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Nigeria's political landscape is fracturing as opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso consolidate forces, while the economy strains under repeated fuel price hikes from the Dangote Refinery and persistent insecurity sees both deadly attacks and a new US military deployment.
March 2026
Week of Mar 30, compared to 12-week average
neutral reporting with mixed focus
neutral reporting with mixed coverage
The economy is under acute stress from repeated domestic fuel price shocks. The Dangote Refinery hiked petrol prices four times in March, culminating at N1,245 per litre, while its CEO revealed it receives only five crude cargoes monthly. In response, Oyo State Governor Makinde offered workers a N10,000 salary top-up, and exporters raised alarms over container shortages at Lagos ports.
Opposition realignment is accelerating ahead of the 2027 election. Peter Obi met Rabiu Kwankwaso in Kano, and Kwankwaso later joined the ADC party, boosting rivals to President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu's focus was diverted by a historic UK state visit, which his government alleged was targeted by a plot to embarrass him, while 11 opposition reps defected to the APC and ADC.
Security remains a high-intensity conflict with both insurgent attacks and foreign intervention. Suspected suicide bombings killed at least 23 people in the northeast, while the army reported killing 80 Islamist rebels and three ISWAP commanders. Concurrently, the US deployed troops and drones to Nigeria for intelligence and training.
Public safety and infrastructure neglect dominate societal tensions, centered on Lagos. A school building collapsed, prompting evacuation orders, and a gas explosion burned a driver and assistant to death. Professional groups like radiographers and ASUU are mobilizing against perceived threats to their status and against a UK campus agreement.
