🇳🇬 Nigeria Today
1. New Head of Service appointed: President Tinubu appointed Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective today Aug 27, succeeding Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack who retires at 60
2. Looted funds to education: Tinubu directed all cleared looted funds recovered by EFCC to be channelled to NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund), plus funds from Unclaimed Dividends and Dormant Accounts Trust Fund
3. Security shake-up: Tinubu gave security chiefs a 90-day ultimatum to draw up a five-year defence strategy and national threat assessment
4. Kidnapping crisis deepens:
• SBM Intelligence report: 7,825 people kidnapped between July 2025 and June 2026, up 66%, with gunmen raising over $5 million in ransoms • Mass abduction in Niger State mosque - President ordered rescue operation
5. 2027 Politics heating:
• ADC demands arrest of Kuje Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo over "All is fair in politics" comment
• Atiku Abubakar: "We are competing with thieves"
• Peter Obi challenges Tinubu: "Stop hiding in Aso Rock, come debate" • Atiku says he'll boycott any debate without Tinubu
6. Economy - Dangote effect: Dangote refinery driving seven-fold rise in Nigeria petroleum product exports. Exports to Europe rose to 130,000 bpd in Q2 2026 vs 40,000 bpd in 2025, and intra-Nigeria shipments up to 211,000 bpd. Refinery now nears record IPO, investors watching oil supply costs.
7. Mental health law reform: FEC approved amendment to decriminalize attempted suicide - people need medical care, not prosecution
8. ASUU strike in Bayelsa: Academic activities halted at Niger Delta University and Bayelsa Medical University as ASUU declared indefinite strike over unhonoured agreements
9. Security operations: Sokoto police neutralised 2 bandits, arrested 11 suspects, recovered AK-47s and 14 stolen motorcycles.
FCT police arrested 40 suspects for traffic robbery, kidnapping
10. Naira watch: Naira may be broadly unchanged, buttressed by inflows from offshore investors
🌍 Top World Headlines
1. Nepal flash floods - major disaster: A massive flash flood near the Nepal-Tibet border has killed 157 people and left 403+ tourists missing, including 105-133 Indian pilgrims. India has sent 10 tonnes of relief and IAF helicopters for rescue
2. Markets & Economy:
• Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino called for a 'timely' rate hike to avoid a future inflation spike • Dollar near 8-day high as US data lifts Fed hike bets • Italy asks EU for €8 billion in SAFE defence funds to boost defence capabilities
3. US sanctions + geopolitics: US sanctioned four Indian companies over alleged Iran petroleum trade, and a US military C-17 landing in Moscow drew attention
4. Global security: UN reports at least 266 million people faced acute food insecurity last year as armed conflicts hit highest since WWII Himino called for a 'timely' rate hike to avoid a future inflation spike • Dollar near 8-day high as US data lifts Fed hike bets • Italy asks EU for €8 billion in SAFE defence funds to boost defence capabilities
3. US sanctions + geopolitics: US sanctioned four Indian companies over alleged Iran petroleum trade, and a US military C-17 landing in Moscow drew attention
4. Global security: UN reports at least 266 million people faced acute food insecurity last year as armed conflicts hit highest since WWII.
