Nigeria News (Standard)
S&P Raises Nigeria’s 2026 Inflation Forecast to 16.9%, Cuts GDP Growth Projection
Ratings agency cites rising domestic energy costs; government faces pressure over persistent inflationary trends
Ratings agency cites rising domestic energy costs; government faces pressure over persistent inflationary trends
S&P Global has raised its inflation outlook for Nigeria, projecting an average rate of 16.9 percent for 2026, up from its previous estimate of 15 percent. The revision was announced in Abuja on Wednesday, following the release of S&P’s latest economic outlook covering emerging markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The agency attributed the upward adjustment to the stronger-than-expected impact of higher global oil prices on domestic energy costs.
According to S&P Global, Nigeria saw the largest upward revision to inflation forecasts among key economies included in the quarterly report. The agency also downgraded Nigeria’s projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates for both 2026 and 2027 by 30 basis points each, now expecting GDP to rise by 3.7 percent and 3.5 percent respectively over those years.
The report stated that inflationary pressures have persisted across many EMEA markets, but singled out Nigeria as particularly affected due to escalating energy prices feeding into transportation and food costs. This development comes as many Nigerians continue to grapple with high prices for essential goods, further stretching household budgets and raising concerns about living standards.
S&P Global noted that energy inflation has accelerated not only in Nigeria but also in Turkiye and other regional economies, warning that continued volatility in global oil prices could further complicate monetary policy responses. The agency said, “The transmission of higher oil prices into local energy and transportation costs has been stronger than anticipated in Nigeria,” leading to persistent upward pressure on headline inflation.
With these revised forecasts, analysts say government may come under increasing pressure to implement measures aimed at easing inflationary burdens on citizens and supporting economic growth. The Central Bank of Nigeria has already embarked on a series of interest rate hikes this year in response to surging inflation figures reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Sacks NDC Registration Months After Peter Obi Becomes Presidential Candidate
Justice Umar rules INEC breached law in registering NDC; party and electoral body yet to respond to judgment
Justice Umar rules INEC breached law in registering NDC; party and electoral body yet to respond to judgment
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike out the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) from its register of political parties, just months after former Labour Party flag bearer, Peter Obi, picked the NDC presidential ticket for the 2027 general election. The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Mohammed Umar, followed a suit challenging the legality of NDC’s registration.
The suit was filed by Ahidjo Ibrahim Karlahi, Protem National Organising Secretary of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), who argued that INEC failed to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements in granting recognition to the NDC. Justice Umar agreed with Karlahi’s claims and ruled that INEC acted outside its constitutional powers by registering the party despite its failure to complete all necessary procedures. The court therefore directed INEC to immediately withdraw NDC’s certificate and delist it as a political party.
This development is seen as a major setback for the opposition party, which had been attracting high-profile politicians since Peter Obi decamped from Labour Party earlier this year. Obi’s emergence as NDC’s presidential candidate had energised the party’s nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of 2027, with several chieftains openly declaring support for his vision of a ‘new Nigeria.’
Prior to Friday’s ruling, NDC leaders maintained that their registration was lawful and dismissed challenges as politically motivated. As at press time, neither INEC nor the NDC had issued an official reaction to the court decision. It remains unclear whether the party will approach the Court of Appeal or how soon INEC will implement the directive. Political analysts say the judgment is likely to spark fresh debates about party registration processes and could affect plans of politicians who recently joined or backed NDC.
The outcome also raises uncertainty for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition under the NDC platform, with stakeholders keenly watching for legal and political implications as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Police operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have arrested a suspect and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux after the vehicle was reportedly driven from Abuja to Kaduna State. The incident occurred on 20th June 2026, with officers from Maitama Division responding minutes after the theft was reported in the Wuse II area of Abuja.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer for Maitama, CSP Altine Daniel, received a distress call around 1:45 p.m. The complainant stated that the white Toyota Hilux, a 2014 model bearing registration number BWR 712 CV, had been parked at about 1:30 p.m. before it was discovered missing just four minutes later. An unidentified individual was seen driving it away.
In response, police formations across entry and exit points within the FCT were immediately alerted. Officers were instructed to mount stop-and-search operations and prevent any attempt to move the stolen vehicle out of Abuja. This swift coordination led to the eventual recovery of the Hilux in Kaduna State and arrest of a suspect linked to the theft.
The FCT Command’s proactive approach comes amid growing concerns over vehicle theft and other property crimes within Abuja and neighbouring states. The recent operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen border surveillance and ensure prompt response to distress calls. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities.
While details about the identity of the suspect were not disclosed as at press time, police authorities assured that further investigations are underway and pledged to prosecute those found culpable. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding this latest breakthrough by security agencies.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fct-police-nab-suspect-recover-stolen-toyota-hilux/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Police in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an attempted cattle rustling operation and recovered 20 stolen cows at Korama Mai Zurfi village, Jibia Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, when armed men attacked the rural community and rustled livestock belonging to residents.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, officers from the Jibia Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress call around 2:40 pm. The police team, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, moved to intercept the bandits and secured the recovery of all rustled animals.
Cattle rustling remains a major concern for communities in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where recurrent attacks by armed groups have disrupted farming activities and heightened insecurity. The prompt response by security agencies is seen as critical to rebuilding trust among affected communities and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
DSP Aliyu commended the synergy between law enforcement officers and vigilantes in the successful recovery. He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely intelligence that can help prevent further incidents. “We encourage residents to continue giving actionable information that will assist police efforts against criminal elements,” he said in his official statement.
While no arrests were announced in connection with Wednesday’s incident as at press time, police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining patrols and rapid response initiatives across Katsina State. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding ongoing security challenges in the region.
Abuja Court Sacks NDC Registration Months After Peter Obi Becomes Presidential Candidate
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
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