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Introduction

The year 2024 in Nigeria was characterised by significant political upheaval, economic challenges, and social unrest. Widespread dissatisfaction with government policies persisted, evidenced by labour strikes, hunger protests, and controversies over judicial integrity, alongside a continuing decline in public trust in institutions. As the country navigated this complex socio-political landscape, the potential for reform remained.

In the second edition of our annual special feature, “The Movers and Shakers of Nigeria", we profile 25 entities who captured the attention of the nation during the year. One of the striking highlights of this year’s edition is that almost all the entities featured are individuals (including a small group of young Nigerians); no institutional performance profile was as impactful compared to the individual actors.

The dominant role of individuals in the year, compared to the institutions they represent, denotes the individualism that is increasingly defining Nigeria’s governance and society. It also indicates the deterioration of public institutions and the macroeconomic environment, which is disenabling for private sector businesses.

The “Movers” are entities whose performance profiles during the year were exemplary, inspirational, or positively impactful on a national scale. The “Shakers” are performance profiles that contributed to what is considered as Nigeria’s ongoing economic, institutional, and democratic decline. Essentially, our focus is on what people have done to promote or undermine public good and societal progress.

This year, 48% of the profiles are “Movers.” This means there are people who have continued to lift the national psyche, providing episodes of cheers amid national despondency. As we noted in our introduction of this feature during its maiden edition in December 2023, the actions of the “Movers”, while inspirational, may have limited impact because they may not wield the needed political power to deliver change at scale.

In 2024, the “Shakers”, are a tiny majority, at 52%. But they are mostly individuals wielding consequential political power and influence. This indicates the prevailing national condition during the year.

“The Movers and Shakers of Nigeria” feature judges the actions or performances of institutions and individuals, not their character, in a calendar year. There is no permanence to the nature of the profile any one can have. A “Shaker” in a particular year can become a “Mover” in another year as their performance would merit.

The 2024 profiles are below.

President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the 16th President of Nigeria. He was elected to office in 2023 in an election he secured only 37% of the votes from. Questions about his controversial victory were laid to rest with an affirmative ruling of the Supreme Court later in October of the same year. But the President had hit the ground running from his inauguration, announcing the end to the petrol subsidy during his inaugural speech on 29th May, and with the introduction of market exchange rate reform a few days later.

The impact of these two economic policies is set to define President Tinubu’s first term in office. In 2024, the naira depreciated by 45%, while the pump price of petrol increased by up to 55%. The inflationary impact of these changes saw the consumer price index of the National Bureau of Statistics increase by approximately 5 percentage points between December 2023 and October 2024. Data released by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) revealed that 335 manufacturing companies became distressed while 767 shut down in 2023. Some of the factors that drove these outcomes, including high energy costs, foreign exchange scarcity, high interest rates, and a predatory regulatory environment, worsened in 2024.

President Tinubu insists that these policies are corrective and that while they would inevitably have negative short-term effects, their long-term benefits are assured. However, not many people are convinced. His positive medium- to long-term outlook was further called to question when the IMF said in a November 2024 report that the economic reforms in Nigeria were not working. Inflation has remained stubbornly high in the country while debt service cost has also remained unsustainably high relative to government revenue.

During the year, the degeneracy of government institutions was also evident. The legislative branch of government seemed to offer no checks on the executive, while judicial independence remained dubitable. The questionable conduct of the off-cycle elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), combined with lack of willingness to fight corruption and ethnicisation of government appointments betrayed a failure of institutions and the rule of law.

The impact of President Tinubu’s administration as broadly felt by the citizens, businesses, and institutions was, sadly, mostly negative.

Governor Alex Otti

Alex Otti is the 5th democratically elected Governor of Abia State. He exemplifies how technocratic leadership can catalyse transformation in Nigeria's sub-national governments. Under his stewardship, Abia's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) surged to N15.5 billion in the first half of 2024 – nearly matching the entire previous year's collection of N16.88 billion. This remarkable fiscal performance, amid broader reform efforts, has positioned Abia as an emerging investment destination, with the state rising from 27th to 3rd in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rankings, behind only Lagos and Abuja.

The former banker's reform agenda, centred around infrastructure development, local business growth, enhanced access to public services, and institutional rebuilding, attracted $150.09 million in FDI to Abia in Q3 2023. Demonstrating commitment to fiscal transparency, his administration's forensic audit uncovered over N12 billion paid for non-existent contracts by previous administrations.

However, Dr. Otti's tenure has not been without controversy. His relationship with the Labour Party (LP), which propelled him to power last year, became strained in 2024. Amid the party's factional crisis, Otti faced accusations, particularly from the Julius Abure-led faction, of intimidating and harassing party members and interfering in party administration. The establishment of a 29-member caretaker committee in September, which had the involvement of Otti, was considered by critics as illegal.

In what some analysists view as a political realignment, Otti allowed his supporters to move to other political parties ahead of the November local government elections in Abia. This strategic drift became evident when LP suffered an astonishing defeat in the elections, losing all 17 chairmanship and councillorship positions to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Rather than seeing this development as an electoral setback, Otti could be positioning himself to consolidate power within a restructured political landscape.  

Despite these political manoeuvres and rising insecurity challenges, Otti's focus on governance appears to remain solid. His administration has set an ambitious target of N52.4 billion in annual IGR, backed by systematic reforms in revenue collection and management. This performance-driven approach, coupled with infrastructure development and transparency initiatives, has earned him public goodwill. How he navigates the internal party rifts and external pressures will define his governance legacy and political future in Abia State.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the Minister of Interior. At 42 years of age, he is one of the youngest ministers in the cabinet of President Bola Tinubu. The Ministry of Interior, which he superintends, is one of the most important ministries, overseeing agencies or service institutions including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bureau of Public Procurement, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp.

Barely five months in office, Mr. Tunji-Ojo was linked to a major contract scandal. A company he co-founded, and remained a shareholder in, allegedly received N438 million as “consultancy fee” from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, which was enmeshed in a series of contract and spending scandals.

After emerging from this situation unscathed, Mr. Tunji-Ojo refocused on his reform agenda in an area where impact could earn him and the government plaudits and provide relief for not a few Nigerians. Within weeks of taking office, he had gotten the Nigeria Immigration Service to clear 204,000 outstanding applications for Nigerian passports. From this early success, Mr. Tunji-Ojo has continued to deepen reform of immigration services in the country. His digitalisation programme aims to make the application and processing for passport renewals ‘contactless’ for both local applicants and Nigerians in diaspora. His ministry has also simplified the issuance of e-visas to foreigners visiting Nigeria, in a process that has strengthened security vetting of applicants.

These passport reforms warmed the hearts of Nigerians and earned Mr. Tunji-Ojo the reputation of being one of the ‘performing’ ministers in a cabinet often criticised as bloated and incompetent.

Mr. Tunji-Ojo’s reform agenda has extended to the correctional (or prison) system. A major success of these efforts is raising N585 million from the private sector to secure the release of detainees who had remained in prison because they couldn’t pay their fines. The minister also brought transparency to the system by releasing a panel report that highlighted systemic corruption, indiscipline, abuses, and poor welfare of inmates and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Whether this minister, who is not media shy, will sustain his reforms – or unravel as a clever public official – remains to be seen.

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was appointed as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) in August 2024. The Nigerian jurist is the second woman to be appointed as CJN. In 2013, she was elevated to the Supreme Court, becoming the fifth woman to attain that position. Her illustrious career in public judicial service began in 1989 when she served as a Magistrate Court judge in Lagos State and later served as a Justice of the Lagos High Court. She also served as a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment as the CJN came at a time when public trust in the judiciary was, and still remains, at a low ebb. Some of the issues that have eroded public trust in the judiciary include the falsification of age by judges, conflicting judgements on the same matters from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, decisions that negate judicial precedents, and increasing role of the courts in determining winners of elections. A key challenge that judicial officers face is the lack of financial independence, which sees heads of the executive arm of government having to provide basic necessities such as cars and accommodation for judges.

In recent years, there have been cases where some erring senior judicial officers were not held accountable for infractions they committed, including falsification of age and financial embezzlement. This calls into question the ability of the judiciary, through the National Judicial Council (NJC), to self-regulate. The controversy over the unanimous ruling of the Supreme Court, delivered by Justice Kekere-Ekun, which gave victory in the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election to a candidate of the ruling party, despite his fourth-place finish in the election, may limit public expectations for far-reaching reform of the judiciary under the new CJN.

Nevertheless, Justice Kekere-Ekun has sent some early signals that she will not shy away from addressing the reform needs of the judiciary. Last month, the NJC recommended two judges for compulsory retirement over alleged age falsification. She publicly acknowledged that a few judicial officers were tarnishing the image of the judiciary, and was also reported to have said: “our legal system should not only administer justice but also resonate with the community’s moral convictions.” These signals suggest a potential willingness to confront the systemic issues that have long plagued the Nigerian judicial system.

Mele Kyari

Mele Kyari was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigeria’s national oil company (NOC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now NNPC Limited (NNPCL), in 2019. On paper, his career profile and academic background made his appointment appear meritorious. But the geologist’s involvement in the NNPC’s operations before he was appointed to lead it already implicated him in the corporation’s systemic failures. Kyari had worked in the corporation since 1991 in various senior functions, including exploration, production sharing contracts management, and crude oil stock management. He also headed the Open Government Initiative, which was established to track the traders in Nigeria’s crude oil.

The tenure of Kyari as GMD of the NOC has witnessed a number of scandals, missed opportunities for institutional transformation, and a continued downward slide in the fortunes of NNPC/NNPCL. In August 2022, Nigeria's crude oil production fell below one million barrels per day, a low level not even reached during the active years of militancy in the oil-producing Niger Delta region. Rampant theft of oil from dilapidated pipelines and years of underinvestment saw Nigeria fail to shore up revenue from crude oil sale as prices soared due to the Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Perhaps 2024 is the worst year for the reputation of NNPCL. After it had publicly denied owing international traders $6.8 billion, the company admitted it was indeed owing the amount to the traders. There was also the bombshell revelation that NNPCL did not complete payment for the 20% stake it announced it acquired in Dangote Refinery. Consequently, its equity holding in the mega refinery effectively reduced to 7.2%. And in November, public distrust soon greeted NNPCL’s announcement that its Port Harcourt refinery was back in operations.

Despite having four refineries, which were/are of course non-operational, NNPCL agreed to be the sole offtaker of petrol from Dangote Refinery, which should have been its competitor. The deal, struck through an acrimonious process, soon broke down. NNPCL has returned to importing petrol.

That Mr. Kyari has retained his job under President Bola Tinubu despite the atrocious performance of NNPCL indicates the general tolerance for unprofessionalism by the government. Calls for the sacking of Kyari by some civil society organisations were countered by other CSOs who argued the company is politicised.

Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele is a celebrated Nigerian actress, director, and producer. At 47, Akindele has redefined the possibilities of Nigerian cinema. Her movie, "A Tribe Called Judah," broke the N1 billion mark at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time in 2024 and surpassing her previous record with "Battle on Buka Street." The film also set records for the largest opening weekend and the highest grossing for a female director.

Akindele's phenomenal success is not merely about numbers; it represents a culmination of her strategic approach to filmmaking, combining compelling storytelling with astute marketing. Her most recent triumph, "A Tribe Called Judah," which centres around a single mother raising five sons from different fathers, demonstrates Akindele's ability to tackle complex social themes while sustaining broad audience appeal.

Her journey from the beloved character "Jenifa" to becoming Nollywood's most bankable director epitomises the evolution of Nigeria's film industry. Akindele's impact on Nigerian cinema is far-reaching. As the most nominated filmmaker at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) and a six-time winner for acting, she has helped elevate the technical and artistic standards of Nollywood productions. Her transition from actress to filmmaker has created a blueprint for creative control and commercial success in an industry often criticised for its production values.

In 2024, Akindele expanded her influence beyond entertainment, establishing The Jenifa Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering vulnerable populations and supporting small businesses. This initiative, coupled with her previous foray into politics as a deputy governorship candidate in Lagos State, reflects her growing role as a social innovator and influencer.

Akindele continues to push boundaries. Her latest film "Everybody Loves Jenifa," showing in cinemas this December, aims to build on her record-breaking success, while her production company explores new storytelling frontiers. As Nollywood seeks greater international recognition, Akindele stands as a testament to the industry's potential for excellence and innovation, proving that commercial success and artistic integrity can coexist in Nigerian cinema.

Nyesom Wike

Nyesom Wike is the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). After serving as a local government chairman, minister, and two-term governor under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Wike is currently part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. He became a partisan turncoat after he lost both the PDP’s presidential nomination and vice-presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general election. As then-governor of Rivers State, he helped Bola Tinubu to flip the state in the presidential election.

Serving as FCT minister in the President Tinubu administration has been more than a reward for Mr. Wike. It has provided him with a platform to fight his successor in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubura, who is determined to assert control over his government and the party structure that brought him into office, to the consternation of his predecessor.

Since late 2023, the FCT minister has been actively engaged in the political crisis that has engulfed Rivers. When the serving senator of the FCT said the people of Abuja needed interventions in education and water works beyond road projects, which Wike seemed focused on, the minister responded with threats to unseat her in 2027. Wike has been fingered in efforts by the executive branch of government that are perceived to interfere with the independence of the judiciary. For instance, he recently claimed he was implementing President Tinubu’s policy by building homes for judges in Abuja, whereas the National Judicial Council is the body that is constitutionally responsible for the welfare of judicial officers.

Mr. Wike has been accused of politicising land allocation in the FCT through his reallocation of existing landholding. While he remains in the PDP, it appears his goal is to frustrate any agenda that does not benefit him or threatens the party he is currently serving under. He threatened to destabilise any PDP-led states if their governors interfere in his battle for the control of the party in Rivers State.

Mr. Wike presents the image of the Nigerian politician that is power-hungry, self-serving, and anti-democratic. While he purports to serve the interest of President Tinubu with his actions, many worry about the implications for the country’s democracy and its institutions.

Herbert Wigwe

On 9 February 2024, a helicopter crashed while flying over the southern Californian desert in the United States. All six passengers and crew on board, including the Group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son, were killed. The untimely demise of this foremost banker and champion of sustainable banking would have been disastrous enough. The loss of two of his nuclear family members in the same tragic incident was devastating and left the nation in shock.

Dr. Wigwe was a visionary and high performer. Together with his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, he acquired Access Bank in 2002 and transformed the distressed institution into one of the fastest-growing banks in Africa. Under the leadership of Wigwe, the total asset of Access Bank grew from N2.1 trillion in 2014 to N26.45 trillion in 2023 – after implementing a holding structure. The bank’s operational footprint expanded from seven countries to 21 across three continents in the same period. Access Bank now serves over 60 million customers through a network of over 600 branches and outlets.

The passing of Wigwe at a relatively young age of 57, leaving behind his two parents, should have made his funeral an altogether solemn affair. However, public anger erupted days before his burial when the wife of his local church hosted herself to a lavish birthday party that many believed was disrespectful to the memory of Wigwe, a major financial contributor to the upscale parish of the popular Redeemed Christian Church of God. The influential pastor of the parish was ultimately suspended because of this indiscretion.

The gathering of the nation’s political bigwigs and captains of industry at his burial service also generated a national uproar. In his tribute, Governor Siminalayi Fubura tried to convey the sobering reality of the transience of life and the vanity of achievement, including for politicians who would want to “kill” in their struggle for political power. But during his remarks, the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio, directly replied to the host Governor: “So your excellency Governor Fubara, if there’s nothing in the struggle, don’t struggle.”

Notwithstanding these controversies, the contributions of Dr. Wigwe to banking and finance in Nigeria and across Africa will remain indelible.

Enoch Adejare Adeboye

Dr. Enoch Adejare Adeboye is the revered pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). With over 50,000 parishes and over nine million members in 197 countries and territories, RCCG is one of the largest Christian denominations in the world. In Nigeria, the influence of Pastor Adeboye has been growing as high-profile politicians and business leaders are among RCCG’s prominent members. Indeed, the church hosts politicians at its monthly Holy Ghost Service, particularly when general elections are approaching, as they seek the identification and support of RCCG’s over five million members in Nigeria.

From giving spiritual blessing to high-profile politicians, including presidents and governors, Pastor Adeboye has, over the years, been drawn into the murky political landscape. In 2014, he was involved in the protests against then-President Goodluck Jonathan, who was defeated in the next presidential election in 2015.

Unfortunately, the party that Adeboye helped to bring to power has superintended the sliding economic fortunes of the country. The ruling All Progressives Congress has also overseen the conduct of general elections that were marred by widespread irregularities and violence. But whereas many people expected Pastor Adeboye to speak out against the worsening economic situation in the country since May 2023 when President Bola Tinubu came into office, he said the country’s problems required spiritual solutions. More recently, in a viral video, the clergyman said it was God’s intervention that had stopped the US dollar from exchanging for N10,000.00.

Adeboye’s interventions have been viewed to be politically aligned against ordinary Nigerians, including millions of RCCG members. When he said he was correcting his previous message that Christians who don’t pay their tithes (10% of their income) will not make heaven because it is extra-biblical, he also suggested unbiblically that such giving should be more than 10%.

Social media chatters suggest that Pastor Adeboye’s inconsistent positions and the weakening moral authority of Nigerian clergy people is de-evangelising the Christian faith by bringing church leadership into disrepute.

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman ranked 14th on the men’s 2024 Ballon d’Or list, confirming his elite status in world football. The Nigerian winger grabbed global headlines last May when he scored a stunning hat-trick to help his Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, clinch the 2024 UEFA Europa League cup. It was the first domestic or continental trophy the club has won in 61 years, and no player had previously scored a trio of goals in the final of the competition. Indeed, Lookman joined a short list of only three other players – Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stéfano, and Pierino Prati – who have scored hat-tricks in European cup finals.

Lookman endured a seemingly chequered career until 2022 when he transferred to Atalanta for a reported fee of €15 million. In his first two seasons with the Italian club, his contribution of goals was in double digits. By the November 2024 international break, he had scored a total of 30 Serie A goals for Atalanta. His senior international career also started to take shape only in 2022 when he gave up on his ambition to play for Three Lions of England (having played for the country’s Under 19 and Under 21 teams) and was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. He went on to star in the Nigerian side that was the runner-up at AFCON 2023 earlier this year, scoring three goals in the competition.

Lookman may have struggled with his Nigerian ancestry against the seemingly brighter prospects of playing for England. The 26-year-old winger was born in the UK to Nigerian parents. But his decision still leaves him with time to play for Nigeria in his prime years as a footballer.

According to Transfermarkt.com, Lookman is currently valued at €40 million. Given that African players are notoriously unvalued in the European transfer market, this high valuation indicates a likely future move to a bigger team as Lookman’s career continues to blossom.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara is the governor of Rivers State in Nigeria’s south-south geopolitical zone. As he has acknowledged, his election into office in 2023 derived from the support of his predecessor Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike, in the Nigerian parlance, is the ‘political godfather’ of Fubara. However, his attempt to maintain the political control of Rivers State is being resisted by his ‘political godson,’ the incumbent governor. The battle was always going to be epic, given that the state has a history of political violence and that Wike ensured his loyalists were elected into the legislature and appointed as commissioners in Fubara’s cabinet.

Governor Fubara didn’t only think he has a fighting chance; he is determined to outdo Wike, who has emerged as President Bola Tinubu’s stalwart – although Wike himself would have run against Tinubu had he secured the presidential or vice-presidential nomination of the PDP ahead of the 2023 election. While Wike has considerable political experience to wage this battle, having held various political offices since 1999, Fubara is proving that he is well-schooled in the shenanigans of Nigerian political office holders.

The battle for the control of one of Nigeria’s most politically and economically consequential states has impacted several institutions. The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has reduced from 33 functional members to merely 4, after 27 members, including the former Speaker, were deemed to have lost their seats following their defection to the All Progressives Party (APC). The sporadic violence accompanying this struggle has resulted in the demolition of the RSHA properties, arson attacks on three local government headquarters in the state, and loss of lives.

The crisis has undermined the moral authority of President Tinubu, whose attempts to mediate a resolution have been ineffective. The judiciary has been drawn into the dogfight, with the courts in Rivers State issuing rulings in favour of Fubara and the Federal High Court, Abuja, invalidating the state’s 2024 budget.

As Fubara continues to fight, Nigerians are seeing the shallow limits of the rule of law and decency among politicians in the country.

Aliko Dangote

Aliko Dangote is the founder and CEO of his eponymous group of companies. After years of being Africa’s richest individual, the foremost Nigerian industrialist became unstable in his ranking in 2024 as the sharp depreciation of the naira reduced his net worth in dollar terms. Nevertheless, 2024 promised a major breakthrough for the billionaire as the Dangote Refinery commenced production during the year, 11 years after he unveiled his plan to build it and eight years after construction started at the project site in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. With the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the $20 billion project can meet Nigeria’s total daily consumption of petrol, with excess production available for export.

The commencement of petrol production at the refinery, amid unstable domestic supply and rising prices of the product, was greeted by unimaginable controversies. The industry regulator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), said the Dangote’s refinery had not been licenced, was attempting to be a monopoly, and that its petrol is inferior in quality compared to the petroleum product imported into the country. Dangote responded with his own bombshell, scandalous revelation before members of the House of Representatives. He alleged that some officials of the national oil company, NNPC Limited, together with some petrol traders, operated petroleum blending plants in Malta at a time that NNPCL was struggling to bring just one of its four moribund local refineries back into production. Earlier, it was reported that the international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria were ‘sabotaging’ the Dangote Refinery.

The public rose in defence of the mega, indigenous refinery even while expressing misgivings about the business tactics of Aliko Dangote. But the billionaire outraged Nigerians when he later told Bloomberg TV that the price of petrol in Nigeria was 40% cheaper than in Saudi Arabia and canvassed the end of payment of subsidy for the product in Nigeria, despite the inflationary impact of rising petrol prices in the country since May 2023.

As many Nigerians had feared, the supply of petrol from Dangote Refinery has not brought down the price of petrol in the country. Rather, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said petrol from the refinery was more expensive than products sourced elsewhere. This intriguing situation saw NNPCL and other oil marketers importing high volumes of petrol and diesel into the country in the final quarter of the year, amid demand pressure on the dollar, and despite the products’ availability at the Dangote Refinery.

Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky)

Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, is a cross-dresser and social media influencer. He emerged in 2024 as a stark illustration of bias, privilege, and systemic failures in Nigeria's justice system. After being prosecuted (and some said “scapegoated”) for abusing the naira – specifically for spraying N490,000 at a social event – he was sentenced to six months in prison in April. What followed was a series of controversies that exposed deep-rooted corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).

The Bobrisky saga intensified in September when social media influencer, Martins 'VDM' Otse, released an audio recording allegedly featuring Bobrisky claiming he paid the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him. The recording also suggested improprieties involving other prominent figures, including allegations against the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son and singer, Folarin Falana (Falz), supposedly seeking N10 million to secure a presidential pardon on his behalf. These revelations prompted parliamentary investigations and led to Bobrisky's attempted flight from Nigeria, which resulted in his arrest at the Seme border and later at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In response to the growing controversy, the Minister of Interior established an investigative panel that uncovered troubling details about Bobrisky's imprisonment. While the panel found no evidence that he left prison walls during his incarceration, it revealed he enjoyed extraordinary privileges such as furnished single cells, access to a humidifier, television, and possibly his mobile phone. He was also assigned designated inmates to run his errands. The panel's findings highlighted disturbing disparities in inmate treatment based on socio-economic status.

By November, Bobrisky had filed a N1.2 billion lawsuit against the EFCC and National Assembly, alleging violations of his fundamental rights and claiming the parliamentary investigations, based on an unverified WhatsApp voice call, had caused him significant psychological trauma. He subsequently left Nigeria, citing concerns for his mental health and well-being.

His case has become a lightning rod for discussions about judicial integrity, the need for correctional reform, and the influence of wealth and status in Nigeria's justice system. While the saga exemplifies how social media can be a powerful tool for social change, it is yet to be seen whether the investigations and legal actions that have ensued would result in reshaping the system or they are simply mere theatrics.

Dan Bello

Bello Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, is an educator, journalist, filmmaker, and social media content creator. He is one of Nigeria's most influential digital activists in 2024, wielding satire to challenge government policies and mobilise public discourse on social media. His social and political commentaries, delivered primarily in Hausa with English subtitles, have garnered him over 1.8 million followers across platforms. Bello's videos and messages – addressing pressing issues such as corruption, education, healthcare, human rights, and poverty – resonate especially with many youths in northern Nigeria who are left behind by mainstream media discourse.

Bello solidified his reputation as a socially conscious influencer when he popularised the nickname "T-Pain" for President Bola Tinubu through a viral parody of American singer T-Pain's song, "Buy U A Drank." His remix, "Nigerians, I Go Make You Poor," underscored the mounting economic hardship resulting from Tinubu’s policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and naira flotation. The widespread adoption of this moniker prompted the presidency to caution Nigerians against using it.

Bello's outspoken criticism of government policies has earned him both acclaim and scrutiny. When questioned about his provocative content during a Trust TV interview in August 2024, Bello remained defiant: "If what I am doing is not good for them, that means it is automatically good for the people." He particularly highlighted the human cost of recent economic policies, noting instances of citizens "eating grass" and "drinking contaminated water" while government officials pursued "bogus projects."

At 37, Bello represents a new generation of digital activists using technology and local languages to challenge authority and promote civic engagement. His approach of combining entertainment with civic education makes government policies and their implications accessible to ordinary Nigerians. Despite calls for his arrest and accusations of inciting unrest, he has maintained that his work serves a crucial democratic function in holding leaders accountable.

Chidi Odinkalu

Chidi Odinkalu is Professor of the Practice of International Human Rights Law at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. A human rights activist, Odinkalu served as the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, which is legally mandated to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria. Although he is well ensconced in the US intelligentsia, Odinkalu maintains an active interest in Nigeria’s affairs, demonstrating genuine concern for the plight of the country as its democracy and economy flounder.

Despite his urbane and gentle mien, Odinkalu has been outspoken about many governance issues in Nigeria, especially the waning trust in the judiciary. For those interested in the deepening concern about this third arm of government, Odinkalu is a reliable secondary source for information on the corruption of some judicial officers, inappropriate appointment of judges, and efforts to undermine the independence of the judiciary. As these concerns grew throughout 2024, so did the critical voice of Odinkalu, expressed both through well-articulated commentaries in the media and pithy messages on social media.

For Odinkalu, a judiciary that effectively checks the executive and restores public trust in the legal system is worth fighting for. His recent interventions on lack of financial independence for the judiciary have put him at odds with the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has a reputation for sustaining bitter fights against his opponents or having spats unbecoming of a senior public official. The minister may have found his match in Odinkalu who has been relentless in referring to him with the hashtag #GreedyGlutton.

Odinkalu belongs to a small and yet disappearing group of public intellectuals resisting government excesses in the face of moral and ethical collapse in the public service. His close monitoring of the judiciary will likely serve as a check against unwholesome conduct by the bad eggs (few or many) in the system. To the extent possible, his patriotic efforts may restrain those intent on capturing Nigeria’s consequential institutions.

Donald Trump

On 5 November 2024, Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States with an overwhelming 312 electoral college votes while also winning the popular votes. His victory was a surprise, perhaps because of the wishes against it by the liberal world. Trump survived two assassination attempts during the campaign for his re-election. After winning the presidential ticket of the Republican Party and the 2016 election to serve as the 45th US President from 2017 to 2021, Trump never relinquished his grip on the party. He campaigned on the same ultra-right ideology he tried to implement during his first term but was resisted by the US institutional establishment.

Trump’s re-election has jolted the world. He has said he will bring far-reaching reforms to the US institutions and society, while he also has a clear mandate to improve the economy. One of the areas he has promised change is immigration. Trump’s America First populism sets him at odds with the global multilateral system, and he appears poised to re-energise US trade war with China, withdraw his country from the Paris climate accord, and shake up the NATO military alliance. His leadership is also likely to have major impacts on the Israel-Palestinian conflict as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ahead of his inauguration, Trump has started to construct a cabinet that has far-right ideologues and anti-establishment voices, sending a message that he wants to implement his campaign promises. As the first US president-elect that has been convicted in criminal cases, his re-election has started to impact the criminal justice system with his sentencing expected to be put off and charges against him dropped. The situation puts the US in uncharted waters as the country looks forward to the inauguration of its first President to be twice impeached and is an ex-convict. Many fear he will pursue retribution against his political opponents and senior government officials who, in executing their duties, were part of the resistance to Trump, even if they acted legally or professionally.

The foreign policy of Trump, characterised by an inward-looking stance and disinterest in Africa, has nevertheless caused global anticipation, including in Nigeria. While this means US foreign policy may not change towards Nigeria or attract his immediate attention, Trump is likely to leave the fate of the country for Nigerians to determine without the now-accustomed US meddling, which itself can greatly impact the Nigerian political landscape.

Joe Ajaero

Joe Ajaero is the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Following the tradition of labour movement in the country, Mr. Ajaero has been active in galvanising Nigerian workers against the government and private employers to advocate for improved welfare. As is also customary, the NLC President has been suffering personal discomfort for his labour activism. Last month, the NLC reminded the nation of the vicious attack against Mr. Ajaero in Imo State a year earlier, with the perpetrators of his kidnapping and physical assault yet to be arrested and prosecuted.

Indeed, Mr. Ajaero remained in the eye of the storm throughout 2024. In May, the NLC and its sister union, Trade Union Congress, called for a nationwide strike over the government’s delay in agreeing a new national minimum wage and reversal of the hiking of electricity tariffs. By August, Mr. Ajaero was invited by the Nigerian police, who said they were investigating him for crimes including criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.  

Despite his activism and ordeal, Mr. Ajaero struggled to maintain public support while still capturing media attention. Nigerians quibbled over whether the NLC was worthy of public solidarity, especially because it easily buckles under pressure from the government. For instance, after initially insisting on N250,000.00 as what a ‘living’ minimum wage should be, the NLC finally accepted the government’s offer of N70,000.00 as the new national minimum wage. But with only a fraction of the 36 states starting to implement the new minimum wage, the NLC threatened it would embark on an ‘indefinite’ strike in the non-compliant states by December 1.

Ahead of the expiration of the ultimatum, the NLC President has continued to criticise the poor implementation of the national minimum wage policy, especially at the subnational level.

Mr. Ajaero’s activism is a telling symbol of the paradox of motion and lack of movement in the Nigerian civic space, even as the country continues to experience democratic and economic decline. However, it would be more perilous to dismiss his spirited defence of the welfare of workers.

Chidimma Adetshina

Chidimma Adetshina holds the double titles of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024. She made history during the year as the first Nigerian to secure the first runner-up position at the Miss Universe pageant. Her achievement at the 73rd edition of the annual global beauty pageant, which held in Mexico City, Mexico, transcends mere placement in global beauty hierarchy: it denotes victory over adversity.

Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, Adetshina's journey to the Miss Universe stage was marked by controversy and resilience. Her initial participation as a contestant for Miss Universe South Africa 2024 ended amid xenophobic abuse and scrutiny over her nationality, leading to her withdrawal from the competition. Her story was further complicated following investigations by South African authorities into her mother's citizenship status. These challenges, nevertheless, became stepping stones when she accepted an invitation to represent Nigeria, her paternal country of origin.

At just 23 and still a law student, the beauty queen's performance at Miss Universe, where she was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, represents the highest placement for an African since South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi won the competition in 2019. Adetshina's achievement builds on the legacy of Agbani Darego, who in 2001 became the first Nigerian to reach one of the top 10 semi-final positions at the pageant.

Beyond her pageant success, Adetshina has emerged as a compelling voice for cultural diversity and resilience. Her candid acknowledgment of the impact of the xenophobic backlash on her mental health resonates with many who have faced similar challenges. Yet, she refused to let these experiences dim her vision, declaring, "This achievement is not just mine but it's for Nigeria, it's for Africa."

Adetshina's feat not only elevates Nigeria's global presence; it also challenges conventional narratives about identity and belonging. In a country often divided along ethnic lines, the overwhelming support she received from Nigerians of all backgrounds demonstrates how shared achievements can unite people beyond tribal affiliations, offering a powerful reminder of what is possible when Nigerians come together as one. Adetshina's announcement, two days after the pageant in Mexico, that she would be retiring from the beauty pageant world and relocating to Nigeria after her one-year reign was also followed by an outpouring of support for her decision.

Young EndBadGovernance Protesters

In August 2024, Nigerians staged nationwide protests under the #EndBadGovernance movement, exercising their constitutional right to voice dissent against government policies that had resulted in economic hardship. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly devolved into a significant civil rights crisis when the government's response led to mass arrests, including the detention of children as young as 14 years old.

The protests reflected growing public anger over severe economic challenges facing ordinary Nigerians. The removal of petrol subsidy and floatation of the exchange rate by President Bola Tinubu's administration had exacerbated vulnerability to hunger and deprivation in a country where 133 million people were already multidimensionally poor. These demonstrations represented a cry for help, for equal opportunity, and for better living standards in a nation where upward mobility remains exceedingly difficult.

Over 1,000 protesters were arrested and detained in different parts of the country, according to Amnesty International. Among them were a group of 114 protesters, including 30 minors, who faced serious charges of treason and inciting a military coup, allegedly for waving Russian flags during the protests. The situation resulted in significant public outrage when four detained minors collapsed in court due to malnutrition and exhaustion, having spent over 80 days in custody. Images of these children scrambling for water and biscuits in court drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups and civil society.

President Tinubu's eventual intervention, directing the termination of the treasonable felony case and release of the detained protesters, marked a significant victory for civil rights advocates. Despite the Attorney-General of the Federation's compliance with the president’s directive, human rights lawyers pressed for more comprehensive remedies, including rehabilitation and education for the affected youth.

The #EndBadGovernance protests and their aftermath reveal deeper institutional failures in Nigeria's democracy. The criminalisation of protest, despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and assembly, underscores the tensions between state power and civil rights. As Nigeria grapples with mounting economic challenges, these events serve as a stark reminder of the costs of suppressing legitimate dissent in a democratic society and the urgent need to improve governance outcomes.

Victor Boniface

Victor Boniface is a Nigerian football star who is currently playing for Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga. His club made history in the 2023/24 season by winning the league title for the first time ever. It did so without losing a match, thereby becoming the first “invincible” team in the German league. Leverkusen also completed a domestic double by winning the league cup, DFB-Pokal. Leverkusen’s only competitive defeat last season was in the final of the 2024 UEFA Europa Cup.

Despite suffering an adductor injury that laid him off for four months between January and April 2024, Boniface was a major contributor to the outstanding success of his club. During the league-winning campaign, he scored 14 goals for Leverkusen. In the current season, the striker has contributed six goals and one assist in 10 matches.

Boniface also plays for the Nigerian senior male football team, the Super Eagles. After his impressive debut for the team on 10 September 2023, he was named in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which held from 13 January to 11 February 2024, in Cote d’Ivoire; however, he missed the competition due to the injury that had sidelined him in Germany. He has returned to the Super Eagles and played his part in Nigeria’s qualification for AFCON 2025.

Whoscored.com listed the strength of Boniface as “key passes”, “dribbling”, and “finishing”. But beyond his technical abilities, the striker is also noted for being humorous. On his pursuit for improvement, Bundesliga.com reported Boniface saying: "Imagine you're training, and your coach is doing better than you.” This combination of talent and likeable personality has made the footballer a Nigerian celebrity, with over half a million followers on X. His club regularly posts about him on the social media, helping it to gain popularity in Nigeria.

Victor Boniface represents the new generation of Nigeria youth excelling in sports, entertainment, finance, and other industries – smart, savvy, and successful. They represent the abiding Nigerian self-confidence despite the declining national morale caused by the nation’s socio-political and economic downturn. At just 23, Boniface still has the best years of his career ahead of him and his success will continue to inspire other youth to pursue their ambitions with determination and confidence.

Olanipekun Olukoyede

Olanipekun Olukoyede is the 5th Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His first full year as head of the law enforcement and anti-graft agency has been defined by a mix of operational successes and high-profile blunders. In this period of his leadership, the EFCC secured 3,455 convictions and recovered N248 billion in proceeds of crime, including $105.4 million and £53,133 in foreign currencies. His tenure has also seen the strengthening of international partnerships, exemplified by the September 2024 transfer of $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canadian authorities in a cross-border fraud case. The assets had been traced to Canadian victims of Nigerian fraud schemes.

Even so, these achievements have been overshadowed by the commission's handling of politically sensitive cases. The most notable is the prolonged pursuit of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, charged with diverting over N80 billion in state funds. The case descended into a farce on 18 September 2024 when Bello, who had been declared wanted, visited the EFCC's headquarters but was turned back by operatives of the commission on account he was accompanied by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who has constitutional immunity from arrest. This incident raised serious questions about the EFCC's operational capabilities and strategy in pursuing powerful political figures. However, the EFCC finally arrested Mr. Bello late in November and kept him in custody.

The legitimacy of Olukoyede's appointment has remained a contentious issue throughout 2024, with critics arguing that his selection violated the EFCC Act's requirement for the chairman to have security or law enforcement experience. Although the Supreme Court's November 2024 ruling handed a win to the EFCC, affirming the commission's constitutional authority, which 16 state governments had challenged, debates around the specific appointment process and adherence to the EFCC Act may persist.

Olukoyede's reforms, including the establishment of a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) department and the launch of an anti-corruption radio station, suggest an emphasis on prevention and public engagement. However, the persistent challenges in prosecuting high-profile cases have reinforced longstanding concerns about the EFCC's effectiveness as Nigeria's premier anti-corruption agency. These contradictions between institutional modernisation and operational effectiveness continue to define Olukoyede's leadership as 2024 draws to a close.

Lakurawa

Lakurawa, a terrorist group operating in Nigeria's northwestern region, aptly exemplifies how seemingly benign local militias can transform into deadly extremist organisations. Research indicates that the group has been active along the Nigeria-Niger border since at least 1999, initially as a local militia formed to combat banditry. Its current form as a more organised extremist group emerged more prominently in the last six years.  

Initially providing community protection in the Gudu and Tangaza Local Government Areas of Sokoto State around 2018, Lakurawa established bases called "Darul Islam" along the border. Its cooperation with local authorities deteriorated when the group began imposing unauthorised levies on communities under the guise of Zakat (Islamic alms-giving) and enforcing its interpretation of Sharia law. The group has evolved into a significant security threat with links to transnational terrorist networks across the Sahel region. Its escalation of violence resulted in the Nigerian authorities' formal recognition of Lakurawa as a terrorist group in November 2024.

Lakurawa's operational tactics mirror those of established terrorist organisations. It employs guerrilla warfare, conducts armed attacks on military installations, and imposes strict religious practices in areas under its control. Its deadliest attack in November 2024 resulted in 15 casualties in Kebbi State, prompting Nigerian security forces to launch Operations Fansan Yamma and Farautar Mujiya against its camps.

Regional political instability, particularly the military coups in Niger and Mali, have played a huge role in the recent heightening of Lakurawa's reign of terror. The group’s ideological framework aligns with al-Qaeda and ISIS factions operating in the region, with members preferring to be identified as Mujahideen or Ansaru, suggesting links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The group’s multilingual capabilities – speaking Arabic, Tuareg, Fulfulde, and Hausa – enable its cross-border operations and recruitment.

The activities of Lakurawa present a growing threat to Nigeria's national security and regional stability. The group’s ability to exploit weak governance, poverty, and existing ethnic tensions while maintaining connections with broader jihadist networks makes it particularly dangerous. Its rise underscores the critical need for improved border security, enhanced regional cooperation, and comprehensive strategies addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel extremism in Nigeria's vulnerable communities.

Allen Onyema

Allen Onyema is the founder and CEO of Air Peace. He embodies both the potential of a transformative tycoon and complexities of Nigerian entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Air Peace has evolved from a modest startup in 2013 to West Africa's largest private airline. In March 2024, the airline made headlines with its entry into the Lagos-London route and subsequently received approval to operate the Abuja-London route. This expansion, marked by competitive pricing that forced established carriers to slash their fares, attests to Onyema's knack for market disruption and his stated commitment to making international travel more accessible to Nigerians.

Beyond commercial success, Onyema has demonstrated remarkable humanitarian leadership in times of crisis. During the xenophobic attacks in South Africa in 2019, he chartered flights to evacuate stranded Nigerians, earning widespread commendation. In 2023, Air Peace played a crucial role in airlifting Nigerian citizens who wanted to leave Sudan amid escalating violence.

However, Onyema's acclaim has been marred by serious legal challenges in the United States. Following an indictment in 2019 by the U.S. Department of Justice, his legal troubles have only intensified. In October 2024, U.S. authorities expanded their existing indictment against him to 38 counts, including fresh charges of obstruction of justice alongside previous allegations of bank fraud and money laundering. The charges, centred around suspicious movement of $20 million through U.S. banks, have led to arrest warrants against him and intensified scrutiny of his business practices.

Notwithstanding the charges – which the businessman has vehemently denied – Onyema's airline continues to expand its footprint. The launch of Air Peace's London flight service sparked what industry observers described as a “price war”, with foreign carriers dramatically reducing their fares in what Onyema characterised as a "devilish conspiracy" to drive his airline out of the market. The competition saw ticket prices plummet from N3 million to around N841,732 for round trips.

While his airline's expansion has undeniably made international air travel cheaper for Nigerians during a very difficult year, the unresolved allegations raise some questions about the foundation of his business success. As the legal proceedings unfold, Onyema's story serves as a complex parable of ambition, achievement, and the intricacies in the Nigerian business landscape. It is hoped that his Air Peace will succeed on the lucrative international routes where other Nigerian airlines have failed.

Governor Dauda Lawal

Dauda Lawal is the 5th civilian Executive Governor of Zamfara State. His administration has shown promise through initiatives in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, including the rehabilitation of the General Hospital in Kauran Namoda and the launch of vocational training centres. However, Lawal's achievements could be overshadowed by his bitter quarrel with his predecessor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The feud between Lawal, a member of the ruling PDP in Zamfara, and Matawalle of the opposition APC in the state, began after the former's victory over the latter in the 2023 gubernatorial election, reaching a crescendo in September 2024 when both men traded weighty allegations on national television. Lawal claimed evidence of Matawalle's complicity with bandits, citing instances where ransoms were allegedly paid through the government house during his predecessor's tenure. Matawalle countered by challenging Lawal to swear with the Quran to prove his own innocence, citing how he had done so previously to deny any connection with banditry.

The conflict has not only heightened concerns about its repercussions on a state already experiencing severe security issues, but it also stands as an example of how political feuds can imperil governance in Nigeria's fragile states. Lawal’s own "Rescue Mission" agenda, aimed at reversing the state's decline, will face significant hurdles should the political establishment remain embroiled in accusations and counter-accusations.

For instance, with Matawalle now a junior minister overseeing defence matters at the federal level, the breakdown in relationship between these key figures would potentially compromise security coordination in a region where terrorist groups operate with impunity. The situation has already been complicated by allegations from Nigeria's most-wanted bandit, Bello Turji, that he and other bandits received political protection from Matawalle when he was governor.

As Zamfara continues to grapple with insecurity and poverty, the Lawal-Matawalle vendetta is a troubling example of how political rivalries can undermine governance and security initiatives in Nigeria. It is high time stakeholder efforts aimed at resolving the quarrel are intensified and yield a positive outcome in the interest of the people of Zamfara who long for peace, security, and effective governance.

Taiwo Oyedele

Taiwo Oyedele is the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR), under President Bola Tinubu. A former partner at PwC Nigeria, Oyedele has played a pivotal role in shaping tax reform discussions under the current administration. He has emphasised practical solutions to address inefficiencies in Nigeria's tax system and policy formulation to enhance overall effectiveness.

Oyedele’s appointment in July 2023 signalled the administration's commitment to transforming Nigeria's outdated tax system, which has resulted in one of the world's lowest tax revenue-to-GDP ratios, recorded at 9.4% in 2023, according to the IMF. The PCFPTR’s reform goals include modernising and simplifying tax structure, digitalising administration, harmonising revenue collection, and protecting vulnerable citizens through targeted interventions.

The committee’s proposal to exempt minimum wage earners from Pay-As-You-Earn tax while introducing progressive rates for high-income earners indicates a nuanced approach to social equity. The reforms also aim to reduce corporate income tax from 30% to 25% and eliminate multiple taxation to boost business competitiveness. These and other proposed changes are contained in the four tax reform bills President Tinubu transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration in September 2024.

However, Oyedele's technocratic vision faces resistance from state governors, particularly regarding proposed changes to Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation. The proposed formula, which suggests reducing the federal government's share from 15% to 10% while increasing state allocations based on where goods and services are consumed, has sparked concerns about revenue distribution, especially among northern governors. Critics argue that such significant changes required broader consultation with state leaders to ensure equitable outcomes for all regions.

Despite the tax expert's assurances that the reforms would benefit 98% of workers and include VAT exemptions for essential items, public scepticism persists due to deep-seated mistrust in government reforms, which have recently lacked human face – despite promises of long-term benefits. As the reform agenda unfolds, Oyedele's experience would serve as