Two Weeks of Hell, and a Nation Waiting

Two weeks of Lagos traffic hell, court hears Obi's security suit, death sentence upheld, Asake makes Spotify history.

Good morning,

If you drive the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, you already know the dread. The Federal Ministry of Works has begun replacing the expansion joint at Kara Bridge, narrowing the four-lane carriageway to two lanes for 1.5 kilometres. For two weeks, what was already a nightmare commute will become something else entirely. The traffic will back up for kilometres. The journey to work will stretch into hours. Motorists are advised to plan ahead. They will not. There is no alternative route. There is no respite. This is Lagos.

While Lagos motorists prepare for two weeks of hell, a court in Abuja has agreed to hear Peter Obi’s security suit. The former presidential candidate is seeking maximum protection ahead of 2027, citing threats by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo. The suit references Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the right to life. The judiciary is taking the matter seriously. The question is whether the government will.

In Kaduna, the Supreme Court has affirmed a death sentence. Abu Umar stabbed a man to death in a fight in 2015. He has been on death row since 2017. The appeal was dismissed. A medical report was deemed unnecessary because the victim died 90 minutes after admission. Nine years later, justice is finally settled.

And while we sit in traffic, Nigeria’s digital economy is hitting $18.3 billion. But Remita has warned that the country is becoming “two Nigerias” – one celebrated globally for fintech innovation, the other trapped by poor connectivity, high costs and limited digital access. The five barriers are connectivity, affordability, digital literacy, device access and trust. The opportunity divide is widening. The tech founder in Lagos cannot reach his market.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has declined a direct meeting with South Africa’s foreign minister. Ronald Lamola was in Abuja to address the recent wave of xenophobic violence that has claimed at least four Nigerian lives. Instead of a State House audience, Tinubu directed the envoy to hold emergency talks with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. The message was clear: Nigeria is not prepared to engage at the highest level until the issue is resolved. Over 1,400 Nigerians have already been evacuated. The talks will focus on protection for those remaining. The question is whether Pretoria will act.

But there is joy. Asake has become the first artist in the world to launch a full live concert film exclusively on Spotify, capturing his M$NEY performance at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Two thousand fans, a live orchestra and a 40-member choir. Nigerians are watching, proud, streaming. For a moment, the news is good.

Warmly,

Lolade