Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will conduct an open hearing on November 20, 2025, regarding President Donald Trump's redesignation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC). This designation, pending Senate ratification, would enable the US to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials involved in religious persecution and signal that religious freedom in Nigeria is at risk. The hearing will be chaired by Representative Chris Smith and feature panels of US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders discussing the scope of religious persecution and potential policy responses.Trump's October 31 designation cited severe violations of religious freedom, especially against Christians, and threatened military action and aid cessation if the Nigerian government does not address these issues. President Bola Tinubu has challenged this characterization, asserting Nigeria's commitment to religious liberty. Meanwhile, congressional members express concern over the rising violence against Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for US intervention based on the humanitarian crisis and religious persecution occurring there.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, describing the Peoples Democratic Party as a “sinking ship.” The defection ceremony, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, was attended by prominent political figures and state governors. Governor Diri’s move, coming ahead of the 2027 general elections, makes him the fourth governor from the Peoples Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress this year. Explaining his decision, Diri expressed concern about Bayelsa’s political future under what he described as a declining party, emphasizing that his action represents an “Ijaw realignment” rather than a mere change of political affiliation. He also noted that the current administration is addressing several long-standing infrastructural demands of the Ijaw people. Diri’s defection has received support from fellow South-South governors who called for greater unity in regional governance. Vice President Shettima commended Diri’s decision as a commitment to development over partisanship, saying it aligns Bayelsa State with a forward-looking vision for progress. Governor Diri concluded by reaffirming that his decision is guided by a belief in inclusive politics that advances the well-being of his people.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have reinforced their commitment to enhance border governance and migration management in Nigeria. In a strategic meeting in Lagos, officials from both organizations discussed upgrading border systems and addressing emerging challenges. NIS Zonal Coordinator ACG E. L. Anugwa praised the long-standing partnership, while IOM’s Chief of Mission Dimanche Sharon highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in digital border governance. The meeting aims to identify operational gaps and priorities for future collaborations, enhancing Nigeria’s regional role in migration management.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) underscored the essential role of rail transport in enhancing Nigeria’s blue economy, as articulated by Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo during a recent maritime event. Akinajo highlighted the necessity of efficient connections between ports and inland areas to foster economic growth. She pointed out that Nigeria's dependence on road transport has led to congestion at major ports, increasing logistics costs and impacting maritime competitiveness. Emphasizing the integration of rail with maritime transport, Akinajo noted that improved rail links could facilitate the movement of goods, enhance economic inclusion, and address regional disparities. Additionally, she advocated for rail as a cleaner transport alternative that supports Nigeria's climate objectives, reducing emissions and urban congestion.