Here are some of today's biggest headlines, as of Wednesday, July 23, 2025:
Nigeria:
1. APC to Pick Ganduje's Successor: The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to choose a new national chairman at a crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting tomorrow, July 24, 2025, following Abdullahi Ganduje's resignation in June.
Speculation is high regarding President Tinubu's influence on the choice, with some sources indicating Ali Bukar Dalori, the acting chairman, might be confirmed, or a new leader could be elected at a national convention.
Former Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Al-Makura, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, are also reportedly leading contenders.
2. Dangote Exports Petrol, Nigeria Still Imports: Dangote Refinery has exported 1.3 billion liters of petrol, a significant step towards Nigeria becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products. However, Dangote himself highlighted that Nigeria and other African countries continue to lose substantial market opportunities (around $90 billion annually) due to massive importation of refined petroleum products, despite producing crude oil. He noted that the refinery still imports 9-10 million barrels of crude monthly from the US and other countries.
3. Senate Okays Tinubu's $21bn Foreign Loans: The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's request for an external borrowing plan of over $21 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle. The comprehensive package includes $21.19bn in direct foreign loans, €4bn, ¥15bn, a $65m grant, and domestic borrowing through government bonds, with funds targeting infrastructure, agriculture, security, power, housing, and digital connectivity.
4. Atiku Warns as Okpebholo, Wike Insist on Obi’s Visit Clearance: Atiku Abubakar has warned against "threats against opposition figures" after Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike insisted that Peter Obi must follow proper security clearance protocols for visits to states. This stems from Obi's recent visit to Edo State, which Okpebholo claims coincided with a resurgence of violence and lacked appropriate security notification.
5. Natasha Heads to Court After Senate Blockade: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is reportedly heading to court after being blocked from resuming her duties at the Senate. This follows her suspension in March 2025 after a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate insists no court order has yet mandated her recall, despite a recent Federal High Court ruling.
6. Dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company Owes N5.6bn Electricity Debt: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has warned that the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and its host community face imminent disconnection from the national grid due to outstanding electricity debts totaling N5.63bn in 2024. The company has not made any payments for energy invoices and service charges received from NBET and the Market Operator.
7. Driver Drowns During Beach Trip with Indians in Lagos: A Nigerian driver, identified as Kingsley, has reportedly drowned during a beach outing with two Indian expatriates at Tarkwa-Bay, Lagos.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the driver, who had conveyed the Indians (staff of Dangote Company) to the beach, entered the water and was swept away by strong currents.
8. Falcons Set Up Morocco Clash in WAFCON Final: Nigeria's Super Falcons have qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where they will face host nation Morocco. The Falcons defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1 in the semifinals, while Morocco advanced after a penalty shootout win against Ghana.
International:
1. Israeli Protest in Tel Aviv Over Gaza Food Shortages: Protesters in Tel Aviv have demonstrated against the war in Gaza and what they call Israel's "policy of starvation," highlighting child hunger and demanding an end to aid restrictions.
Protesters carried flour bags and photos of starving children in Gaza.
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