- The year 2024 has seen Nigeria grappling with key issues, from legal challenges to economic policies that have divided public opinion and courted controversies
- One of which is the safety concerns over CNG-powered vehicles amid the government's ongoing efforts to promote the fuel as a safer and more affordable alternative to petrol
- As 2024 nears its end, TheRadar compiled 7 most controversial events of the year
As 2024 draws to a close, the year has been marked by a series of controversies that have sparked heated discussions and divided public opinion across Nigeria.
From legal challenges to economic shifts and political moves, the events listed below highlight the issues that dominated national discourse in 2024:
1. Yahaya Bello and EFCC circus
Yahaya Bello and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) gave Nigerians plenty of drama in 2024, with what seemed like a cat-and-dog circus.
The controversy surrounding Yahaya Bello’s financial activities during his tenure as Kogi State governor escalated dramatically as the EFCC filed charges against him for embezzlement of public funds.
Bello, who successfully evaded arrest for months and seemed to have his successor, Governor Ahmed Ododo, as his lackey, was charged with money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
He also faced an additional 16-count charge alongside two Kogi State officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha.
Despite efforts to apprehend him, including public summons published in national newspapers, Bello remained elusive. In a twist of event, the former Kogi state governor sued EFCC for declaring him wanted. However, following a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the EFCC’s authority, he eventually surrendered to the agency.
After appearing voluntarily with his lawyers, a judge at the FCT High Court postponed proceedings until December 10, 2024, and ordered Bello and his co-defendants to remain in EFCC custody.
The EFCC also reported receiving a refund of $760,000 that the former Kogi State Governor had paid in advance for his children's tuition at the American International School in Abuja.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC's spokesperson, confirmed that the school refunded the complete amount of $760,000 to the commission's recovery account.
2. Chinese company seizes Nigeria's presidential jet
In a dramatic turn of events, three Nigerian presidential jets were seized in Paris by Zhongshan, a Chinese company, following a court order. After a prolonged legal battle with Nigeria, the company was awarded $74.5 million in compensation.
The jets, including a newly acquired Airbus A330 worth over $100 million, were taken as collateral until the company received the full amount owed.
The seizure stemmed from a legal dispute dating back to 2010 when Zhongshan partnered with the Ogun State government to oversee a free-trade zone. In 2015, the Ogun State government cancelled the contract with the company, leading to a series of legal actions.
Zhongshan initiated an investment treaty arbitration against Nigeria under the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) between the People's Republic of China and Nigeria. In 2021, the arbitration tribunal ruled in favour of Zhongshan, stating that Nigeria had violated its obligations under the BIT.
The ruling awarded the company more than $74 million in compensation. Subsequently, in March 2021, the Judicial Court of Paris granted Zhongshan the right to seize Nigerian assets, including the presidential jets, to ensure payment.
The court also imposed a restriction preventing Zhongshan from selling or transferring the seized aircraft until it received the awarded amount.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy condemned the seizure, accusing the Chinese company of using unscrupulous methods to claim Nigeria's offshore assets.
3. Minors arrested over #Endbadgovernance protests
Several teenagers were arrested in Kano and Kaduna states for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests against severe hunger and poor governance in the country.
Disturbing photos and videos emerged from the incident, showing some of the detained minors collapsed in a courtroom in Abuja due to malnutrition.
The detention of the teenagers had been ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who approved a police ex-parte application to keep them in custody for 60 days while investigations into their involvement in the protests continued.
The minors were accused of attempting to destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Subsequently, Amnesty International condemned the detention, criticising the Nigerian government for holding minors in such conditions.
In response to growing concerns, President Tinubu directed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to review the cases of the detained minors.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, called for the immediate dismissal of the charges against the minors and urged the government to provide them with educational support.
4. The battle for Kano Emirate
To reinstate Muhammadu Sanusi, the removed 14th Emir of Kano, the administration led by Abba Kabir Yusuf dethroned Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero as Emir of Kano, following the annulment of the law established by the Ganduje government.
Subsequently, the Kano Emirates Council Law, which had dissolved the five emirates in Kano State, was overturned by a Federal High Court in Kano. The court declared the dethronement of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and four other emirs as illegal.
In a continued twist, the court ruled against the 15th Emir of Kano and the four others, in favour of Sanusi. The court ordered Aminu Ado Bayero and the four other former emirs to promptly return all Emirate Traditional Royal Artefacts to the government and the substantive Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
The deposed emirs were instructed to leave the palace within 48 hours and surrender all properties.
As the emirate tussle intensified, the Kano House of Assembly introduced a bill to create second-class emirates in the state. The proposed legislation aimed to form three new emirates, which would fall under Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano.
5. CNG, its publicity and controversial ambassadors
In a troubling incident in Benin City, a car powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) exploded while being refuelled at a NIPCO station, raising alarms about the safety of CNG-powered vehicles.
Also, the Malaysian government's recent decision to phase out natural gas vehicles (NGVs) by July 2025 further fueled these concerns, intensifying the debate over the safety and feasibility of CNG as a long-term energy solution.
The incident occurred amid the government's ongoing efforts to promote CNG as a safer and more affordable alternative to petrol. The government launched an online platform to facilitate the conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG, offering a flexible payment plan to make the transition more accessible.
However, a controversial decision by the administration sparked widespread criticism. The government sent a group of comedians and social media influencers to India to study the country's successful adoption of CNG in transportation.
Many Nigerians questioned the rationale behind sending entertainers and influencers, rather than energy sector experts, to study such a critical energy solution. This move raised doubts about the government's commitment to addressing the country's energy needs in a serious and informed manner.
6. National grid’s incessant collapses
The national grid in Nigeria experienced about 12 collapses in 2024, causing widespread frustration. Critics blamed the government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for mismanagement, pointing to outdated infrastructure, insufficient generation capacity, technical losses, and lack of maintenance as the primary causes.
These grid failures resulted in severe power outages, affecting millions of citizens. In response, there were urgent calls for reform, including modernising the transmission network, fostering private-sector investment, and developing a regulatory framework that supports the expansion of renewable energy.
7. Fuel pricing and market dispute between NNPC, Dangote refinery
The Dangote Refinery, NNPC (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation), and IPMAN (Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria) were at the centre of a significant tussle. When the Dangote Refinery began operations, it was expected to ease Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, but it instead created tensions in the country.
Controversy arose over the quality of Dangote petrol, and at one point, concerns about monopoly also emerged. NNPC disclosed it scaled back its interest in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 20% to 7.2%, reallocating resources to invest in compressed natural gas (CNG).
IPMAN, representing independent marketers, voiced concerns over pricing and distribution dynamics, accusing both NNPC and Dangote Refinery of creating unfair market conditions that disadvantaged smaller players. IPMAN called for more favourable conditions for marketers, while NNPC and Dangote pushed for greater market control and price stability.
The fuel supply chain was further strained by regulatory uncertainties and fuel price fluctuations, which led to disagreements over pricing structures and access to products. Amidst these tensions, Nigerians suffered fuel scarcity and a hike in fuel prices.
8. Cabinet reshuffle
President Bola Tinubu reshuffled his cabinet, adjusting many key ministerial roles to enhance the government's ability to address Nigeria's critical issues, including security, economic recovery, and social development.
As part of the changes, some ministers were reassigned to different portfolios, while certain positions were merged or abolished. Among the notable changes, the ministers for Education, Tourism, Women's affairs and Youth Development.
Tinubu also appointed new ministers for roles in humanitarian and poverty reduction, trade and investment, labour, livestock development, as well as junior ministers for foreign affairs, education, and housing.
Additionally, the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was renamed the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Sports was dissolved, and the ministries of tourism and arts and culture were combined.
9. Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola’s saga
The controversy between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola originated with the release of the book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, authored and published by Farotimi.
The book reportedly contained defamatory statements about Babalola, a 95-year-old Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
The accusations were linked to Farotimi’s claims that Babalola had been complicit in the corruption of the Nigerian Supreme Court justices, along with other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
Farotimi was arrested and charged with defamation and cyberbullying at both the Federal High Court in Ekiti and the Magistrates' Court in Ado-Ekiti.
Following his arrest, Farotimi was remanded in custody. In addition to legal proceedings, Babalola’s law firm petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to have Farotimi removed from the roll of Nigerian lawyers.
In addition, a court order was issued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja for the confiscation of all physical copies of Farotimi's book, citing its defamatory content directed at Babalola.
10. Ondo election
In the Ondo gubernatorial election, 18 candidates, including incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and 16 others, competed for the seat.
Both leading candidates Aiyedatiwa, and Ajayi had previously served as deputy governors under the late Governor Akeredolu, making the election a notable contest between two former deputies.
Aiyedatiwa was re-elected however, this was met with controversy, as the PDP rejected the results and accused the APC of electoral fraud.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, labelled the election a "sham," alleging vote-buying, intimidation, and other tactics aimed at manipulating the outcome and suppressing voter participation.
The PDP called for an investigation into the process, arguing that it failed to meet the standards of a free and fair election and vowed to take steps to protect democracy.
In contrast, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, defended the election, describing it as "one of the best ever conducted" by the commission.
Reacting, APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the PDP’s accusations as unfounded and typical of the party's approach.
11. Edo election
The 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, which saw 16 males and one female contest the seat, ended with Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) being declared the winner.
His victory marked an end to the eight-year rule of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) under Governor Godwin Obaseki, despite Obaseki's endorsement of the PDP candidate.
However, Okpebholo’s win was met with significant backlash. A fraction of the Edo electorate took to the streets in protest, claiming the official election results were manipulated and did not reflect the true voting outcomes.
The PDP rejected the results, accusing the APC of stealing its mandate. The opposition party vowed to challenge Okpebholo's victory in court, adding that the election was neither free nor fair and that it did not represent the will of the people.
Meanwhile, Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who secured third place with 22,763 votes, announced he would not challenge the election results. Akpata stated that he would not contest the results. He emphasised that the fight against electoral corruption extended beyond the courtroom.
12. Ikwechegh, Abuwatseya exchange apologies following viral slapping incident
A viral video had surfaced showing a disturbing altercation between House of Representatives member, Alex Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/South of Abia State, and a Bolt driver at Ikwechegh's residence in Maitama, Abuja.
In the footage, the visibly enraged lawmaker was seen repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver requested that he come outside to collect a package of snails intended for delivery.
The incident sparked public outrage, leading Ikwechegh to issue a public apology. In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging that his behaviour was unacceptable and did not meet the standards expected of a public official.
He apologised to the driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his conduct was inappropriate, regardless of any provocation.
In an unexpected twist, the driver involved, Stephen Abuwatseya, also issued a public apology. In a video statement, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking Ikwechegh and asked for forgiveness from the lawmaker and Nigerians. He urged the public to move past the incident, calling for reconciliation and urging everyone to look forward.
13. Ajuri Ngelale’s sacking and feud with Bayo Onanuga
Ajuri Ngelale, former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, was reportedly dismissed from his position following an escalating feud with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
Ngelale cited, “medical matters affecting my immediate, nuclear family,” left many Nigerians shocked. However, it later emerged that he had been dismissed by the presidency, though he had requested to resign publicly to leave on a softer note.
Undisclosed sources revealed that the tension between Ngelale and Onanuga had been building since Bola Tinubu’s election as president in 2023.
Ngelale, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 as a senior special adviser on public affairs, reportedly viewed himself as superior to Onanuga, which contributed to their strained relationship.
At 38, Ngelale’s career began with Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the 2000s, while Onanuga, 67, a journalist and former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), had decades of experience in the media industry.
Both men held roles with similar titles, which caused confusion within the civil service. Ngelale was designated Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, while Onanuga was Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
The hierarchy and the distinction between their positions were less clear. According to reports, Ngelale’s directives that no statement from Onanuga could be released without his approval further exacerbated the tensions between them.
This power struggle within the media and communications team of the presidency caused significant internal conflict. Additionally, Ngelale’s reported difficult relationship with journalists and the media ultimately undermined his position within the administration.
The culmination of these issues led to Ngelale’s eventual dismissal, with sources confirming that his standing with the presidency had been significantly damaged by the ongoing disputes.
14. Unguarded public comments by Senate President Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio sparked controversy and drew widespread criticism for a series of remarks deemed inappropriate.
One of the most notable incidents occurred when he made a comment netizens referred to as the “sexist comments” towards Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
During a plenary session, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to speak without being given the floor, prompting a sharp response from Akpabio.
He reacted by saying, “Senator Natasha, you cannot speak without being asked or invited to speak in the Senate. This is not a nightclub.”
The remarks were widely condemned as unprofessional and disrespectful, particularly towards a female colleague.
Another controversial moment came during Akpabio’s campaign for the presidency of the 10th Senate. In a brief appearance at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
He addressed members-elect of the House of Representatives, who were gathered for a meeting with then-Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila to discuss support for President Tinubu’s choice of speaker.
In his speech, Akpabio shared advice from his late mother, recounting, “Yesterday, I met the party. I actually left a sentence with them or thereabouts. Should I leave the sentence with you?” Akpabio said to the lawmakers-elect.
“In your daily dealings, my late mother told me that I should be aware of the 3Gs: The first G is God; the second G is Gun and the third G is Government.
“The first G is God Almighty. The second G is what? Gun and the third one is (the) Government. May you conduct yourself mindful of the admonition of my late mother, by respecting the 3Gs, particularly the government,” Akpabio stated.
15. Landmark Beach demolition for coastal highway
Nigeria witnessed a contentious clash between the Landmark Beach Resort and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The Nigerian government’s ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, designed to improve connectivity and drive economic growth, became a focal point of controversy.
Spanning over 700 kilometres, the highway was set to link Lagos, the country’s economic hub, with Calabar, a vital port city near the Cameroonian border.
The government’s decision to demolish Landmark Beach Resort to pave the way for the coastal highway sparked protests from the resort’s management and staff. They expressed strong opposition, with messages like #SaveLandmarkBeachResort and Save Our Jobs.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, oversaw the demolition of Landmark Beach to clear space for the highway’s construction. Umahi emphasised that while several structures would be affected, compensation would be provided to those impacted by the project.
Umahi also announced that the first section of the highway would be completed by May 29, 2025, with tolls introduced for a period of 5 to 10 years to recover construction costs.
2027 Election: Governors threaten lawmakers’ re-election over support for tax reform bills - Agbese
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some state governors allegedly pressured federal lawmakers to withdraw support for Tinubu's Tax Reform Bills, threatening to block their re-election in 2027.
Philip Agbese affirmed the House's commitment to passing the Tax Reform Bills with minor adjustments.