Nigerian News Updates Today: National Headlines and Edo State Focus

Nigeria continues to witness major developments across politics, economy, security, and public health. From the lifting of emergency rule in Rivers State to regional cooperation on oil regulations and cultural milestones like a world record in Lagos, the nation remains in the spotlight. At the same time, Edo State is facing serious public health concerns with Lassa fever, alongside political and local issues. Here are today’s key updates.

Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially lifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency, declared in March 2025, had disrupted governance after violent clashes between rival factions of the state’s political leadership.

With this decision, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy are reinstated, and the State House of Assembly can now resume its constitutional duties. This marks a return to democratic governance and, according to the presidency, a “restoration of stability in the Niger Delta.”

Observers say the lifting of the emergency will also help calm fears of oil companies operating in the region. Rivers State, which produces a large share of Nigeria’s crude oil, had faced growing concerns about vandalism, security, and disruptions to energy production during the political crisis.

Nigeria Leads Africa’s Push for Unified Oil Regulations

In a major regional development, Nigeria has taken the lead in creating a unified oil regulatory framework for Africa. At a summit in Accra, Ghana, representatives from 16 African countries signed the charter establishing the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

Nigeria, as Africa’s top oil producer, played a central role in the discussions. The forum aims to harmonize policies on petroleum exploration, refining, emissions, and gas trade. According to officials, this step is designed to attract more foreign investment, improve transparency, and resolve cross-border disputes that often hinder energy cooperation.

Analysts believe this move could boost Nigeria’s international image at a time when its economy is still grappling with inflation, high import costs, and the pressure of diversifying away from oil dependency.

Cultural Spotlight: Hilda Baci Sets New Jollof Rice World Record

Nigeria’s food culture was in the spotlight again as celebrity chef Hilda Baci cooked the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. The record-breaking dish weighed 8,780 kilograms and was prepared in Lagos within 9 hours.

The event drew a large crowd of food lovers, influencers, and tourists, with the Guinness World Records team officially recognizing the achievement. Beyond the celebration, the event has been described as a “soft power moment” for Nigeria, showcasing the nation’s culinary identity to the world.

Jollof rice, often a subject of rivalry among West African countries, has now placed Nigeria firmly at the top of global food headlines.

Security and Crime: Terror Financing Crackdown

In another significant development, the Federal High Court sentenced Mahmud Muhammad Usman, a leader of the extremist group Ansaru, to 15 years in prison. Investigators revealed that Usman was engaged in illegal gold mining, and proceeds from these activities were channeled into funding terrorist networks linked to Al-Qaida.

Security analysts welcomed the conviction as a sign that Nigeria is tightening measures against the financial lifelines of insurgent groups. This follows renewed military offensives in the North-West and North-East aimed at dismantling armed groups and restoring stability.

Edo State News: Lassa Fever Outbreak

While the national stage is focused on politics and oil, Edo State is grappling with a serious health crisis. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Edo is among the worst-hit states in the ongoing Lassa fever outbreak, accounting for nearly 18% of total cases nationwide.

As of the end of August 2025, Nigeria had recorded 162 deaths, with Edo being a hotspot. Health experts cite delayed medical attention, high treatment costs, and unsanitary conditions as the main reasons for the rising toll.

The Edo State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with federal authorities and international partners, has begun distributing protective gear and strengthening disease surveillance. Public health campaigns are also underway to educate residents on early detection and preventive hygiene.

Edo Politics: Campaigns Heat Up Ahead of By-Elections

In Edo politics, both the ruling and opposition parties are intensifying campaigns ahead of the councillorship by-elections scheduled for 20 September 2025.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched ward-to-ward mobilization in Oredo and Egor local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also staging rallies to consolidate support.

Observers note that while these are local contests, the outcome will serve as a litmus test for the strength of parties ahead of the 2026 Edo governorship election.

Community and Social News

Beyond politics and health, Edo has also seen other developments:

• Flooding in Ekpoma recently destroyed several houses and claimed the life of a local cocoa merchant. Residents have appealed for government intervention to improve drainage and provide relief to affected families.
• In a positive turn, the Mother Intercessor Foundation donated educational materials to students at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Staff School, in Benin City. The gesture has been welcomed as a timely boost for pupils struggling with the rising cost of school supplies.

Conclusion

From Rivers to Lagos and down to Edo State, Nigeria is experiencing a mix of challenges and triumphs. The restoration of democratic governance in Rivers, continental leadership in oil regulation, and cultural pride in Hilda Baci’s jollof rice record all point to resilience at the national level.

Yet, pressing challenges such as health crises in Edo and terrorism funding show that the road to stability is still long. Nigerians continue to watch closely, as the balance between governance, security, and community welfare remains at the heart of the nation’s daily reality.