ABUJA DAILY - 20 MARCH 2026
Tinubu Felicitates Muslims at Eid, Returns from UK with Ports Deal; Adelabu Vows End to Blackouts Amid Gas Crisis; Opposition Seizes on Terror Ranking
Nigeria Ranked Fourth Most Terrorised Country Globally in 2025
Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranks Nigeria fourth worldwide, with 750 deaths in 2025, representing 46 percent increase from prior year. Opposition parties cite ranking as evidence of security governance failure.
Nigeria and UK Sign £746 Million Ports Modernisation Agreement
UK Export Finance guarantees £746 million deal to refurbish Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. At least £236 million in contracts allocated to British firms under infrastructure agreement.
Nigeria and UK Sign Deportation Agreement Covering Visa Overstayers and Criminals
Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo signs agreement enabling expedited deportation of failed asylum seekers, visa overstayers, and convicted offenders from UK to Nigeria. Deal formalised during President Tinubu's state visit.
House Committee Warns of Imminent Fuel Scarcity and Price Hikes
House Committee on Petroleum Resources warns of impending fuel queues and price increases due to Dangote refinery supply gap and high premium charges. Committee flags worsening economic hardship risk. ABUJA DAILY - 20 MARCH 2026: Tinubu Felicitates Muslims at Eid, Returns from UK with Ports Deal; Adelabu Vows End to Blackouts Amid Gas Crisis; Opposition Seizes on Terror Ranking
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: President Bola TINUBU returned to Lagos 19 March from his UK state visit and issued an Eid-el-Fitr message urging renewed patriotism and prayers for Nigeria's peace, as the Sultan of Sokoto declared 20 March as Sallah following Ramadan's conclusion. Power Minister Adebayo ADELABU promised Nigerians will "soon see meaningful improvements" in electricity supply despite persistent gas shortages affecting Power Generation Companies (GenCos). The African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party intensified attacks on the Tinubu administration following Nigeria's fourth-place ranking in the 2026 Global Terrorism Index, with 750 deaths in 2025 representing a 46 percent increase over 2024. The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) warned of imminent fuel queues and price hikes due to Dangote Refinery supply gaps and premium charges. Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army arrested two suspected gunrunners and recovered ammunition in Taraba State during a stop-and-search operation 19 March. END SUMMARY.
