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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Nigeria · Country watch

Shell Sells Gas Business, IMF Warns on Fuel Subsidy

Shell exits Nigerian gas market, while IMF advises against fuel subsidy restoration, impacting energy sector dynamics.

· · 9 sources

The picture Mixed

Business conditions in Nigeria are mixed today. Shell's exit from the gas market and IMF's warning against fuel subsidies impact the energy sector, while safety concerns rise with the closure of Catholic institutions in Benue due to attacks.

In this briefing Rodrigo Valdés · International Monetary Fund · Federal Government of Nigeria · Catholic Diocese of Gboko · Benue State · Shell plc · Vaaris Energy Limited

Regulation

  • energy
  • public-sector

IMF cautions Nigeria against restoring fuel subsidy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised Nigeria against reinstating broad petrol subsidies, recommending instead targeted support for vulnerable households to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs, according to Information Nigeria. The IMF argues that blanket subsidies are costly, often benefit wealthier consumers disproportionately, and could exacerbate fiscal pressures amid rising borrowing costs, Channels TV reports.

Impact Energy sector stakeholders and fiscal policymakers face pressure to balance energy affordability with fiscal sustainability.

Sources: Information Nigeria ↗, Channels TV ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Catholic Diocese shuts Benue schools, hospital after attacks

Sunset at the Benue river, the fishermen retires home, the birds fly back, a home time for everyone. I waited at the river bank for 7 hours
Sunset at the Benue river, the fishermen retires home, the birds fly back, a home time for everyone. I waited at the river bank for 7 hours Agbendeh Simon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Catholic Diocese of Gboko has closed its schools and hospital in Ihugh, Benue State, citing repeated attacks and destruction of church properties, Punch reports. This decision involves the withdrawal of all priests, religious workers, teachers, and medical staff, according to Daily Trust. The closures are indefinite, affecting the local community's access to education and healthcare services.

Impact Residents of Ihugh, Benue State, lose access to education and healthcare services due to the closure of Catholic institutions.

Sources: Punch ↗, Daily Trust ↗

Companies

  • energy

Shell sells Nigerian gas business to Vaaris Energy

Shell has signed an agreement to sell its entire interest in Shell Nigeria Gas Group to Vaaris Energy Limited, a Nigerian energy company, pending regulatory approval, according to Punch. This transaction is part of Shell's strategy to simplify its portfolio and focus on areas of competitive strength, Premium Times reports. The sale includes a pipeline network serving various industrial customers. Business Day notes that Vaaris Energy will take over operations once the deal is finalized.

Impact Energy companies and industrial gas consumers in Nigeria face changes in supply dynamics as Vaaris Energy takes over operations.

Sources: Punch ↗, Premium Time ↗, Business Day ↗

Markets

Nothing significant reported today.

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Nigeria

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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