stocks reaching a 15-year high as per a Bloomberg report. The economic reforms have been reported as Nigeria’s shift towards economic orthodoxy – unconventional leadership decisions taken with an aim towards overall betterment of the economy in the face of scarcity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerians-have-chosen-well-president-muhammudu-buhari-hails-successor-tinubu-597537">'Nigerians have chosen well': President Muhammudu Buhari hails successor Tinubu</a></strong></p>

<p>While there remains skepticism on overall implementation of the reforms given the country's tumultuous history of leaders failing to scale through the initial economic optimism, investors view these policy changes as the beginning of a broader economic transformation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shift also aligns Nigeria with other countries like Turkey and Colombia, where similar policy changes have generated market enthusiasm after authorities signaled a departure from investor-unfriendly economic practices.</p>

<p>In a Bloomberg report, Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, commended the swift implementation of challenging reforms during the initial period of Tinubu's presidency.</p>

<p>This demonstrates determination and creates momentum and goodwill, which in turn boosts both domestic and international confidence and encourages investment, he noted.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Ordinary Nigerians face burden</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the negative effects of these adjustments are primarily affecting the currency and the Nigerian population itself. The currency naira has significantly depreciated against the dollar since Tinubu assumed office, while the price of petrol has tripled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This combination is expected to burden ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with widespread unemployment and soaring inflation.</p>

<p>Consumer inflation rate could&nbsp;climb as high as 29.8 per cent in June, from 22.4 per cent in May, as rising gasoline prices lift the cost of food and transport, according to Rand Merchant Bank analysts cited in Bloomberg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This could force the central bank to raise its policy rate to 22 per cent in the second half, from 18.5 per cent, they said.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Stocks rise after firing of&nbsp;central bank governor</strong></h2>

<p>Nigerian stocks and Eurobonds have continued to rise since the ousting of Godwin Emefiele, the former head of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on June 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Investors interpret his dismissal, along with his subsequent arrest, as an indication that President Tinubu will adopt a more market-friendly approach compared to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-political-life-of-president-muhammadu-buhari-who-bid-farewell-to-nigeria-597476">Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari</a></strong></p>

<p>Buhari's multiple exchange rate regime, which hindered the economy, was largely attributed to Emefiele, making him unpopular among the new president's allies.</p>

<p>Gordon Bowers, an analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, described that the removal of the fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms will positively impact Nigeria's fiscal and external accounts, reducing long-standing distortions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These reforms were considered essential minimum requirements, allowing Tinubu to shift his focus to growth-oriented and productivity-enhancing reforms that can substantially raise Nigeria's potential growth rate.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: Where would the currency settle?</strong></h2>

<p>The ultimate settling price for the naira under the new administration remains uncertain. But a pre-election report from a Tinubu advisory committee suggested a target range of 550-600 naira per dollar, with commercial banks acting as primary dealers through a willing-buyer-willing-seller model.</p>

<p>Experts anticipate further depreciation of the currency before it stabilises at a significantly weaker level.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Nigeria's Naira hits record low</strong></p>

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<p>JPMorgan analysts cited by Bloomberg previously indicated that the exchange rate should be adjusted to approximately 700-750 naira per dollar.</p>

<p>Despite concerns about the government's ability to maintain momentum, markets have responded positively to Tinubu's ambitious policy shift.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tinubu is currently working alongside his chief of staff, advisers, an interim central bank chief, and a trusted informal team, having not yet appointed ministers.</p>

<h2><strong>Nigeria economic reforms: What else is on cards?</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to the aforementioned reforms, Tinubu's team is advocating for significant changes in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, aiming to reduce the role of the state energy company, which had expanded under Tinubu’s predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Nigeria’s national assembly passed legislation that’s expected to set off the biggest shakeup of the West African nation’s chronically inadequate power industry in almost two decades.</p>

<p>Further reforms will be necessary to get Nigeria’s economy back on track, experts say.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, the Tinubu administration will have to "focus on the harder, more long-term stuff, especially boosting revenue generation."&nbsp;</p>

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Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation.

Nigeria’s newly elected President Bola Tinubu has wasted no time in implementing a series of much-needed reforms aimed at realising the potential of Africa's largest economy, after a decade-long swing between slowdown and inflation. Nigeria economic reforms: What do Tinubu’s reforms entail? The reforms have been cited as bold and comprehensive. They include the elimination of a costly fuel subsidy, the replacement of the country's central bank governor, and the initiation of a deep overhaul of Nigeria's power industry described as chronically inadequate in recent memory. Nigeria economic reforms: What do they mean? The measures have garnered a positive response, with Nigeria's dollar bonds experiencing a rally and stocks reaching a 15-year high as per a Bloomberg report. The economic reforms have been reported as Nigeria’s shift towards economic orthodoxy – unconventional leadership decisions taken with an aim towards overall betterment of the economy in the face of scarcity. Also read | 'Nigerians have chosen well': President Muhammudu Buhari hails successor Tinubu While there remains skepticism on overall implementation of the reforms given the country's tumultuous history of leaders failing to scale through the initial economic optimism, investors view these policy changes as the beginning of a broader economic transformation. The shift also aligns Nigeria with other countries like Turkey and Colombia, where similar policy changes have generated market enthusiasm after authorities signaled a departure from investor-unfriendly economic practices. In a Bloomberg report, Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, commended the swift implementation of challenging reforms during the initial period of Tinubu's presidency. This demonstrates determination and creates momentum and goodwill, which in turn boosts both domestic and international confidence and encourages investment, he noted. Nigeria economic reforms: Ordinary Nigerians face burden Meanwhile, the negative effects of these adjustments are primarily affecting the currency and the Nigerian population itself. The currency naira has significantly depreciated against the dollar since Tinubu assumed office, while the price of petrol has tripled. This combination is expected to burden ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with widespread unemployment and soaring inflation. Consumer inflation rate could climb as high as 29.8 per cent in June, from 22.4 per cent in May, as rising gasoline prices lift the cost of food and transport, according to Rand Merchant Bank analysts cited in Bloomberg. This could force the central bank to raise its policy rate to 22 per cent in the second half, from 18.5 per cent, they said. Nigeria economic reforms: Stocks rise after firing of central bank governor Nigerian stocks and Eurobonds have continued to rise since the ousting of Godwin Emefiele, the former head of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on June 9. Investors interpret his dismissal, along with his subsequent arrest, as an indication that President Tinubu will adopt a more market-friendly approach compared to his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. Also read | Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari's multiple exchange rate regime, which hindered the economy, was largely attributed to Emefiele, making him unpopular among the new president's allies. Gordon Bowers, an analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, described that the removal of the fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms will positively impact Nigeria's fiscal and external accounts, reducing long-standing distortions. These reforms were considered essential minimum requirements, allowing Tinubu to shift his focus to growth-oriented and productivity-enhancing reforms that can substantially raise Nigeria's potential growth rate. Nigeria economic reforms: Where would the currency settle? The ultimate settling price for the naira under the new administration remains uncertain. But a pre-election report from a Tinubu advisory committee suggested a target range of 550-600 naira per dollar, with commercial banks acting as primary dealers through a willing-buyer-willing-seller model. Experts anticipate further depreciation of the currency before it stabilises at a significantly weaker level. Also watch | Nigeria's Naira hits record low × JPMorgan analysts cited by Bloomberg previously indicated that the exchange rate should be adjusted to approximately 700-750 naira per dollar. Despite concerns about the government's ability to maintain momentum, markets have responded positively to Tinubu's ambitious policy shift. Tinubu is currently working alongside his chief of staff, advisers, an interim central bank chief, and a trusted informal team, having not yet appointed ministers. Nigeria economic reforms: What else is on cards? In addition to the aforementioned reforms, Tinubu's team is advocating for significant changes in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, aiming to reduce the role of the state energy company, which had expanded under Tinubu’s predecessor. Last week, Nigeria’s national assembly passed legislation that’s expected to set off the biggest shakeup of the West African nation’s chronically inadequate power industry in almost two decades. Further reforms will be necessary to get Nigeria’s economy back on track, experts say. According to Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, the Tinubu administration will have to "focus on the harder, more long-term stuff, especially boosting revenue generation." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Why Nigeria's economic reforms under President Tinubu are creating a buzz

Nigeria's new president Bola Tinubu has started his tenure with the sudden scrapping of the decade-old subsidy on oil days after he took office has meant fuel prices jumping overnight and it's triggered a wave of panic in the nation. Although the policy goes into effect from the 1st of July the move has already sparked concern and chaos hundreds are rushing to petrol stations to buy fuel before costs rise.

Chaos and panic buying at petrol pumps in Nigeria | Latest News

The day of Bola Tinubu's inauguration as Nigeria's 16th democratically elected president, Monday, May 29, has been designated a national holiday by the government of Nigeria. After being sworn in on May 29, Tinubu will succeed current President Muhammadu Buhari.

World leaders to attend Nigeria's new President Bola Tinubu's Inauguration

Bola Tinubu's inauguration as Nigeria's President today

<p>Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, as his last assignment in Abuja's corridors of power, addressed the nation and defended his record on the economy.</p>

<p>President Buhari said that he was leaving a legacy of credible and fair voting and that the country was in better shape since 2015.</p>

<p>Buhari first came to office in 2015 after promising an elevated economy and an end to corruption and insecurity.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, incoming President Bola Tinubu's victory is being challenged by his two closest opposition rivals.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a court will begin to hear the main arguments in the election petition.</p>

<p>Buhari, an 80-year-old retired general, said the February vote had helped entrench democracy in Africa's most populous nation and that Tinubu, who ran on his ruling party's ticket, was the best candidate to emerge from the election.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-political-life-of-president-muhammadu-buhari-who-bid-farewell-to-nigeria-597476">Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari</a></strong></p>

<p>"I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum," Buhari said in his farewell speech.</p>

<p>"To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world," Buhari said.</p>

<p>Tinubu is inheriting double-digit inflation, which has eroded savings and wages. It is one of the biggest issues that will confront him when he is sworn into office.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Bola Tinubu wins Presidential elections of Nigeria</strong></p>

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<p>President Buhari, however, said that his government had made some difficult choices to reset the economy, some of which "led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologise&nbsp;to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country."</p>

<p>Buhari also defended accusations that extremism had grown under his watch in Nigeria.</p>

<p>“Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, as his last assignment in Abuja's corridors of power, addressed the nation and defended his record on the economy.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, as his last assignment in Abuja's corridors of power, addressed the nation and defended his record on the economy. President Buhari said that he was leaving a legacy of credible and fair voting and that the country was in better shape since 2015. Buhari first came to office in 2015 after promising an elevated economy and an end to corruption and insecurity. Meanwhile, incoming President Bola Tinubu's victory is being challenged by his two closest opposition rivals. On Tuesday, a court will begin to hear the main arguments in the election petition. Buhari, an 80-year-old retired general, said the February vote had helped entrench democracy in Africa's most populous nation and that Tinubu, who ran on his ruling party's ticket, was the best candidate to emerge from the election. ALSO READ | Explained: The political life of outgoing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari "I am leaving behind an electoral process which guarantees that votes count, results are credible, elections are fair and transparent and the influence of money in politics reduced to the barest minimum," Buhari said in his farewell speech. "To my brother, friend and fellow worker in the political terrain for the past ten years – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu -, I congratulate you on the realisation of your dream, which was propelled by a burning passion to put Nigeria amongst the leading nations of the world," Buhari said. Tinubu is inheriting double-digit inflation, which has eroded savings and wages. It is one of the biggest issues that will confront him when he is sworn into office. ALSO WATCH | Bola Tinubu wins Presidential elections of Nigeria × President Buhari, however, said that his government had made some difficult choices to reset the economy, some of which "led to temporary pain and suffering for which I sincerely apologise to my fellow countrymen, but the measures were taken for the overall good of the country." Buhari also defended accusations that extremism had grown under his watch in Nigeria. “Our battle to ensure that all Nigerians live in a safe and secure environment has achieved considerable results. As I complete my term in office, we have been able to reduce the incidences of banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other criminal activities considerably,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Nigerians have chosen well': President Muhammudu Buhari hails successor Tinubu

Bola Tinubu to be sworn-in as Nigeria's President on May 29

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