March 2025 was marked by political tension, public health concerns, and key economic developments across Nigeria. Here are the major highlights.
Table of Contents
A. Politics & Governance
State of Emergency in Rivers State
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a breakdown in governance, recurring pipeline vandalism, and worsening security threats. Tinubu made the announcement after one of the country’s highest producing crude oil pipelines, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, suffered significant damage due to a blast. There had been reports of pipeline vandalism and security threats (in the oil-rich Niger Delta region) that the state government allegedly failed to address.
Under the declaration:
- The Governor of Rivers State, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Governor, and all State House of Assembly members were suspended for six months.
- Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) was appointed Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
- The legislative arm was deemed non-functional
The Rivers State government was reportedly paralysed by internal conflicts between the governor and lawmakers, an unapproved budget, and widespread insecurity.
Natasha–Akpabio Senate Clash
The month also witnessed political drama at the National Assembly, following an altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Natasha accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, leading to her six-month suspension by the Senate’s Ethics Committee, officially announced on March 4, 2025.
The dispute raised widespread national and international concern on issues such as:
- Gender equality and women’s rights in politics
- Right to fair hearing
- Autocratic tendencies within the legislature
- Misplaced Priorities and an Erosion of decorum among lawmakers
B. Health & Human Rights
National Human Rights Commission Releases March Dashboard
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) released its March dashboard, featuring an advisory opinion on the right to freedom of expression and highlighting abuses by security agencies.
The report called for reforms and noted several ongoing issues, including killings, kidnappings, and violence against children, reflecting persistent human rights challenges in the country.
Outbreak of Suspected Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)
As of March 26, 2025, about 807 suspected cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) were reported across 22 states, with Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina recording the highest numbers.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting state governments and partners in safeguarding public health through timely and effective responses.
Drug Shortages in HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Clinics
Health concerns dominated several reports during the month, with growing alarm over drug shortages affecting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) clinics nationwide. This came on the heels of US President Donald Trump announced the freeze on his first day in office in January as part of a government spending review.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that eight countries; six of them in Africa, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Lesotho, risk running out of HIV drugs.
C. Security & Crime
Explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline
On March 17, 2025, an explosion occurred on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo Community, Gonna Local Government Area, Rivers State. Reports indicate that the blast was severe and took place on Monday night.
The TNP has a capacity of about 450,000 barrels per day and is one of two major pipelines used to export Bonny Light crude from Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer. The TNP is an important infrastructure for transporting crude oil from oilfields for Niger Delta to export terminals, primarily the Bonny Export Terminal. The incident occurred just one day after the state House of Assembly began impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
NDLEA Arrests Indian Woman with 72 Parcels of Heroin Disguised as Chocolate at Kano Airport
On March 23, 2025, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested an Indian woman at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
She was found with 72 parcels of heroin cleverly disguised as chocolate bars. The drugs were discovered during a routine screening, and the NDLEA has launched further investigations to uncover the trafficking network behind the attempt.
D. Economy & Infrastructure
A Remarkable Leap in Power Generation
On March 4, 2025, at 21:35 hours, Nigeria achieved a milestone in its power sector, recording a peak generation of 5,801.84 megawatts and a maximum daily energy generation of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), the highest ever attained in the country’s history.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) celebrated the achievement as a major step toward improving electricity supply nationwide stating that this feat was with a stable frequency of 49.69Hz.
Inflation and Food Price Hikes
It was reported that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 24.23% in March up from 23.18% in February. Food inflation, the largest component of the inflation basket stood at 21.79 per cent in March, up from 20.01 per cent in February.
The persistent rise in prices continues to strain households, with food inflation hitting especially hard across several states.
International News
Mar 1: The first phase of the Israel–Hamas ceasefire expired as talks on a second phase remained inconclusive.
Mar 18: Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon 2 capsule after nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally, the astronauts were supposed to be aboard the ISS for eight days, but their return was delayed due to technical problems with their Boeing Starliner Calypso capsule.
Mar 20: Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry was elected the 10th and first female President of the International Olympic Committee. Also, the International Olympic Committee votes unanimously to include boxing in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Introduction
April 2025 was a month of significant developments for Nigeria, spanning culture, health, security, economy, and governance. From major cultural events to pressing security challenges and critical economic decisions, the nation experienced both achievements and setbacks. The article shows highlights providing a snapshot of the most notable events that shaped Nigeria during the month.
A. Entertainment & Culture
The Headies 2024 Held in Lagos (April 27)
The 17th edition of The Headies, one of Nigeria’s premier music awards, was held on 27 April 2025 at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event marked the return of the awards to Nigeria after several years abroad and celebrated music released between April 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
Themed “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” the ceremony introduced new award categories such as Soundtrack of the Year, won by Funke Akindele (recorded by Abbey Wonder and TCJ for A Tribe Called Judah), and Best Performer (Live), won by Burna Boy. Notably, there was technical difficulties during the ceremony, causing the ceremony to end abruptly.
Nigerian Cinema at Cannes (April 10)
A milestone was achieved for Nollywood when My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., became the first Nigerian film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, marking an important moment for Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
B. Health & Public Safety
Outbreak of Meningitis Across Several States
In April 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported a surge in suspected and confirmed cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) across multiple states. Hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths were recorded by mid-month.
In response, Nigeria received over one million vaccine doses from a global vaccine alliance to support outbreak control and strengthen epidemic preparedness.
Eviction of a “Cybercrime School” in Lagos (April 1)
Police dismantled an illegal cybercrime training facility, commonly known as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of Lagos. Ten individuals were arrested, including four alleged trainers and six trainees. The operation highlighted ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and evolving digital criminal networks in Nigeria.
C. Economy & Finance
Donald Trump Issues Sweeping U.S. Trade Tariffs
The U.S. announced sweeping tariffs in April 2025, including a baseline 10% duty on all imports and a specific 14% tariff on Nigerian goods. While crude oil was exempt, non-oil exports, including agricultural produce and manufactured items, became less competitive in the U.S. market.
The new baseline levy placed on Nigerian goods significantly weakened the country’s access to the American market. This undermined the benefits Nigeria previously enjoyed under AGOA, reduced foreign-exchange inflows, and posed a setback for economic diversification efforts. As a result, Nigeria’s efforts to diversify away from oil were dealt a setback, with exporters warning of reduced demand and smaller foreign-exchange inflows.
The tariffs also contributed to global market uncertainty, impacting oil prices and increasing the cost of imports, which fuelled inflation and placed additional pressure on the naira. At the same time, disruptions in global trade made imported goods more expensive, adding to inflationary pressures in a country already battling high living costs and a weakened currency.
Analysts noted that while the oil exemption softened the impact, Nigerian policymakers were forced to rethink trade strategy and strengthen local production.
IMF Loan Repayment (April 30)
On April 30, Nigeria completed repayment of a $3.4 billion emergency loan obtained from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2020 to support the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
World Bank Loan — $1.08 Billion for Education, Nutrition & Resilience (April 2)
The World Bank approved $1.08 billion in concessional financing for Nigeria, announced on April 2, to support economic recovery, improve basic education quality, and strengthen nutrition and household resilience. The loan, initially designed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, is intended to help Nigeria in the face of economic hardships, especially following the government’s economic reforms in 2023.
The funding will support several key programs: an economic-stimulus package, improved basic education quality, and nutrition/household resilience. The decision was welcomed by some as a boost to human-capital development and support for vulnerable populations.
D. Governance & Security
NNPC Leadership Overhaul (April 2)
President Tinubu dismissed Mele Kyari as CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, dissolved the board, and appointed former Shell executive Bayo Ojulari as the new CEO, with Ahmadu Musa Kida as chairman. This restructuring aimed to improve operational efficiency and restore investor confidence in the country’s critical oil sector.
Security Crisis: Rising Rural and Militant Violence in North-Central Nigeria
In April 2025, rural communities in north-central Nigeria, particularly in Benue and Plateau States, experienced renewed violence. On April 7, armed groups attacked villages at night, burning homes and farmlands and killing numerous farmers preparing for the planting season.
The violence stemmed from long-standing clashes between herders seeking grazing land and farmers protecting their crops. Many of the herders move around in search of grass for their cattle, while farmers need the same land for crops. When both groups meet, tension often rises. Over the years, this struggle has led to many deaths and destruction in the region.
Local residents said the attacks in April happened just days apart and affected villages across Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. Security forces were usually deployed, but they often arrive after the damage has been done. Survivors were displaced to nearby towns and makeshift shelters. Government officials condemned the attacks, while community leaders called for peace initiatives and clearer grazing policies to prevent further conflict.
The April attacks show how fragile security remains in parts of northern Nigeria. Beyond the numbers, these conflicts affect families, children, and the country’s food supply. Until lasting peace is achieved, many villagers continue to live in fear, uncertain of when the next attack might come.
Read Also: Year In Review (January & February)