In the Niger Delta, rampant oil theft continues to threaten local livelihoods and the national economy. Armed groups siphon crude oil from pipelines in the region, often operating with impunity and even security cover. These activities cause environmental devastation, health crises, and economic losses. In 2022, Nigeria lost $23 billion to oil theft, so that it lost its position as Africa's top oil exporter. The authorities are committed to fighting this problem by deploying gunboats, engaging vigilantes, and supporting the navy. Increased oil production, now averaging 1.8 million barrels per day, has been attributed to these efforts. However, poverty and unemployment continue to drive pipeline vandalism. Nigeria's inflation rate, worsened by a devalued naira, remains high, but there is official optimism that rising oil output will stabilise the economy.

Pray: for solutions to poverty and environmental restoration in the Niger Delta, and for authorities to know how best to curb oil theft. (Proverbs 28:1)
More: www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/19/in-nigerias-crude-capital-a-plan-to-win-the-war-against-oil-theft

Developed nations at the COP29 summit in Baku committed to mobilising at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035 to address climate change. However, this figure fell far short of the $1.3 trillion per year which had been demanded, leaving many deeply dissatisfied. The agreed amount includes contributions from private investment, but critics argue it lacks ambition and clarity. Tensions flared during chaotic negotiations, with India and Nigeria accusing the presidency of forcing the deal without proper consensus. Decisions on transitioning away from fossil fuels, highlighted in last year’s ‘global stocktake’, were deferred to COP30, but a milestone was achieved with the completion of Article 6 on carbon markets, finalising the Paris Agreement framework nearly a decade after its inception. The summit's outcomes were overshadowed by Donald Trump’s reelection and his pledge to withdraw the USA from the Paris Agreement. Also, host Azerbaijan, which sources two-thirds of its revenue from fossil fuels, faced accusations of conflict of interest and malpractice during the conference. For in-depth analysis of what happened, see the weblink.

Pray: for unity and bold action among nations to combat climate challenges. (Micah 6:8)
More: www.carbonbrief.org/cop29-key-outcomes-agreed-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-baku/

On 1 October, in a televised speech to mark Nigeria’s 64 years of independence, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the financial struggles and search for meaningful employment faced by many people. He listed security gains and investments in farm machinery among achievements which would help ease economic pressures, and also announced a national youth conference, known as ‘the 30-day Confab’, whose recommendations would be considered and implemented. The president stressed that the government is mindful of future generations and their potential to contribute to the nation’s progress. However, protests against the current economic hardships have taken place in several states, reflecting discontent among citizens. Some expressed disappointment with the lack of concrete measures to reduce inflation and improve living standards. Tinubu defended his economic reforms, which have pushed the inflation rate to a 28-year high.

Pray: for the president and his government to make decisions in the best interests of the country. (Jeremiah 29:11)
More: www.africanews.com/2024/10/01/nigeria-turns-64-tinubu-vows-end-of-tunnel-is-near-some-protest-economic-hardship/

There has been widespread outrage after the government acquired an Airbus A330 for the presidential fleet despite the severe economic crisis. This move comes just weeks after nationwide protests over rising hunger and living costs. President Tinubu, who has implemented several economic reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies, justifies these changes as necessary for reducing government spending and fostering long-term growth. Despite announcing a 60% reduction in official travel delegations, he travelled to France using the newly acquired plane, which was bought to replace an older one. The cost of the plane and the purpose of his trip remain undisclosed. Many have condemned the purchase as insensitive, but officials said that the presidential fleet had a high maintenance cost due to the age of its planes, so it was a necessary investment.

Pray: for Nigerian leaders to prioritise the well-being of citizens in governance. (Proverbs 16:8)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4ydd2x5x2o

IG, a Nigerian missionary in China for two decades, faced immense hardship during his first two years, often going without food and shelter. Despite these challenges, his determination to fulfill God's call kept him going. He had a transformative experience in Nigeria, where he found faith during high school, initially attending Bible studies to impress a girl but eventually feeling a deep conviction to give his life to Jesus. At 18, after his spiritual awakening, he pursued a path of outreach and ministry. Feeling called to be a missionary, he initially attempted to go to Korea but ended up in China after a layover in Hong Kong. There, he struggled with homelessness and hunger but persevered, eventually connecting with other Nigerians and finding stability. IG began ministering in Guangzhou, where he married a Chinese translator and had three children. His work faced instability due to government crackdowns, leading him to rebuild his ministry multiple times. Despite these challenges, he continues to lead two churches, noting the Chinese appreciation for African preachers, who are seen as having "God's fire."

Praise: God for IG's unwavering faith and perseverance, spreading the Gospel and growing God’s Church in China. (James 1:12)
More: https://www.godreports.com/2024/07/nigerian-missionary-in-china-we-have-the-fire-of-god/https://www.godreports.com/2024/07/nigerian-missionary-in-china-we-have-the-fire-of-god/

Cameroon’s military has rescued over 300 civilians, mostly women and children, from Boko Haram captivity along the borders with Nigeria and Chad. The operation, called Alpha, took place over the past week and involved around 200 government troops. Oumar Fatime, a vegetable farmer from Ngouboua, Chad, described her abduction by Boko Haram fighters on 17 April and the subsequent threat to kill her and others if ransoms were not paid. Cameroon state TV aired footage of the rescued civilians arriving at a military camp in Dabanga. The operation, which also involved seizing weapons, explosives, motorcycles, and bicycles, was supported by troops from Chad and Nigeria. Many Boko Haram militants were killed or wounded. Boko Haram violence has resulted in over 36,000 deaths and displaced three million people since 2009 across Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad.

Pray: for emotional and physical healing and recovery for the rescued captives and their families. Pray for the terrorists to be brought to justice. (Psalm 147:3)
More: https://shorturl.at/v4q1Rhttps://shorturl.at/v4q1R

Nigeria is grappling with a severe fuel shortage, exacerbating the hardships faced by its citizens (especially those reliant on public transport). Long queues for fuel have emerged in major cities, and prices have surged by over 15%. Authorities attribute the shortage to logistical challenges disrupting supply chains. Despite being a top crude oil producer in Africa, Nigeria frequently experiences petrol shortages due to strikes and supply disruptions. The state oil firm has accused fuel companies of exploiting the situation for profit. While Nigeria recently opened Africa's largest refinery in Lagos, it currently only produces diesel and aviation fuel. With the inflation rate over 30%, the government has just announced a 35% pay increase for civil servants, but the monthly minimum salary rate is still unchanged. See

Pray: for the talks between the government and the main labour unions about the minimum wage to have a positive outcome. (Philippians 4:19)
More: www.africanews.com/2024/05/01/nigerians-struggle-with-fuel-shortages-as-queues-form-across-major-cities/

The BBC has exposed evidence of widespread abuse and torture by TB Joshua, the founder of one of the world's largest Christian evangelical churches, the Synagogue Church of All Nations. The two-year investigation revealed multiple eyewitness accounts of physical violence, torture, child abuse, and individuals being whipped and chained by him. Many women reported sexual assault, with some claiming repeated rape over the years within the compound. Forced abortions allegedly followed the rapes, with one woman claiming five terminations. Additionally, there were accounts of Joshua staging fake ‘miracle healings’ in broadcasts to millions worldwide. One British victim, Rae, shared her harrowing experience of being sexually assaulted, enduring solitary confinement for two years, and attempting suicide multiple times. The church did not respond to these allegations but has previously denied similar claims. Joshua died in 2021: his church, now led by his wife, still attracts pilgrims from around the world.

Pray: for the full truth to be revealed, and for the victims to receive adequate reparation and healing. (Psalm 37:5,6)
More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67749215www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67749215www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67749215

A never-ending massacre of Christians being ‘killed for sport’ is reportedly happening in Nigeria, yet the world appears to be largely deaf to it. While much of the world was celebrating a beginning - Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ - in Nigeria they were mourning the end of many lives. Armed bandits ran amok, according to Amnesty International, in some twenty communities across central Nigeria, killing at least 140. In a country where accurate statistics are traditionally hard to come by, some sources have put the death toll closer to 200. The Christians were killed in a wide swath across an invisible line that separates the mostly Muslim north and the predominantly Christian south in the country’s Plateau State. One commentator on social media asked: ‘When is the protest march scheduled for?’

Pray: that in 2024 the world’s attention will be focussed much more on these killings. Pray for the many who are grieving. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
More: http://www.gellerreport.com/2023/12/world-ignores-muslims-butchering-and-slaughtering-christians-for-sport-in-nigeria-50000-and-counting.html

Following the killing of 21 Christians and critical injuries to ten more in the Plateau by Fulani militants, believers are increasingly at risk and calling for action from leaders. The violence erupted when Fulani herdsmen set buildings alight in Heipang, an area where many displaced Christians from surrounding villages have been staying. Masara Kim, a Jos journalist, told a Catholic charity that after setting the houses ablaze, they aimed their assault rifles at those trying to flee from the fires. He said, ‘About half of the victims were burnt beyond recognition. At least five of them were infants. It was a heartbreaking scene to witness. They were given a mass burial in a rain-soaked mass grave. These are poor villagers who do not even have money for food, much less for coffins. There were witnesses, but authorities failed to identify the perpetrators.’

Pray: for survivors who saw their family members murdered to receive God’s comfort, and for the authorities to track down the criminals. (Psalm 31:14-15)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/fulani-militants-killed-21-christians-in-nigera-calls-for-change-as-attacks-worsen

Migrant communities from West Africa and India are renewing and revitalising Manchester churches. As many of them work at hospitals, Fr Paul Hutchins has added a mid-week service to make attendance easier for people working at weekends. He also encourages members to shape the worship, bringing hymns and prayers from their churches of origin, helping them feel as at home as possible. He says, ‘Five years ago we had sparks of promise as a multicultural congregation, but in a short space of time we have seen huge increases in new worshippers from Ghana, Nigeria, and South India.’ Three churches in the diocese have seen huge boosts to their congregations, mostly thanks to the families which have migrated to the area.

Praise: God for Fr Paul leading the way in meeting his congregation where they are at and helping them make the Anglican churches their spiritual home. (Matthew 16:18)
More: premierchristian.news/en/news/article/migration-brings-huge-boost-to-parish-churches

Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Kukah of Sokoto, who criticised previous governments’ failure to curb extremist violence and protect Christians, welcomed the new president, Bola Tinubu, and vice-president, Kashim Mustapha, despite fears over them both being Muslims. Bishop Kukah said he has known Tinubu for 20 years and has worked with Kashim Shettima. Referring to the fact that Tinubu is married to a Christian, Shettima said a man who has not Islamised his family will not Islamise Nigeria. Bishop Kukah stressed that politicians should not be assessed by their religion but by their capacity and competence and how they see justice, fairness, and equity, adding ‘Of course, I would like a Catholic president, but he would not govern Catholics, he would govern Nigeria.

Pray: for Nigeria’s people to be governed by leaders with integrity who will build a better country without any religious prejudice or persecution. (Exodus 18:21)
More: https://acnuk.org/news/nigeria-bishops-rejects-anxieties-new-president-will-islamise-nigeria/https://acnuk.org/news/nigeria-bishops-rejects-anxieties-new-president-will-islamise-nigeria/