Nigeria Roundup: Visa rejections, electricity tariffs, suicide attacks

Visa rejections

Schengen states have granted 62,099 visas to Nigerian applicants in 2023, representing 58.6% of applications. However, rejection rates for Nigerian visa applicants remain high, making Nigeria one of the top countries for most rejected visas. Schengen News reports that Nigerians spent €8.4 million on visa applications in 2023, the highest in the past five years, despite the high cost of visa applications compared to the national average wage in Nigeria.

Expected rains

NiMet has warned of increased rainfall in Nigeria throughout July, particularly in the north and north-central states. Southern states will experience cooler temperatures and intermittent and continuous rains. , According to Business Day, a dry spell is expected in central and northern states towards the end of July. Lagos has already experienced flash floods due to excessive rainfall. NiMet advises clearing and maintaining drainage systems to prevent flooding.

Suicide attacks

Leaders in Nigeria, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, have condemned the recent suicide attacks in Borno State as "senseless acts of violence." The attacks on June 29 left at least 18 dead and 30 injured, Aciafrica reports. The Church leaders expressed concern about the resurgence of suicide bombings in the country and called for collective action to defeat terrorism.

Substandard fuel products

The Senate has raised concern over substandard petrol and diesel flooding the Nigerian market. They have launched an investigation into the importation of these products and set up an ad-hoc committee to address the issue. The President of the Senate has emphasized the importance of reviewing the Petroleum Industry Act to ensure compliance with standards. According to Vanguard, the committee has three weeks to report back to the house.

Electricity tariffs

Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria have approved a second increase in electricity tariffs this year, affecting better-off consumers who use the most power. The latest hike was approved for Band A customers, raising the tariff from N206.80/kWh to N209.50/kWh. DisCos attribute the increase to economic factors and high operational costs. Businessday reports the move has sparked complaints from customers, including private hospitals and universities, who are struggling to afford their monthly electricity bills.