馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
US inflation eases in June on lower energy costs
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Wholesale inflation in the United States decreased in June 2026, driven by a fall in energy costs. The US Producer Price Index for final demand dropped by 0.3 percent month-on-month, marking the first contraction since August 2025. Annually, the PPI increased by 5.5 percent, a smaller rise compared to May's 6.0 percent. Goods costs cooled, with energy prices tumbling by 6.4 percent, and wholesale gasoline costs falling by 12 percent. This decline followed a period of volatile global oil prices due to US-Israel strikes targeting Iran in February 2026 and Iran's subsequent retaliation, which led to the temporary blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Although a preliminary deal in June temporarily eased restrictions, the US military relaunched its blockade of Tehran鈥檚 ports, and oil prices have resumed an upward trajectory after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over. Samuel Tombs, Chief US Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, described the data as "broadly reassuring" but warned that the full impact of energy price surges on consumer prices would take months to assess. Economic analysts, including Nationwide financial market economist Oren Klachkin, cautioned that the relief might be short-lived, as rising global oil prices could push consumer inflation higher in the coming months.
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The Kebbi State Government has scheduled its third inclusive mass wedding program for July 27, 2026, involving 300 Muslim and Christian couples from the state's 21 local government areas. Governor Nasir Idris has approved N250,000 for the dowry of each bride, totaling N75 million. This initiative, a collaboration with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation, is open to eligible orphans, widows, and divorcees who meet religious, medical, and legal requirements. Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated that the program is non-discriminatory and has included Christian couples in previous editions. Application forms have been distributed, and various sub-committees are overseeing security, transportation, medical services, and religious affairs. All prospective couples are undergoing mandatory medical examinations, including pregnancy, genotype, and HIV tests. The state government and its partners will also provide furniture, food items, and other household materials to the newly married couples, with local furniture makers contracted for production, thereby creating employment opportunities.
Must ReadThe United States has called on Nigeria to increase its efforts in protecting Christian communities from attacks and ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons IDPs to their homes. This appeal was made by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, during his visit to Abuja. Garcia held discussions with several senior Nigerian government officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaiye; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. According to a statement from the US Embassy in Abuja, the talks covered security cooperation, the protection of Christian communities, justice sector reform, digital transformation, commercial diplomacy, and regional stability. Garcia welcomed Nigeria鈥檚 increased efforts under the U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group to address the country鈥檚 designation as a Country of Particular Concern and pressed for more resources to be allocated for the safe return of IDPs. Discussions with the Attorney General focused on Islamic terrorism prosecutions, criminal accountability, and religious freedom. Garcia also explored opportunities for increased U.S. investment and private sector engagement in Nigeria's economy with Minister Tijani and met with executives from U.S. energy and techn
Must ReadThe Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Government will conduct a comprehensive nationwide household survey to determine a more accurate figure for Nigeria鈥檚 out-of-school children. Speaking at the 2026 Annual Education Summit of the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja, Alausa stated that the Federal Ministry of Education is collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics to gather reliable data. He acknowledged that current estimates, ranging from 15 million to 20 million, need updating to guide policy decisions and interventions effectively. Alausa noted that over the past two years, more than one million out-of-school children have returned to classrooms, but accurate data is crucial for measuring progress. He also highlighted reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and digital transformation. Additionally, Alausa mentioned that Nigeria has achieved three consecutive years without academic disruptions in tertiary institutions and now has 24 universities ranked among the world鈥檚 top 1,000.