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President Mahama: "I Pray for Nigerians Daily So That 1 Million of Them Don't Drift to a Small Country Like Ghana"
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Ghana's President, John Mahama, has said Nigeria's stability is of key importance to Ghana's security interests, noting the strong ties between both countries.

Speaking at the African Heritage Awards 2026, Mahama explained that due to Nigeria's large population and regional influence, instability could have wider consequences across West Africa.

He said: "Nigeria is of key security interest to us. When you have cousins like 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that 1 million of them don't come drifting towards a small country like Ghana. That's why every day I wake up and pray for Nigeria that God should help them get their act together."

He added in another remark: "I wake up to pray every day for Nigerians so that 1 million of them don't come drifting towards a small country like Ghana."

The statement has since sparked reactions online, with many highlighting the close demographic and economic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

Petrol Imports Surge by 97% Despite Local Supply — NMDPRA Raises Concern
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Nigeria recorded a sharp increase in petrol imports in March, with volumes rising by 97%, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The surge comes despite ongoing efforts to boost local refining capacity, particularly with increased production from the Dangote Refinery and other domestic sources.

Industry data suggests the spike may be linked to supply gaps, distribution challenges, and fluctuating domestic output, forcing marketers to rely more heavily on imports to meet demand.

This development marks a reversal from earlier trends, where petrol imports had dropped significantly due to improved local supply and regulatory restrictions on import licences.

Experts say the increase highlights ongoing instability in Nigeria's fuel supply chain, as the country continues to balance between local production and import dependency.

The NMDPRA maintains that petrol importation is still allowed under the law when domestic supply is insufficient to meet national consumption needs, emphasising the need to prevent shortages.

The situation raises fresh concerns about Nigeria's long-standing reliance on imported fuel, despite being a major crude oil producer, and underscores the need for sustainable local refining and efficient distribution systems.

Fráud: Court Grants El-Rufai Bail, Sets Tough Conditions
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A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has granted bail to former governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing corruption trial.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, following earlier adjournments to consider arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

According to the court, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum. The conditions include that one surety must be a senior civil servant (not below Grade Level 15), while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.

The court also ordered that the sureties must deposit their international passports, and directed that El-Rufai must attend all court sittings and refrain from making public comments about the case.

Despite being granted bail, the former governor will remain in the custody of the ICPC until all bail conditions are fully met.

El-Rufai is facing multiple charges linked to alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public funds during his time in office.

The development marks a significant step in the high-profile case, which continues to attract national attention amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts.