News on the Go: 5 things that should matter to you today

• Presidency defends N10bn solar project for state house
• IG orders nationwide anti-banditry deployment
• Trump administration moves to ban synthetic food dyes

We have highlighted the five most important developments in the news today, Wednesday, April 23, and present them below.

5 issues in the news that should matter to you today

1. Presidency defends N10bn solar project for state house: The Presidency has justified the Federal Executive Council’s approval of a N10 billion solar energy installation for the State House, following public backlash over the project's cost amid Nigeria's economic struggles.

The Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, clarified on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle that the move aligns with global standards. 

He noted that even the White House in the United States integrates solar energy into its power supply, emphasising Nigeria's need to transition to sustainable energy sources.

2. Lagos APC fixes N5.5m fee for LG chairmanship aspirants: Chairmanship hopefuls in Lagos State’s July 12 local government elections will need to pay a total of N5.5 million, according to new guidelines released by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The breakdown includes a N5 million nomination fee and a N500,000 administrative charge. 

However, in a bid to encourage female participation, the party is offering a 50% discount on the nomination fee for women, who will pay N2.5 million along with the administrative fee.

3. IG orders nationwide anti-banditry deployment: To combat the surge in violent attacks across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed special anti-banditry squads nationwide.

During a Tuesday meeting with Police Mobile Force commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, April 22, he directed each squadron to maintain at least one fully-equipped, combat-ready unit at all times. 

The move comes in the wake of recent bandit attacks in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States, where 21 people were reportedly killed.

4. Flight disruptions loom as NiMet workers begin strike: Air travellers in Nigeria may face major delays as staff of the Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NiMet) prepare for an indefinite nationwide strike starting midnight Tuesday, April 22.

Passengers at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport have expressed concern. 

Aviation experts warn that continued industrial action could seriously disrupt flight operations across the country.

5. Trump administration moves to ban synthetic food dyes: In a surprising bipartisan move, the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has unveiled plans to ban synthetic food dyes from the nation’s food supply over growing health concerns.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the initiative under the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, aiming to phase out all eight FDA-approved artificial dyes by the end of 2026.