Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle during a historic visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. Tinubu is expected to sign agreements on trade, investment and defence with the UK, as citizens hope the visit will help address economic reforms and security challenges at home.
Friday, March 20, 2026
Nigeria’s president meets King Charles during historic UK visit
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu was welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle during a historic visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades. Tinubu is expected to sign agreements on trade, investment and defence with the UK, as citizens hope the visit will help address economic reforms and security challenges at home.
Nigerian army says 80 militants killed
Nigerian soldiers killed at least 80 suspected militants near a military base in the northeastern Borno state, the country's army said on Wednesday.
Backed by air support, the Nigerian military said it repelled a coordinated overnight assault by insurgents of an unclear affiliation near the Niger border.
Attack comes on heels of suicide bombings
Wednesday's attack follows escalating jihadi violence in the conflict-battered state by Boko Haram and its rival offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. Earlier this week, three suspected suicide bombings killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 100 others in Borno's capital, Maiduguri.
While no group claimed responsibility for the bombings in the city of around 1.2 million people, officials' suspicion fell on Boko Haram. The jihadi group launched an insurgency 17 years ago in northeastern Nigeria with a radical interpretation of Sharia law.
On Wednesday, Nigerian army spokesman Sani Uba described the military's attack as an "offensive-defensive" response.
Authorities added that "no fewer than 80 terrorists" were killed, including "high-profile" commanders.
International media have not been able to independently verify these claims.
Since its insurgency in 2009, Boko Haram has killed more than 40,000 and displaced around 2 million people, according to figures by the United Nations.
By Sean Sinico, DW
Backed by air support, the Nigerian military said it repelled a coordinated overnight assault by insurgents of an unclear affiliation near the Niger border.
Attack comes on heels of suicide bombings
Wednesday's attack follows escalating jihadi violence in the conflict-battered state by Boko Haram and its rival offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province. Earlier this week, three suspected suicide bombings killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 100 others in Borno's capital, Maiduguri.
While no group claimed responsibility for the bombings in the city of around 1.2 million people, officials' suspicion fell on Boko Haram. The jihadi group launched an insurgency 17 years ago in northeastern Nigeria with a radical interpretation of Sharia law.
On Wednesday, Nigerian army spokesman Sani Uba described the military's attack as an "offensive-defensive" response.
Authorities added that "no fewer than 80 terrorists" were killed, including "high-profile" commanders.
International media have not been able to independently verify these claims.
Since its insurgency in 2009, Boko Haram has killed more than 40,000 and displaced around 2 million people, according to figures by the United Nations.
By Sean Sinico, DW
Nigeria records one of highest global fuel price increases as Iran conflict disrupts oil markets
Nigeria has emerged as one of the hardest-hit countries in the global fuel price rally triggered by the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers and home to the continent’s biggest refinery.
Data from Investorsight shows that gasoline prices in Nigeria have risen by 39.5%, placing it second globally just behind Vietnam, highlighting deep structural challenges in the country’s downstream oil sector.
Oil remains the world’s most critical energy resource, powering roughly 70% of global demand and underpinning industries from transportation to agriculture.
As geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains and threaten key shipping routes, the resulting price shocks are being felt unevenly across countries, with import-dependent economies and those with fragile refining systems bearing the brunt.
Data from Investorsight shows that gasoline prices in Nigeria have risen by 39.5%, placing it second globally just behind Vietnam, highlighting deep structural challenges in the country’s downstream oil sector.
Oil remains the world’s most critical energy resource, powering roughly 70% of global demand and underpinning industries from transportation to agriculture.
As geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains and threaten key shipping routes, the resulting price shocks are being felt unevenly across countries, with import-dependent economies and those with fragile refining systems bearing the brunt.
Nigeria fuel prices surge amid global oil shock
Fuel prices in Nigeria have risen sharply since the outbreak of the Iran war, highlighting the country’s exposure to global oil shocks.
At the refinery level, Dangote Refinery increased ex-depot prices from about ₦774 to ₦874 per litre in early March, a roughly 13% jump with retail prices climbing to ₦1,075–₦1,175 per litre in some areas.
Meanwhile, NNPC Limited recorded steeper increases, with pump prices rising from ₦900–₦1,000 to ₦1,200–₦1,400 per litre across major cities reflecting a 30–40% surge.
Overall, Nigeria’s average petrol price has increased by nearly 40%, reflecting how quickly global disruptions are transmitted into the domestic market.
With fuel pricing now deregulated, both refinery and retail prices respond rapidly to shifts in crude oil prices, exchange rates, and supply risks, leaving even an oil-producing nation highly vulnerable to external shocks.
The sharp increase in Nigeria’s fuel prices reflects a paradox that has long defined its energy sector. Despite being a major crude oil exporter, the country has historically relied on imported refined petroleum products due to underperforming state-owned refineries.
Even with the operational ramp-up of the Dangote Refinery (Africa’s largest) Nigeria is still navigating a transitional phase. The refinery has yet to fully stabilize domestic supply or eliminate dependence on imports, leaving local prices exposed to global market shocks.
Additionally, the full deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream sector has linked domestic fuel prices more directly to international crude benchmarks.
This means that any geopolitical disruption such as tensions in the Middle East affecting oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz quickly translates into higher pump prices locally.
Currency pressures have also amplified the impact. The depreciation of the naira increases the cost of importing refined products and crude feedstock, further pushing up retail fuel prices.
In contrast, some developed economies on the list have strategic reserves, diversified energy mixes, or subsidy buffers that help cushion price volatility.
Nigeria’s high ranking, therefore, highlights not just global pressures, but persistent domestic vulnerabilities in refining, logistics, and foreign exchange stability.
Fuel prices in Nigeria have risen sharply since the outbreak of the Iran war, highlighting the country’s exposure to global oil shocks.
At the refinery level, Dangote Refinery increased ex-depot prices from about ₦774 to ₦874 per litre in early March, a roughly 13% jump with retail prices climbing to ₦1,075–₦1,175 per litre in some areas.
Meanwhile, NNPC Limited recorded steeper increases, with pump prices rising from ₦900–₦1,000 to ₦1,200–₦1,400 per litre across major cities reflecting a 30–40% surge.
Overall, Nigeria’s average petrol price has increased by nearly 40%, reflecting how quickly global disruptions are transmitted into the domestic market.
With fuel pricing now deregulated, both refinery and retail prices respond rapidly to shifts in crude oil prices, exchange rates, and supply risks, leaving even an oil-producing nation highly vulnerable to external shocks.
The sharp increase in Nigeria’s fuel prices reflects a paradox that has long defined its energy sector. Despite being a major crude oil exporter, the country has historically relied on imported refined petroleum products due to underperforming state-owned refineries.
Even with the operational ramp-up of the Dangote Refinery (Africa’s largest) Nigeria is still navigating a transitional phase. The refinery has yet to fully stabilize domestic supply or eliminate dependence on imports, leaving local prices exposed to global market shocks.
Additionally, the full deregulation of Nigeria’s downstream sector has linked domestic fuel prices more directly to international crude benchmarks.
This means that any geopolitical disruption such as tensions in the Middle East affecting oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz quickly translates into higher pump prices locally.
Currency pressures have also amplified the impact. The depreciation of the naira increases the cost of importing refined products and crude feedstock, further pushing up retail fuel prices.
In contrast, some developed economies on the list have strategic reserves, diversified energy mixes, or subsidy buffers that help cushion price volatility.
Nigeria’s high ranking, therefore, highlights not just global pressures, but persistent domestic vulnerabilities in refining, logistics, and foreign exchange stability.
By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa
UK agrees deal to ease migrant returns to Nigeria
For the first time, the Nigerian government will recognise UK letters - an identification document issued to individuals without a valid passport - so people will no longer have to wait for emergency travel documents to be issued before they can be returned.
The agreement was struck during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu state visit to the UK.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the president's visit - the first by a leader of a west African nation in 37 years - as "historic".
On Wednesday, the King hosted a spectacular state banquet at Windsor Castle for the president and first lady, praising the strength of the ties between the two nations.
President Tinubu also met the prime minister at No 10.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the two leaders "committed to deepening their long-term partnership on trade, infrastructure and sustainable growth".
They also agreed to work more closely together on defence and security in response to transnational crime and terrorism, the spokesperson said.
The Home Office said the immigration deal would make it easier to return people who overstay their visas, foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers.
It said annual returns to Nigeria had nearly doubled to 1,150.
The two countries have also agreed to launch joint operations and share information to crack down on criminal gangs abusing visa routes.
A new standardised document-checking system will be introduced to verify the authenticity of applications.
The Home Office said it followed a series of high-profile cases involving fake job sponsorships, sham marriages and forged financial or employment records.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will review its laws to ensure the toughest possible sentences are given to immigration offenders.
Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said: "Nigeria is a key partner in our work to tackle illegal migration, as the UK's largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have built their lives here."
A separate deal, worth £746m, will see two major ports in Lagos refurbished with the help of UK-backed loans.
UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government's export credit agency, has provided a guarantee to the banks loaning the funds under the condition at least 20% of the contracts are sourced from the UK.
At least £236m of supplier contracts will be directed to British firms, including £70m for British steel - the company's largest ever export backed by UKEF.
It comes as the UK sets out a new strategy to boost the domestic steel industry.
Tinubu's visit was also the first to the UK by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in almost a century.
Special adaptations were made to the state banquet, with a prayer room set aside in Windsor Castle, while the usual lunch hosted by the King did not take place as Tinubu was fasting.
On Thursday, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who is Christian, also visited Lambeth Palace, the London home of the archbishop of Canterbury.
The visit comes at a time of tension within Nigeria, with a series of suspected suicide bombings this week in the north-eastern state of Borno, in which at least 23 people were killed and 108 injured in attacks blamed on hard-line Islamist militants from the Boko Haram group.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Nigeria loses $21 million daily as oil output falls below OPEC target
Nigeria is losing an estimated $21 million daily as crude oil production remains below its 1.5 million barrels-per-day target set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Averaging 1.42–1.45 million barrels per day, the shortfall is straining the national budget and foreign exchange reserves despite crude prices above $100 per barrel.
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