The months of May and June 2025 were marked by defining moments for Nigeria and the global community. From landmark government reforms and cultural milestones to tragic security incidents, economic shifts, and international engagements, these events collectively reflected the nation’s ongoing struggles, resilience, and aspirations.
This article presents a chronological review of the major developments that shaped public discourse and policy during this period.
Table of Contents
May 1: Nigeria Implements Fully Electronic Visa System
Nigeria took a major leap in its digital transformation agenda by officially transitioning to a fully electronic visa system. This reform, spearheaded by the Nigeria Immigration Service under the Ministry of Interior, eliminates the need for physical visits to embassies or consulates. The move is designed to enhance transparency, reduce human contact to curb corruption, and improve accessibility for tourists and foreign investors.
May 5: Federal Government Unveils Power Sector Strategic Roadmap
The Federal Government launched a new National Electricity Policy and Strategic Roadmap aimed at overhauling the nation’s power infrastructure. The initiative focuses on expanding generation, transmission, and distribution while encouraging private investment and decentralizing the national grid. Energy experts view this as a necessary step toward ending chronic electricity shortages.
May 6: Benue State Launches Sports Marketing and Lottery Board
In an effort to diversify its economy and boost internal revenue, the Benue State Government inaugurated the Sports Marketing and Lottery Board. Governor Hyacinth Alia stated that the board would introduce innovative funding for grassroots sports and youth empowerment, ensuring transparency in the state’s gaming and sporting revenue.
May 6: Approval of $652 Million Road Finance Package
The Federal Executive Council approved a $652 million loan from the China Exim Bank to fund the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project is expected to modernize Nigeria’s road network, create thousands of jobs, and lower logistics costs for businesses across the southern and northern regions.
May 8: 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Citizens across the United Kingdom and Europe gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. King Charles III led a national service at Westminster Abbey, while French President Emmanuel Macron called for global unity. The ceremonies honored the sacrifices made during World War II and emphasized the value of international cooperation.
May 8: Lagos State Schedules 2025 Public Service Exams
The Lagos State Government released the schedule for its 2025 Public Service Examinations. This year’s assessment features computer-based testing to ensure fairness and transparency, reflecting the state’s commitment to professionalism within the civil service.
May 8: Fatal Attack in Imo State
Tragedy struck as at least 30 people were killed in an attack by suspected IPOB militants along the Okigwe-Owerri road. The assailants targeted motorists, leading to widespread panic and a surge in security deployments to the South-East region.
May 10: Minimum Wage Negotiations Reach Critical Stage
The debate over a new national minimum wage intensified as the Labour Union demanded ₦494,000, rejecting the Federal Government’s earlier proposal of ₦60,000. The union cited the harsh cost-of-living crisis as the primary driver for their demand.
May 11: The Lagos Art Expo 2025
The Eko Convention Centre hosted the Lagos Art Expo, showcasing contemporary African artistry. Modupeola Fadugba was named the Grand Prize winner, while DuduBloom More received the FAMM Women’s Prize. The event solidified Lagos’ reputation as a global hub for African culture.
May 12: International Nurses Day
The world celebrated the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. This year’s celebration focused on the dedication of nurses as the “heart of healthcare,” highlighting their roles as educators, leaders, and advocates in a challenging global health landscape.
May 15: Mass Casualty Incident at Kaduna School
In a brutal morning attack, over 100 students were killed when armed men stormed a secondary school in Kaduna State. The incident sparked national outrage and led to renewed calls for improved security measures within educational facilities.
May 18: Nigerian Film Makes History at Cannes
The film My Father’s Shadow, directed by Ifeoma Okoye, became the first Nigerian movie to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The screening received a standing ovation and marked a milestone for the maturity of Nollywood storytelling.
May 19: EKSU Achieves Full NUC Accreditation
Ekiti State University (EKSU) announced full accreditation for 18 of its academic programs. The successful assessment by the National Universities Commission (NUC) covers various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Law, Engineering, and the Social Sciences.
May 20: Inflation Rate Eases to 22.97%
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate saw a slight decline from 23.71% in April to 22.97% in May. While economists noted this as a positive sign of central bank intervention, they warned that living costs remain high for most households.
May 21: Nestlé Nigeria Launches Graduate Trainee Programme
Nestlé Nigeria opened applications for its 2025 Graduate Trainee Programme. The initiative aims to develop young talent through comprehensive training and global exposure, requiring a minimum of a Second-Class Upper degree.
May 27: Herder Attack in Benue Communities
At least 42 people were confirmed dead following attacks on the Tyolaha, Tse-Ubiam, Ahume, and Aondona communities in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the violence and urged the federal government to strengthen security in the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
May 27: National Children’s Day Celebration
Under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation,” Nigeria celebrated Children’s Day. While festivities were held nationwide, the day served as a reminder of the challenges many children face regarding poverty and access to education.
May 28: Flooding Displaces Families in Mokwa
Heavy rains caused severe flooding in Mokwa Town, Niger State, sweeping away livestock and belongings. The disaster highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and climate change adaptation strategies.
May 31: Miss World 2025 in Hyderabad
The Miss World pageant was held in India, with over 100 contestants participating. Nigeria’s representative was praised for her grace and purpose, reinforcing the importance of beauty with a cause.
May 31: Chiromawa Bridge Tragedy
The nation mourned the loss of 22 athletes following a devastating bus accident on the Kano–Zaria expressway. The victims were returning from the Nigerian National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
June 1: Abduction Near Gwoza
Boko Haram militants ambushed travelers near a military checkpoint in Borno State, abducting a Catholic priest and several others. The incident highlighted the persistent insecurity in the North-East.
June 2: Importation of Danish Cows for Dairy Sector
In a bid to reduce the $1.5 billion annual milk import bill, Nigeria began importing dairy cows from Denmark. The move aims to achieve self-sufficiency in the dairy sector through improved genetics and production methods.
June 4: Attack on Kwara Mining Site
Armed men attacked a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo, Kwara State, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and the abduction of a Chinese national.
June 4: MTN Nigeria Launches Y’ello Care
MTN Nigeria kicked off its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, focusing on digital inclusion and youth empowerment through corporate volunteering across the country.
June 4: Tribunal Upholds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Victory
The election tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi, affirming Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election as Governor of Ondo State for lack of merit.
June 5: Commissioning of Lagos Infrastructure
President Bola Tinubu commissioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road and unveiled the first section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, emphasizing the role of infrastructure in national growth.
June 5: FLOC Conference in Kano
The “For the Love of Country” symposium brought together business and policy leaders in Kano to discuss re-imagining Nigeria’s economy for the next decade.
June 10: Severe Flooding in Maiduguri
Maiduguri experienced its worst flooding in three decades. The floodwaters were so severe that wild animals escaped from the local Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, with several being spotted on the streets of the state capital.
June 10: Food and Beverage West Africa Exhibition
Lagos hosted the region’s premier food and beverage trade show, featuring a dedicated SME zone to help Nigerian entrepreneurs showcase their products to international distributors.
June 13/14: Yelewata Massacre
A brutal attack on the Yelewata community in Guma LGA resulted in an estimated 100-200 deaths. Families seeking shelter in a church and market were targeted by heavily armed militants.
June 14: Lagos Future Conference
Over 550 stakeholders gathered to discuss Nigeria’s digital future, focusing on how innovation and tech entrepreneurship can drive inclusive economic development.
June 17–19: Digital PayExpo 2025
The 25th edition of the Digital PayExpo was held in Lagos, focusing on cross-border payments and fintech collaboration. Remita launched a new unified payment hub during the event.
June 20: Suicide Bombing in Konduga
A female suicide bomber detonated an explosive at a food joint in Borno State, killing 12 people and injuring 18. Security forces recovered evidence to assist in identifying the extremist cell responsible.
June 23: JAMB Announces Mop-up UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) scheduled a mop-up exam for June 28 for candidates who missed the primary UTME due to technical or rescheduling issues.
June 23–28: 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings
Nigeria hosted over 6,000 delegates in Abuja for the Afreximbank meetings, focusing on trade financing and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
June 24: NATO Summit in The Hague
Global leaders met in The Hague to discuss international security challenges and strategic priorities for the NATO alliance.
June 25: Super Eagles Win Unity Cup
The Nigerian national football team claimed the Unity Cup after defeating Jamaica 5-4 on penalties. The match was held in Abuja to celebrate cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
June 26: President Tinubu Signs Tax Reform Bills
In a major fiscal overhaul, the President signed laws reducing company income tax and exempting low-income earners (those making ₦800,000 or less) from personal income tax.
June 30: World Social Media Day
Nigeria joined the global community in celebrating World Social Media Day, with discussions focusing on the ethical use of AI, digital safety, and the role of social networks in the modern economy.