This past week in Nigeria has been marked by significant developments across various sectors, including major leadership changes, economic challenges, political confrontations, and social incidents.
Here are the key events that shaped the nation from March 30 to April 4, 2025:
1. Tinubu sacks NNPCL boss Mele Kyari in major shake-up
President Bola Tinubu removed Mele Kyari as Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Following this development, Bayo Ojulari was named the new Group CEO, along with an 11-member board of industry professionals.
The President has tasked the new leadership with boosting crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030, reviewing Nigeria’s oil blocks to improve output and increasing gas production to 10 billion cubic meters.
According to him, this restructuring aims to revamp Nigeria’s struggling oil sector and ensure that the country meets its OPEC production targets, which have remained stagnant for decades.
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2. Petrol prices surge to N930 in Lagos, N960 in the North
Again, the price of petrol surged across the country following the Dangote Refinery’s suspension of sales in naira.
MRS and other filling stations adjusted prices, with Lagos residents paying N930 per litre and those in the North paying as high as N960 per litre.
Regional Pricing Breakdown
Lagos & South-West: N930-N940 per litre
South-South & South-East: N960 per litre
Northern States: N950-N960 per litre
This price hike exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis, affecting businesses and transportation costs nationwide. Many Nigerians are now forced to reconsider travel and daily expenses.
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3. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations spark political tensions in Kogi
Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defied government restrictions to visit her constituency in Kogi State.
She claimed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello plotted to assassinate her.
Both the state government and Akpabio dismissed her claims, accusing her of inciting unrest. The police had earlier banned political gatherings in Kogi Central, citing security concerns.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also alleged that her political rivals were attempting to recall her from the Senate through fraudulent means. She accused INEC of supporting the process and vowed to resist it.
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4. Lynched Edo travellers and fears of reprisal
This week witnessed palpable fears of reprisal in some parts of the country following the unfortunate incident that involved 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State.
Sixteen hunters traveling through Edo State were lynched by a mob on Friday, March 28 after being mistaken for kidnappers.
They were intercepted while traveling in a Dangote Cement truck, and when local security guards found dane guns among their belongings, an alarm was raised, leading to their brutal killing.
A solemn funeral was held in Uromi, Edo State, where the victims were buried in a mass grave. Videos from the ceremony showed grieving family members and community members in mourning.
Reports later claimed that the actual number of victims was 19, with three more bodies discovered.
In subsequent development on Monday, the Edo State government, in conjunction with northern governors, reached out to the victims’ families and community leaders to calm tension and prevent possible reprisals.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, operatives of the Department of State Security arrested two principal suspects involved in the killing.
According to a statement by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpehbolo, the suspects were arrested by operatives of the DSS in Uromi, following credible intelligence.
He noted that operatives of various security agencies were hunting for other key suspects involved in the unfortunate incidents.
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5. Defence Chief orders crackdown on lillers of lynched hunters
Still on the lynching of 16 hunters in Edo State, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, condemned the act and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
So far, 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings, while the police continue investigating the incident.
The CDS emphasised that security agencies—not vigilantes or mobs—should handle security matters, warning against unlawful killings and jungle justice.
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6. Eid-el-Fitr celebrations marred by economic hardship
As Muslims marked Eid-el-Fitr, many struggled to celebrate due to the harsh economic conditions.
Rising costs of food, fuel, and transportation forced families to cut down on traditional festivities.
In Zamfara and other northern states, PUNCH reported that attendance at Eid prayer grounds was significantly lower than in previous years.
Many families could not afford new clothes, special meals, or the usual gift-giving traditions.
Political and religious leaders urged Nigerians to pray for an end to economic hardship and insecurity.
Senator Lawal Usman and other officials emphasised the need for unity and resilience.
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