Nigeria: Flood Alerts, Security Directives, and Educational Reforms

The early days of July have seen significant developments across Nigeria, from urgent environmental warnings to crucial directives on national security and ongoing reforms in the education sector.

1. Nationwide Flood Alert: 20 States at High Risk for July

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a critical flood alert for July 2025, identifying 20 states at high risk of experiencing flash floods. This warning, released earlier this week, includes states like Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, and Benue. The alert comes amidst revelations that despite over N620 billion in ecological funds, many states appear ill-prepared to mitigate the impact of such disasters. A June 2025 report by SBM Intelligence further highlighted that floods have inundated 31 of Nigeria's 36 states since July 2024, affecting 1.2 million people and severely damaging agricultural lands. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures, clear drainage systems, and prepare emergency kits. The recurring floods have also reignited discussions about the delayed construction of a middle-level dam between Adamawa and Taraba states, initially agreed upon with Cameroon to manage water releases from its larger dam on the River Benue.

2. President Tinubu Issues Strong Directive to Security Agencies

In a decisive move to curb the escalating insecurity across the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear marching order to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima in Kaduna, President Tinubu charged the military to "decisively confront and defeat terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatists threatening the peace and unity of the country." This firm directive underscores the government's renewed commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property nationwide, following persistent calls from various quarters, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which recently threatened nationwide mass action over rising insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis.

3. JAMB Releases Mop-up UTME Results Amidst Crackdown on Fake Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced the release of results for its mop-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Out of 96,838 candidates slated for the mop-up, results for 11,161 candidates have been released. This announcement comes as JAMB continues its rigorous crackdown on a widespread syndicate involved in producing and distributing forged admission letters. An investigation, supported by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has led to the arrest and prosecution of five alleged ringleaders. JAMB emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the admission process, warning that candidates found to have engaged with examination or certificate fraudsters would face severe consequences, including potential prosecution.

4. Lagos Economic Initiatives & Infrastructure Boost

Lagos State is set to attract billions in investments as "Invest Lagos 2.0" kicks off, bringing together global stakeholders to explore opportunities in Africa's largest urban economy. This initiative aims to solidify Lagos's position as a prime destination for foreign direct investment. Concurrently, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has inaugurated a major line reconductoring project in Kano, part of a 12-month plan to expand the national grid capacity and improve power supply across the region, signaling continued infrastructure development efforts.

Across Africa: Innovation Wins, Diplomatic Engagements, and Political Shifts

Beyond Nigeria, the African continent has seen significant developments in technology, international relations, and internal political dynamics.

1. African Nations Shine at WSIS+20 with Innovation Awards

Four African nations – Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe – took center stage at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, emerging among the world's best in leveraging technology for inclusive and sustainable development. This prestigious recognition at the World Summit on the Information Society's 20th anniversary event highlights Africa's growing prowess in digital innovation. South Africa was honored for "Digitech," an initiative promoting homegrown tech innovation. Zimbabwe's "Girls Speak Out" program, empowering girls through tech and coding, won in the Media category. Tanzania's "A New Era in Zanzibar's Healthcare", a PharmAccess initiative introducing digital unique IDs, received accolades in the E-health category. These awards showcase how African countries are tailoring technology to local needs to transform societies, setting a promising tone for future global digital cooperation.

2. Third Africa-Spain Summit in Madrid Strengthens Ties

Madrid hosted the third Africa-Spain summit, which commenced on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The summit gathered representatives from numerous African nations, including Ivory Coast, Togo, and Somalia, as Spain seeks to solidify its commercial ties with the continent. With bilateral trade totaling approximately $35 billion in the first half of 2024, Spain aims to boost its presence in key sectors such as construction, renewable energy, water desalination, and pharmaceuticals. The summit is part of Spain's broader "Spain-Africa 2025-2028" plan, prioritizing improved geographical proximity, securing strategic supplies, and positioning Spanish companies in emerging African markets.

3. South Africa's Trade Relations and Internal Police Allegations

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the nation's continued pursuit of a balanced trade deal with the US, despite receiving a letter from President Donald Trump confirming a 30% tariff on South African goods from August 1. Ramaphosa stated South Africa would continue diplomatic efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Domestically, South Africa's police service faces serious allegations as Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, head of police in KwaZulu-Natal, accused high-ranking officials and politicians of meddling in police affairs, alleging control by drug cartels and business people. These explosive claims, made during Ramaphosa's attendance at the BRICS Summit in Brazil, have prompted a commitment from the President to personally address the widespread concerns of malpractice and corruption within the police force.

4. Guinea's Bauxite Exports Soar in First Half of 2025

Guinea has nearly matched its full-year bauxite exports from 2022 by mid-2025, solidifying its position as the world's top bauxite supplier. By the end of June 2025, Guinea had exported 99.8 million tons of bauxite, showing a 36% year-on-year increase in the first half of the year. This surge is attributed to accelerated extraction by mining companies operating in the country. The Guinean government is also focused on developing its local alumina industry, showcasing its commitment to industrial growth beyond raw material export.

5. South Sudan's President Fires Army Chief

In South Sudan, President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country's army chief, Paul Nang Majok, after just seven months in the post, appointing Dau Aturjong as his replacement. No official reason was given for the dismissal, which follows a period of fighting between the army and the White Army, an ethnic militia. This change comes amidst ongoing efforts to consolidate peace following a 2018 agreement, though inter-communal violence continues to flare.

That concludes our weekly news roundup for Membo.club! Stay informed, stay engaged, and remember to use your voice (and your memes!) to react to the world around you. We'll be back next week with more updates.