Here are the trending stories and major developments across Nigeria as of this morning.
1. Shockwaves as Tinubu Sacks Finance Minister Wale Edun in Cabinet Reshuffle
President Bola Tinubu has relieved Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, of his duties. Ahmed Muda Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, was also sacked.
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The New Appointment: Taiwo Oyedele has been named as the new Minister of Finance.
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Why It Matters: Edun was the architect of the current “Renewed Hope” economic reforms. While indicators showed growth, the Presidency noted that many Nigerians “are yet to feel relief” from high food and transportation costs.
2. Alleged Coup Plot: FG to Arraign Retired Generals and Police Inspector Today
The Federal Government is set to arraign six individuals before the Federal High Court in Abuja today, Wednesday, April 22. The group, which includes two retired senior military officers and a serving police inspector, is accused of plotting to “wage war against Nigeria and overthrow President Bola Tinubu.”
3. Nigeria Records $4 Billion Windfall from Global Oil Price Surge
Nigeria and international oil firms have reportedly earned a $4 billion windfall due to the spike in crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
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Current Price: Bonny Light rose to $98 per barrel this morning.
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Economic Impact: While revenue is up, experts warn this may lead to “higher prices of petroleum products, especially PMS (petrol)” in the downstream sector.
4. Labour Party Crisis Deepens as Abure Vows to Head to Supreme Court
The leadership tussle in the Labour Party (LP) has taken a fresh turn. Factional National Chairman Julius Abure has officially rejected the Court of Appeal judgment that affirmed Nenadi Usman’s leadership. Abure dismissed the ruling as “contrary to established legal principles” and confirmed his team is heading to the Supreme Court.
5. New Deputy Governor Named for Kano State
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has appointed Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo as the new Deputy Governor of Kano State. This follows the sudden resignation of Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
6. FG Adopts Imo’s “OKOBI” Initiative to Fight Nationwide Unemployment
The Federal Government has approved a nationwide scale-up of the “One Kindred, One Business Initiative” (OKOBI), originally started by the Imo State government. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that the initiative aims to turn “communities and students from job seekers to job creators.”
7. Weather Alert: NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms Across 17 States
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather outlook for today, Wednesday, April 22.
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Thunderstorms and Rain: Expected over parts of the FCT, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, and several southern states including Edo, Delta, Lagos, and Cross River.
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Northern Region: Likely to experience sunny skies with isolated thunderstorms in Kaduna, Adamawa, and Taraba.
Today’s Exchange Rate Snapshot
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Official (NAFEM): ₦1,348.77
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Parallel (Black Market): ₦1,450 – ₦1,470
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The gap is widening again this morning due to “persistent demand pressures for personal travel and small-scale imports.”
