As the final curtain is about to be drawn on 2024, Korede Abdullah, the Southwest correspondent for Africa Health Report, recounts the year’s most pivotal events. With clinical precision, he not only chronicles the main events that have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape but also probes the complexities of government policies and their far-reaching impact on the masses.
2024 Marked by Significant Events
Nigeria’s 2024 has been marked by significant events that have shaped the country’s political landscape. The year began with the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, which saw Bola Tinubu emerge as the winner amidst logistical failures and violence at the polls.
The country also grappled with insecurity, including banditry and terrorist attacks in the Northwest and Northeast regions, perpetrated by groups like ISWAP, a faction of Boko Haram.
In October, President Tinubu implemented a significant cabinet reshuffle, dismissing several ministers. Furthermore, Nigeria witnessed numerous protests and demonstrations, including the “End Bad Governance” protests, which turned violent.
The country also experienced natural disasters and accidents, such as floods, boat capsizes, and building collapses, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
Wike and Fubara Feud in Rivers
One of the major political events is the battle for supremacy in Rivers State which has continued to be heating up between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, throughout 2024.
Wike, who previously served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been at odds with Fubara, his former political protégé, over control of the state.
The tension escalated with the approach of the local government elections, which Wike allegedly attempted to disrupt through court orders and other.
The rivalry between the two politicians has resulted in a divided state house assembly, with some members loyal to Fubara and others to Wike. The outcome of this power struggle will likely have significant implications for the future of Rivers State.
Minister’s Suspension and Corruption Allegations
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu kicked off the year by suspending Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Betta Edu, due to allegations of diverting ₦585.2 million of public funds into her personal bank account.
This move came after documents related to the transfer of funds were published in local media, prompting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to call for Edu’s sack and prosecution.
Tinubu ordered a probe into the matter. The president’s supporters hailed the move as demonstrating his commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability in his administration.
Tragic Death of Herbert Wigwe
Tragedy struck on February 9, 2024, when a helicopter crash in California claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent Nigerian businessman, his family members, including his wife Doreen Chizoba Wigwe and son Chizi Wigwe, as well as other notable individuals, including former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo and two crew members.
Nigeria’s AFCON Loss
The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on February 11.
Despite taking the lead with William Troost-Ekong’s header in the 38th minute, Nigeria’s dreams of a fourth AFCON title were shattered as Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback.
Franck Kessie equalized in the 61st minute, and Sebastien Haller sealed the win for the hosts with a superbly flicked goal in the 81st minute, capping an incredible turnaround for Ivory Coast.
Kuriga Kidnapping
On March 7, 2024, a devastating kidnapping incident occurred in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where over 200 pupils and a teacher were abducted, spotlighting the country’s persistent security concerns and sparking widespread alarm.
National Strike and Power Outages
A nationwide strike launched by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on June 3, 2024, brought the country to a standstill, resulting in widespread power outages and disrupting operations at major airports, including those in Abuja and Lagos, as workers protested for better working conditions and higher wages.
Suleja Prison Break Chaos
A heavy downpour on April 24, 2024, flooded the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, sparking a dramatic prison break that enabled 118 inmates to escape.
Although some fugitives were later recaptured, the incident raised serious concerns about prison security and disaster preparedness in Nigeria, dominating the news for weeks and prompting calls for urgent reforms in the country’s correctional system.
Local Government Autonomy
Nigeria’s Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on July 11, 2024, granting financial autonomy to local governments, putting an end to state governments’ longtime practice of collecting and controlling local government funds.
The court declared it illegal for state governors to hold onto local government allocations and ordered the federal government to transfer funds directly to local government accounts.
This decision is expected to have significant implications for grassroots development and poverty alleviation, as local governments will now have control over their finances and be able to prioritize their own needs and projects.
School Building Collapse
On July 12, 2024, tragedy struck in Jos, Plateau State, when a school building collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 22 students and leaving 132 others injured, in a devastating incident that highlighted concerns over the safety and structural integrity of educational infrastructure in the country.
Devaluation of the Naira
Nigeria’s currency, the naira, suffered significant devaluation, weakening by 30% against the US dollar in January 2024, following a 40% devaluation in July 2023.
By February 2024, the naira plummeted to an all-time low of 1,655.50/$, down from 907.11/$ at the end of 2023, with the parallel market rate hitting N1,900/$.
Minimum Wage Increase
After prolonged negotiations, the Nigerian government approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 per month on July 18, 2024, marking a significant victory for workers.
This development came after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) initially demanded ₦494,000 as the minimum wage, later reducing their request to ₦250,000.
The federal government proposed ₦62,000 before settling on ₦70,000, which was accepted by the labour unions due to other incentives and the president’s promise of a wage review every three years.
On April 1, 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission implemented a significant 300% increase in electricity tariffs for Band A consumers, who receive at least 20 hours of supply daily, raising the tariff from N68 to N225 per kilowatt-hour.
This substantial hike was met with widespread criticism from consumers and advocacy groups, who argued that it would exacerbate the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The commission, however, justified the increase, citing the need to reflect the current economic realities and ensure the viability of the power sector.
The tariff increase is expected to generate additional revenue for power distribution companies, enabling them to improve their services and invest in infrastructure upgrades.
National Anthem Change
President Bola Tinubu made a surprise announcement on May 29, 2024, signing the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, which reinstated the country’s original national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” replacing “Arise, O Compatriots”.
This move, marking the Silver Jubilee of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the first anniversary of Tinubu’s administration, was met with mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some praising the return to the old anthem as a symbol of national pride and unity, while others questioned the necessity of the change.
Violence Surges in Nigeria
Nigeria witnessed a surge in kidnappings, banditry, killings, and terror attacks in 2024, making it one of the deadliest years in recent memory.
The year saw mass kidnappings, village assaults, and brutal attacks, including the abduction of 61 people from Kajuru village in Kaduna State and 80 people from Zamfara State.
The country also witnessed horrific fatal attacks, with bandits killing 40 people in Zurak village, Plateau State, and Boko Haram terrorists killing 10 people in Kuchi village, Niger State.
The killing spree peaked with the massacre of 17 Nigerian Army officers in Okuama, Delta State, highlighting the escalating violence and insecurity in Nigeria.
Dangote Refinery Controversy
Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote faced a tumultuous year in his bid to launch his new refinery, which finally commenced operations despite numerous challenges.
In February 2024, Dangote raised alarm over alleged plots to sabotage his refinery, claiming that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) refused to sell him crude oil. He subsequently imported crude oil from the United States.
However, in April 2024, the CEO of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, alleged that Dangote’s oil was substandard.
Dangote vehemently denied the claims, and after months of setbacks, his refinery finally began operations, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency.
Hunger Protests and Police Brutality
In August 2024, widespread hunger protests erupted across Nigeria with a hashtag #EndBadGovernance, as citizens took to the streets to express their frustration over the country’s worsening economic situation.
However, the peaceful demonstrations were met with brutal force by the Nigerian Police, who fired live ammunition at protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people, according to a report by Amnesty International released on November 28, 2024.
Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Spark Controversy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform bills, introduced to the National Assembly on September 3rd, have continued to ignite a nationwide debate and dominate socio-political discourse in 2024.
The proposals comprise four key bills: the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, the Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.
Supporters argue that the reforms will ease the tax burden on 90% of Nigerian workers, streamline tax procedures, support small businesses, and enhance tax collection efficiency.
However, opposition from Northern lawmakers and leaders has been vocal, with critics contending that the bills could disrupt business operations and negatively impact state government revenue, particularly in the Northern region.
The proposed reforms include a phased increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030, a 5% excise duty on telecommunications services, and a progressive tax structure for larger corporations.
The Senate has passed the tax reform bills for a second reading, referring them to the Senate Committee on Finance for further scrutiny.
Dam Collapse Devastates Borno
A catastrophic dam collapse occurred on September 10, 2024, when the Alau Dam’s embankment gave way, releasing 112 billion litres of water into low-lying areas in Borno State.
The resulting flood submerged entire towns and villages, displacing over one million people and affecting 414,000 residents.
The disaster left hundreds homeless, prompting widespread sympathy and a swift response. Business tycoons and state governors donated over N13 billion to aid flood victims, highlighting the devastating impact of the disaster.
Cabinet Reshuffle
President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his 45-member cabinet on October 23rd, introducing seven new ministers, dismissing five, and reassigning ten others to new portfolios.
The ministers of finance, defence, national planning, and two junior energy ministers retained their positions, ensuring continuity in key areas.
The reshuffle also involved significant structural changes, including the renaming of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development to the Ministry of Regional Development, the dissolution of the Ministry of Sports, and the merger of the ministries of tourism and arts and culture.
Governorship Elections Marred by Controversy
The off-cycle governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States were significant political events in 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared APC candidates Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Monday Okpebholo as winners in Ondo and Edo, respectively.
Aiyedatiwa secured 366,781 votes in Ondo, defeating PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, while Okpebholo garnered 291,667 votes in Edo, beating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo.
However, the opposition rejected the results, citing allegations of widespread electoral fraud. Both cases are now before election petition tribunals, with hearings expected to gain momentum in early 2025.
Arrest and trial of Minors Trigger Outage
The Nigerian government faced intense backlash for the arrest and detention of 72 minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place in August 2024.
The minors, who were accused of treason among other charges, were arrested in various states including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
The situation escalated on November 1, 2024, when the minors were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja, sparking widespread outrage and calls for their release.
Nigeria’s Power Grid Woes
Nigeria’s national grid collapsed a whopping 12 times in 2024, plunging major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano into darkness and disrupting daily life and economic activities.
The frequent blackouts paralyzed businesses, resulting in massive financial losses, with Northern electricity distribution companies alone reporting losses of over N74 billion, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the country’s power sector.
Port-Harcourt Refinery
In November 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced the successful restart of the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) Old Port Harcourt Refinery, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic refining capacity.
According to the NNPC, the refinery was operating at 70% of its installed capacity and was expected to ramp up to 90% in the coming months, significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products and enhancing energy security.
Nigeria’s Economic Woes
Nigeria faced significant economic challenges in 2024, with inflation rates soaring to alarming heights.
As of November, nominal inflation stood at 34.60%, while food inflation reached 39.93%, largely driven by the skyrocketing cost of food. This surge placed immense strain on households across the country.¹
The Naira also endured frequent devaluations, becoming the third most devalued currency in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the Dataviz Economic Explorer, the Naira depreciated by 51.79% against the US dollar from November 2023 to November 2024.
In response, the Central Bank of Nigeria raised interest rates six times, reaching 27.25% by November, in an attempt to combat inflation.
