Nigeria and the Global Pulse

-SEB EDITORIAL-

A World in Flux—Nigeria and the Global Pulse

In a time when headlines blur into each other with dizzying speed, the stories emerging from Nigeria and across the globe reveal a world caught between upheaval and transformation. From the dusty borderlands of the northeast to the diplomatic corridors of Washington and Tel Aviv, the narrative is one of tension, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of change.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The recent precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force, which reportedly neutralized over 35 terrorists near the Cameroon border, signal a renewed commitment to national security. For many citizens, this is a welcome shift, a momentary relief in a long-standing battle against insurgency. Yet, skepticism lingers. Civil society groups and human rights advocates remain cautious, recalling past operations where civilian casualties blurred the line between victory and tragedy. The military, for its part, insists on the professionalism and intelligence-led nature of the strikes, hoping to rebuild trust in its operations.

Economically, Nigeria is showing signs of recovery. The country has recorded its first balance of payments surplus in three years, buoyed by reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and increased oil production. The Dangote refinery, now a net exporter of petroleum products, is being hailed as a symbol of industrial resurgence. But beneath these macroeconomic gains lies a harsher truth: the average Nigerian is still grappling with rising costs, stagnant wages, and a life expectancy of just 54 years, the lowest in the world. Social media is awash with frustration, and protest movements have gained momentum, with thousands arrested and dozens killed during demonstrations. Even cultural expressions of dissent, like the banned protest song Tell Your Papa, have sparked debates about censorship and freedom of speech.

Amid the turmoil, moments of unity and pride still shine through. The passing of Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai drew heartfelt tributes, including a visit from Peter Obi to the late footballer’s family. Nigerians mourned not just a sports icon, but a symbol of national pride. Yet, the tribute also reignited criticism of how the country treats its heroes, with some accusing the government of neglecting Rufai during his illness. Others defended the support provided, revealing a nation still grappling with how to honor its past.

In the digital realm, Nigeria is leading Africa’s charge into the future. With over $22 billion in stablecoin transactions recorded in the past year, the country is embracing cryptocurrency as a tool for cross-border trade and inflation hedging. Tech enthusiasts are celebrating this shift, but economists warn of dollarisation risks and the digital divide that could leave rural communities behind. The Securities and Exchange Commission is exploring a naira-pegged stablecoin, hoping to balance innovation with sovereignty.

Globally, the world is no less turbulent. In Gaza, Israel’s advance on Gaza City continues even as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas inch forward. The humanitarian crisis has deepened, with famine and civilian casualties drawing condemnation from the United Nations and aid organizations. Protests within Gaza reflect a population desperate for relief, while Israeli leadership faces mounting pressure to accept a ceasefire.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump has inserted himself into the Russia–Ukraine conflict, proposing a peace deal that has drawn both praise and ridicule. European leaders urge caution, emphasizing the need for a lasting resolution rather than a temporary pause. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains open to dialogue but insists that any agreement must prioritize enduring peace.

Elsewhere, scandal has rocked Norway’s royal family, with the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit indicted on multiple counts of abuse. The nation is stunned, and the monarchy is under scrutiny, navigating a crisis that threatens its public image. In Spain, wildfires have forced over 30,000 evacuations, marking the worst season in three decades. The political blame game has intensified, with accusations flying over climate policy and emergency preparedness.

Yet, amid the chaos, culture continues to bridge divides. The launch of Nigerian streaming platform KAVA in the UK has been met with excitement, especially among the diaspora. It’s more than just entertainment, it’s a reclamation of narrative, a cinematic homecoming for African stories long sidelined by global media. Industry analysts see it as a strategic move to globalize Nollywood, challenging Hollywood’s dominance and elevating African voices.

In sum, the world is burning, building, and bargaining—all at once. Nigeria, like many nations, is navigating a delicate dance between progress and pain. Globally, diplomacy, disaster, and disruption are shaping a new era. But through it all, people are speaking louder, demanding more, and refusing to be sidelined. The stories may be complex, but the message is clear: this is a time of reckoning, and the world is listening.