37 Killed in Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at Illegal Mine in Nigeria

At least 37 people have died after suspected carbon monoxide exposure at an illegal mining site in northern Nigeria, local authorities confirmed as investigations began.
Updates from West Africa, with reporting on governance, security challenges, and economic activity across Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, and the wider region.

At least 37 people have died after suspected carbon monoxide exposure at an illegal mining site in northern Nigeria, local authorities confirmed as investigations began.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) issued its first-ever major food-sector loan in Sub-Saharan Africa today. The €70 million will support cashew, cocoa, and sesame farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria to help them process crops locally instead of just exporting raw materials.

The "Smiling Coast of Africa" is celebrating its 61st year of independence from Britain today. Major parades are happening at McCarthy Square in Banjul, led by President Adama Barrow.

Suspected jihadists have carried out a deadly series of attacks in northern and eastern Burkina Faso this weekend, and a truck carrying Ghanaian tomato traders was caught up in the violence, Ghana’s Interior Minister has confirmed.

Ghana has moved to seek the extradition of a Russian national, identified in media reports as Vyacheslav Trahov and known online as “Yaytseslav,” after videos allegedly showing him recording intimate interactions with women in Ghana and other countries went viral.

Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu has welcomed a new strategic agreement between BUA Group and UAE-based AD Ports Group, saying the deal points to stronger industrial cooperation and growth in exports.

Residents of Makoko have filed a formal appeal challenging recent demolition actions, escalating a legal battle over housing rights and urban redevelopment in Lagos.

Speaking on the sidelines of the AU summit, Shettima assured global investors that President Tinubu’s "bold restructuring" is the only path to stabilizing the Naira.

Nigeria has officially been granted a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank, a major win for West African financial influence.

The Chinese Embassy in Abuja has issued a fierce rebuttal to a US bill that accuses Chinese nationals of sponsoring illegal mining and militias in Nigeria. China labeled the claims "baseless" and insisted its companies follow all local regulations and support community development.