• Senate approves Tinubu’s $21bn external borrowing plan for 2025–2026
• Dangote Refinery exports 1.35 billion litres of petrol in 50 days
• Ajaokuta Steel, host community risk power disconnection over ₦5.63bn debt
• Reps propose ban on public servants patronising private schools, hospitals
• Wizkid, Davido spark fresh feud on X

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Senate approves Tinubu’s $21bn external borrowing plan for 2025–2026

The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s external borrowing request of over $21 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal period, enabling full implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.

The borrowing plan includes $21.19 billion in foreign loans, €4 billion, ¥15 billion, a $65 million grant, and domestic borrowing through bonds totalling around ₦757 billion.

It also provides for raising up to $2 billion through a foreign-currency-denominated instrument in the domestic market.

Dangote Refinery exports 1.35 billion litres of petrol in 50 days

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has exported around 1.35 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the last 50 days, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s fuel sector.

This was disclosed by the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, during the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets, organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and S&P Global Insights.

According to Dangote, the refinery exported up to 1 million tonnes of petrol between June and July 2025, confirming Nigeria’s new status as a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Ajaokuta Steel, host community risk power disconnection over ₦5.63bn debt

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a warning that Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and its host community may soon be disconnected from the national grid due to unpaid electricity debts amounting to ₦5.63 billion in 2024.

According to NERC’s 2024 Annual Report, Ajaokuta received power supply and grid services throughout the year but failed to make any payments to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operator (MO).

The report stated that the company and its host community did not remit payments for ₦55.19 billion worth of energy invoices from NBET and ₦440 million in service charges from the MO, triggering the need for regulatory action.

Reps propose ban on public servants patronising private schools, hospitals

The House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants, along with their immediate families, from using private schools and healthcare facilities.

Sponsored by Amobi Ogah (LP–Abia), the bill was read for the first time during Tuesday’s plenary session and is aimed at reforming Nigeria’s public service culture.

Ogah described the bill as a historic shift, explaining that it would compel public servants to invest in and rely on public institutions, thereby improving the quality of education and healthcare in the country.

Wizkid, Davido spark fresh feud on X

Afrobeats stars Wizkid and Davido have reignited their long-standing rivalry on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), drawing widespread attention from fans.

On Tuesday, July 22, Wizkid declared himself the “Biggest” in the Nigerian music scene, prompting a swift response from Davido, who mocked the post with the phrase, “For your parlour,” and shared a link showcasing his career achievements.

Davido followed up with another cryptic post, “I need a cane,” leaving fans speculating about its meaning as tensions between the two artists appeared to intensify.