Hello everyone!

Here is a roundup of some top stories from the past week.

We reacted to the news of the 0.05 percent cybersecurity levy imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the arrest of a journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, and the attack on protesters in Delta State. We also covered the attack on health facilities in Sudan, and the indiscriminate shelling of displacement sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Cybersecurity Levy: When Will President Tinubu Allow ‘The Poor Breathe’?

The imposition of a 0.05 percent cybersecurity levy deduction on electronic transfers by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is fundamentally unjust in an economy already burdened by poverty and reduced purchasing power due to inflation. The CBN should halt this directive, and President Bola Tinubu should take immediate action to ensure that Section 44 and other oppressive parts of the Cybercrimes Act 2024 are repealed. Read more

SDG 16: Government Must Earn Citizens’ Trust to Achieve Goal

In Nigeria, as in many other African countries, low citizen participation in governance has significantly hampered progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations (UN) recently stated that Nigeria continues to lag in achieving SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions. President Tinubu needs to prioritise building trust through genuine efforts towards accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance. Read more

Press Freedom: We Demand Release of FIJ Journalist

The arrest of Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, by the Nigerian police was a violation of press freedom and a direct assault on democracy. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, needs to do more than pay lip service to the issue of press freedom violations in Nigeria and ensure the safety and freedom of journalists to report without fear of reprisal. Read more

Human Rights Violation: Police Attack on Delta Protesters Unacceptable

A middle-aged woman was shot and many other persons were injured in Ughelli, Delta State, when operatives of the Delta State Police Command resorted to the forceful dispersal of a group of protesting women. The Delta State Police Command must fish out its operatives involved in that needless attack on defenceless citizens and ensure they are held accountable for their actions. Read more

Lagos Demolitions: ’80 Percent of Lekki’ Statement an Indication of Failure

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, saying that 80 percent of buildings in Ibeju Lekki have no approval is an admission of failure on the part of the ministry. There has been ongoing demolition of buildings and estates in the state recently, which has left a lot of persons homeless. The Lagos State Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development should work towards addressing challenges to ensure the safety, sustainability, and legality of urban development in the state. Read more

Insecurity: Displaced Nigerians Need Urgent Support

The escalating insecurity in northwest Nigeria due to conflicts between armed groups continues to have severe humanitarian consequences, worsening an already dire situation. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development must prioritise the protection of vulnerable and displaced Nigerians in the area. Read more

Sudan: Addressing Attacks on Health Facilities

Health workers providing services at the only functional facility in Sudan’s Wad Madani are being forced to shut down operations due to heightened security concerns needing urgent attention. The authorities of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have to prioritise the safety of health workers and facilities, as they are crucial to the survival of the people of Sudan. Read more

Congo: Warring Parties Must End Shelling of Displacement Camps

The indiscriminate shelling of displacement sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a heinous act of cowardice and brutality that flagrantly violates international humanitarian law. A displacement site has been indiscriminately bombed for the third time in less than six months, killing at least 18 people and injuring 32 more, according to data from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). All parties to the conflict must respect the civilian nature of displacement sites, protect civilians, and allow continued life-saving support for populations in dire need of assistance. Read more

Niger: Authorities Must Uphold Press Freedom, Release Journalists

Press freedom in Niger has been a subject of concern due to various challenges faced by journalists and media organisations in the country. Press freedom in Niger is under threat due to the intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists doing their work and covering security-related matters in the country. The Niger transitional government should efficiently carry out its legal duties of upholding, defending, advancing, and safeguarding the human rights of all Nigeriens. Read more

That is the roundup of some stories that made headlines last week. More headlines are available on Development Diaries or dev_diaries on IG and X, and development diaries on Facebook.