It was an eventful week for Nigeria, as there were notable leadership changes, economic pressures, and policy review at the national level. Ranging from the oil industry through rising petrol prices, the following is a ranking of the most impactful events across the country.
1. Tinubu Sacks NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari in Strategic Shake-Up
To shake up Nigeria's oil industry, President Bola Tinubu removed Mele Kyari as the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
New Leadership: Its new Group CEO is Bayo Ojulari, and he will be assisted by an 11-member board made up of top industry experts.
Presidential Directives: The new leadership is tasked with:
- Increasing crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030
- Increasing gas production to 10 billion cubic meters
- Conducting a thorough review of Nigeria's oil blocks
This shake-up is intended to allow Nigeria to meet its decades-old OPEC production quotas.
2. Petrol Prices Hit Record Highs Nationwide
Fuel shortage and supply problems saw the prices of petrol take a sharp hike:
- Lagos: Prices increased to N930 per litre
- Northern States: Prices reached as high as N960 per litre
These hikes are creating economic difficulties for citizens, stirring up new calls for fuel subsidy reforms and sustainable energy solutions in the long run.
3. Economic Tensions Rise Amid Inflation and Cost-of-Living Crisis
On top of the fuel scarcity, Nigerians are facing burgeoning inflation, high food prices, and a devalued Naira. Economists are foreseeing an escalating cost-of-living crisis unless urgent reforms are introduced to stabilize the economy and improve household purchasing power.
4. Political Tensions Rise as Local Elections Approach
As local government elections approach, political tensions are rising:
- Allegations of vote-buying and election manipulation
- War of words between ruling party members and opposition leaders
Such confrontations are setting the stage for a volatile and possibly contentious election season.
5. Social Unrest Rises as Public Frustration Grows
Protests and demonstrations have intensified in all the big cities. People are protesting against:
- Poor governance
- Economic hardship
- Insecurity
Security agencies are on red alert, and there have already been some reported clashes between security agents and protesters.
Conclusion
From major leadership changes in the petroleum sector to skyrocketing petrol prices and growing popular outrage, Nigeria's steel was thoroughly tested in the first week of April 2025. The coming weeks will be conclusive as leaders and citizens alike ride out the storm.