Top Stories from Nigeria: Political Controversies, Economic Challenges, and Tragic Incidents

Here’s a summary of the top stories from across Nigeria for the week of February 18 to February 24, 2024:

1. Edo State Primaries Controversy: The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State witnessed confusion as three different aspirants claimed victory in the governorship primary. This led to disagreements among party stakeholders, with various aspirants declaring themselves winners. Eventually, Dennis Idahosa was declared the official winner by the APC National Chairman.
2. GDP Dips to 2.74%: The National Bureau of Statistics reported a decrease in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 2.74% in 2023, the slowest growth since the recession in 2020. Challenges in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors contributed to the decline.
3. Tragic Incident at OAU Zoo: A veterinary worker at the Zoological Garden of the Obafemi Awolowo University was killed by a lion while feeding the animals. Despite efforts to rescue him, the victim sustained fatal injuries. The lion was euthanised following the incident.
4. Cement Price Challenge: Cement manufacturers agreed to sell a 50kg bag of cement at a retail price between N7,000 and N8,000 nationwide after a meeting convened by the Minister of Works. Factors such as smuggling, bad roads, and high energy costs were identified as contributing to high prices.
5. FG Halts Cooking Gas Export: The Federal Government announced plans to halt the exportation of cooking gas to boost domestic supply and reduce prices. This decision was made in response to a surge in the cost of cooking gas, aiming to increase domestic availability.
6. Lagos State Economic Measures: Lagos State Governor announced various measures to alleviate economic hardship, including flexible working hours for civil servants, reduced transport fares, and food palliatives for households.
7. Customs Distribution of Rice: The Nigeria Customs Service distributed seized 25kg bags of rice at N10,000 to various groups, including artisans and teachers. The initiative aimed to provide relief to Nigerians amidst rising food prices.
8. Exhumation of Prime Suspect’s Corpse: The Rivers State Police Command successfully exhumed the body of a notorious cultist and prime suspect in the murder of a former Divisional Police Officer. The suspect’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave in a forest.
9. Settlement of Aso Villa’s Electricity Debt: President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate settlement of an outstanding electricity bill owed by the State House. This followed the reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.

These stories highlight a range of issues, from political controversies to economic challenges and tragic incidents, shaping the national discourse in Nigeria.