Your weekly briefing on the stories shaping the nation
Good morning from Meziesblog, and welcome to today’s edition of the Nigeria News Roundup. It’s been a packed 24 hours across the country, with major developments shaking up the political landscape, fresh concerns over the economy, significant security operations, and a nationwide public holiday marking the Islamic New Year. Here’s everything you need to know.
POLITICS & JUDICIARY
Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Four Other Parties — Atiku, Adeleke Affected
In a ruling that could dramatically reshape the political field ahead of the 2027 general elections, a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling on Monday in response to a suit filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators, who argued that the affected parties had persistently failed to meet the constitutional performance thresholds required to retain their registration. Under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), parties must win at least 25 percent of votes in a state during a presidential election or secure at least one elective seat at the national, state, or local government level.
The ruling has sent shockwaves through the opposition. ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi described the judgment as a “politically motivated attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election”. Speaking on ARISE News, Abdullahi argued that the move was triggered by the party’s recent announcement of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as its vice-presidential candidate, pairing him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on what party leaders call a “unity and rescue ticket”.
“The Court of Appeal has ordered the Federal High Court, a lower court, to stay proceedings on this matter until October 27,” Abdullahi said. “It is against every principle of jurisprudence that a lower court will disobey a direct order of a higher court”.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, whose Accord Party is among those affected, has also challenged the ruling, insisting it was delivered in defiance of an existing directive issued by the Court of Appeal. ZLP presidential candidate Dan Nwanyanwu went further, describing the judgment as a “travesty of justice” and a threat to Nigeria’s judicial credibility. He alleged that the judge ignored critical evidence, including certificates of returns showing ZLP had won 176 councillors across Abia, Nasarawa, and Rivers states.
“INEC has powers to register and de-register political parties, and 225 has given you conditions. Under 225, all that a political party is expected to win in order to pass this threshold is just one councillor,” Nwanyanwu insisted.
Abdullahi has vowed that ADC will challenge the judgment immediately. “I can assure you that by tomorrow morning, we are in the Court of Appeal,” he said. “ADC will contest the 2027 election. If the election is going to hold in 2027, ADC will be on the ballot”.
Tinubu: Traditional Rulers Are “Indispensable Partners in Governance”
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to advance peace, security, national cohesion, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
The President’s position was conveyed by Information Minister Mohammed Idris during the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) in Dutse, Jigawa State. Tinubu described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance, given their influence at the grassroots and their role in mobilising citizens around national objectives.
Addressing the meeting’s theme, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” Tinubu stressed that “without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained”.
The President also highlighted key economic initiatives, including interventions in agriculture, livestock development, infrastructure, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises. He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark policy initiative aimed at modernising livestock production and reducing resource-based conflicts.
Tinubu Urges Judges to Deliver Swift, Fair Justice
In a separate development, President Tinubu on Monday urged the nation’s appellate judges to deliver justice that is swift, fair, and blind to the status, tribe, or financial standing of every litigant. The call comes amid growing public scrutiny of the judiciary following the controversial deregistration ruling.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Inflation Rises for Third Consecutive Month to 15.93%
Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.93 per cent in May 2026, marking the third consecutive monthly increase in the annual inflation rate as food prices continued to pressure household budgets.
According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the inflation figure was 15.69 per cent in April. The 15.93 per cent recorded was the highest compared to December when inflation was on a downward trend. On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation was 1.75 per cent, which was 0.39 per cent lower than the rate recorded in April 2026 (2.13 per cent).
Food inflation remains a major driver, with prices of onions (fresh), maize (corn) grains, melon (egusi), water yam, cassava flour, crayfish, pepper (fresh), tomatoes (fresh), and other staples pushing up the index. On a year-on-year basis, food inflation stood at 16.96 per cent.
State-level analysis showed All-Items inflation was highest in Yobe (24.94 per cent), Anambra (23.29 per cent), and Sokoto (22.60 per cent), while Niger (3.07 per cent), Plateau (7.10 per cent), and Edo (7.73 per cent) recorded the lowest rises.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) attributed the slight increase to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted global energy markets and increased import-related costs.
Nigeria Underproduces Crude Oil by 35.3 Million Barrels in Five Months
Despite a steady recovery in output, Nigeria produced about 35.3 million barrels less crude oil and condensate than projected in its 2026 budget between January and May, according to a THISDAY analysis of data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Combined crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.61 million barrels per day (bpd) in the first five months, falling short of the federal government’s budget benchmark of 1.84 million bpd. The production shortfall represents an underperformance of approximately 12.7 per cent relative to the government’s budget benchmark.
At the budget oil price of $64.85 per barrel, the 35.3 million barrels not produced carry a gross value of approximately $2.29 billion — about N3.2 trillion at the budget exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.
The news comes as the federal government prepares to borrow for nearly half of the 2026 budget as the deficit hits N31.45 trillion, according to a warning from BudgIT.
Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price by ₦75 Per Litre
In welcome news for consumers, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) by ₦75 per litre. The new gantry price has been reduced from ₦1,250 to ₦1,175 per litre, effective from midnight on June 16.
The refinery attributed the adjustment to the de-escalation of tension in the Middle East, which had affected energy prices over the past three months. According to Petroleumprice.ng, Dangote Refinery petrol is now the cheapest in the market, as many marketers sold petrol for around ₦1,240 per litre on Monday.
The reduction comes amid easing pressure in the global oil market following reports of ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. During the three-month conflict, crude prices climbed above $120 per barrel, triggering higher fuel prices that saw petrol rise from about ₦830 to around ₦1,300 per litre in Nigeria.
Dangote Secures $600m AFC Loan for Fertiliser Expansion
In other business news, the Dangote Group has secured a $600 million loan facility from the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to support a major expansion of its fertiliser production operations. The expansion is expected to generate more than $4 billion annually in foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria through exports.
Production capacity at the Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, will rise from 3 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 9 MTPA, with a new 3 MTPA urea fertiliser plant to be established in Ethiopia.
Aliko Dangote said the project “positions us to deliver over $4 billion annually in fertiliser exports within the next three years”.
Nigerian Equities Market Loses N1.02 Trillion
The Nigerian equities market closed on a downward note on Monday as market capitalisation declined by N1.02 trillion amid losses in banking and oil stocks. The All-Share Index declined to 243,204.73 points, down from 244,738.74 points recorded on Thursday, June 11.
Market capitalisation shed value to close at N155.99 trillion, compared with N156.97 trillion in the previous session. The NGX Banking Index declined to 2,272.44 points from 2,299.26 points, while the Oil and Gas Index slipped to 5,516.25 points from 5,698.36 points.
SECURITY & DEFENCE
Army, Air Force Rescue Widow of Former Defence Spokesman
In a significant security success, troops of the Nigerian Army with the support of the Nigerian Air Force have rescued Mrs Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar and former Director of Defence Information. Mrs Abubakar had been in the custody of armed bandits who abducted the couple in Katsina State several weeks ago.
She was immediately evacuated and is currently receiving medical attention at a military hospital, where she is responding to treatment.
The rescue comes as Defence Headquarters confirmed that troops of Operation Fasan Yamma also rescued six kidnapped victims in Zamfara State who escaped from captivity following sustained military pressure and air interdiction operations. The victims were intercepted by troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 6 deployed at Forward Operating Base Gwashi in Bukuyyum Local Government.
FG Begins Trial of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
The Federal Government on Monday commenced another phase of mass trials for hundreds of suspected terrorists facing terrorism-related charges in Abuja. The prosecution is being led by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who declared that the administration “would not treat terrorism with levity”.
More than 600 suspects are expected to be tried during the current phase. At least 58 suspected terrorists were listed for trial before Justice Nwite on Monday, including Abba Bukar, Abba Manye, and Bello Liman, also known as Bell Doctor.
Two suspects were convicted and sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty. Justice Binta Nyako sentenced a 55-year-old farmer from Katara village in Borno State, Ali Mustapha, to 15 years’ imprisonment for concealing information about Boko Haram activities. In a separate case, the judge sentenced Isa Isiaka, a father of 11 children, to 20 years’ imprisonment for the same offence.
Reps Speaker: “We Can No Longer Pretend” on Insecurity
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said Nigeria cannot pretend that all is well owing to the spate of insecurity in every nook and cranny. Speaking at a public hearing on defence-related bills, Abbas noted that “from the relentless insurgency in the North-East, to the scourge of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, the farmer-herder crises in the North-Central and the separatist agitations in the South-East, our Armed Forces are stretched”.
The Speaker called for bold and fresh thinking, stating that “the old ways have not fully worked”. He highlighted several bills under consideration, including the Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme linking national food security with military capacity, and a bill on Gender Representation in the Armed Forces.
Fresh Attack Leaves at Least 20 Dead in Kebbi
At least 20 people were killed when Lakurawa insurgents attacked Fasken Rafi village in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents across northwestern Nigeria, where communities continue to face attacks by armed groups who have expanded their activities across parts of Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State.
HEALTH
Cholera Outbreak Claims Over 90 Lives
A cholera outbreak in Nigeria has claimed more than 90 lives and infected thousands since May, with the northeastern region bearing the brunt of the epidemic. The water-borne disease has resurfaced in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in Plateau and Borno states. In Monguno, 296 suspected cases were recorded within three days, raising concerns among health workers and residents.
SOCIETY & RELIGION
States Declare Public Holiday for Islamic New Year
Several state governments across Nigeria have declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448AH. Oyo, Kano, Kwara, Katsina, Kebbi, Yobe, Jigawa, and Borno states are among those observing the holiday.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde declared Tuesday a work-free day and urged Muslims to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the state and Nigeria. In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf approved a public holiday, with the government urging civil servants and residents to use the occasion for sober reflection and prayers for continued peace and stability.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijrah, commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
EDUCATION
NASS, NELFUND Target 7 Million Student Loan Beneficiaries
The National Assembly and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have moved to expand the student loan scheme from the current 1.6 million direct beneficiaries to seven million students across tertiary institutions and vocational centres nationwide. The move is aimed at deepening access to education and driving national transformation.
In a related development, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has unveiled its Digital Transformation and Change Management Roadmap and inaugurated 100 Digital Champions to drive technology adoption and innovation across Nigeria’s basic education sector.
SPORTS
Super Eagles Rank 2nd Among World Cup Absentees
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are the second-highest-ranked team not participating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they remained 26th in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Only Denmark, ranked 21st globally, sits higher among nations that failed to qualify for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
England and Chelsea legend John Terry voiced his disappointment, describing Nigeria as a “big miss” to a tournament that features 48 nations for the first time. “Nigeria will be a big miss. This is a World Cup for participants who haven’t had the opportunity to play in the tournament,” Terry said.
The Super Eagles remain Africa’s third-highest-ranked team behind Morocco and Senegal.
In domestic football, Edo Queens have secured their second NWFL Premiership crown.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we look to the coming days, all eyes will be on the Court of Appeal as the deregistration battle moves to a higher court. Nigerians will also be watching closely to see how the Dangote Refinery’s price reduction affects pump prices across the country, and whether the federal government’s mass terrorism trials will deliver justice for victims of insurgency.
Meanwhile, with the Islamic New Year celebrations underway, many Nigerians are taking a moment to reflect on the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and devotion — values that feel more necessary than ever in these challenging times.
That’s all for today’s edition of the Nigeria News Roundup. Stay informed, stay safe, and have a blessed Hijrah New Year to our Muslim readers.
Sources: The Punch, The Sun, ThisDay, Daily Trust, Leadership, Vanguard, The Guardian, Ripples Nigeria, Naija News
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