IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The UK Home Office has received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals between 2010 and 2024, ranking Nigeria 11th on its asylum list.

In 2024 alone, 2,841 Nigerians applied—nearly double the 2023 figure. Analysts link the surge to insecurity, economic hardship, and political persecution in Nigeria.

Nigeria now accounts for one in every 30 UK asylum claims. Experts warn of increasing brain drain, as many skilled professionals are opting to stay permanently abroad. 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited earned N336.37bn from crude oil sales in Q1 2025, with Dangote Refinery accounting for N107.44bn (32%), internal NNPCL documents reveal.

Seven crude cargoes, totaling 915,821 barrels, were sold to Dangote under the naira-for-crude deal at exchange rates between N1,501.22/$ and N1,562.91/$. The policy aims to reduce FX demand and stabilize fuel prices.

NNPCL also sold 1.95 million barrels to foreign refiners, generating $151.44m (N228.93bn), mainly from Egina, Erha, and Forcados blends. The transactions highlight the firm’s balance between domestic supply and forex earnings. 

Panic spread across the Idimu area of Lagos State on Sunday after residents discovered the corpses of two men, one of whom had been beheaded.

The incident reportedly took place late Saturday night, but the bodies were only found on Sunday morning along Oladun Road.

Reports from the scene, shows the lifeless bodies were still on the ground, lying several meters apart. The gruesome discovery drew a crowd of shocked residents and passersby. 

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has indefinitely suspended Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the traditional ruler of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode (Etsako East LGA), over a series of kidnappings and killings in his domain. 

In a statement dated April 21 and issued by his CPS, Fred Itua, the governor also announced the arrest of the monarch’s secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, following the fatal attack on Palace Chief John Ikhamate. Authorities recall that on March 3, gunmen abducted Catholic priest Philip Ekeli and seminarian Peter Andrew at St. Peter Catholic Church; Ekeli was later released, while Andrew was killed. 

A one‑year‑old boy, Ayinde, died Saturday night in the Elega area of Abeokuta after his father, Olamide, swung an iron rod meant for his wife and struck the child instead. 

Neighbours rushed the injured toddler to Trinity Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Olamide fled the scene but was later reported to have gone to a police station. Ogun State Police have opened an investigation into the tragic incident. 

The Ogun State’s Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport has reached 97% completion as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it has completed the essential runway checks and flight procedure validations on the facility. A key aspect of NAMA’s validation process involved conducting the “23 and 05” checks. 

These checks refer to the two primary orientations of the runway—Runway 23, aligned at 230 degrees towards the southwest, and Runway 05, aligned at 50 degrees towards the northeast. The 23 and 05 checks are vital for ensuring that the runway’s infrastructure and navigational systems are properly calibrated for safe operations in both directions. These checks focus on validating the alignment, approach procedures, and the functionality of essential navigational aids, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS). By assessing these aspects, NAMA ensures that aircraft can safely land and take off regardless of weather conditions or prevailing wind directions, which is crucial for operational safety and efficiency.

In a statement shared by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the validation brings the airport closer to the launch of commercial flight operations. “We are pleased to welcome the team from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) who visited our Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport for a crucial round of flight checks and procedure validation, marking a significant step toward the commencement of commercial flight operations,” Governor Abiodun remarked.

The statement noted that NAMA’s positive feedback highlights the airport’s readiness for commercial operations, with the completion of these checks paving the way for final certification. In addition to conducting runway checks, NAMA said it assessed critical infrastructure at Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport and provided valuable guidance on upcoming installations, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other navigational aids. The statement further emphasised that the Gateway Airport, now 97% complete, boasts world-class facilities, including a 4-kilometre runway—the longest in Nigeria—a modern terminal building, advanced air traffic control systems, and a state-of-the-art control tower. These facilities will ensure seamless handling of both cargo and passenger traffic.

Governor Abiodun highlighted the successful partnership between the Ogun State Government and federal aviation authorities, noting that NAMA’s guidance and assessments are essential to meeting international safety standards. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging Gateway Airport as a driver of economic growth, regional trade, and industrial development.