WHALEXTRA

THE Naira yesterday appreciated to N1,392 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,396 per dollar Tuesday. Similarly, the naira appreciated to N1,369 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market,  NFEM. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria,  CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira fell to N1,369 per dollar from N1,389 per dollar on Tuesday,  reflecting  N20 appreciation for the naira.  Consequently, the margin between the parallel and official markets widened  to N23 per dollar from N5  per dollar on Tuesday.

  Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Iran and the United States to secure a temporary ceasefire and host negotiations to end the war in the Middle East. On Wednesday,  Prime Minister Shehbaz  Sharif said the United States and Iran — and their allies had — agreed to a ceasefire “everywhere” following mediation by his government. Sharif said the two-week truce – which Trump and Tehran had announced earlier – would next lead to talks in the Pakistan capital. “Pakistan achieved one of its biggest diplomatic wins in years,” said South Asia expert Michael Kugelman in an X post. “It also defied many skeptics and naysayers that didn’t think it had the capacity to pull off such a complex, high stakes feat.”

According to the 2026   Numbeo Quality of Life Index , Africa’s most livable countries are distinguished by economic stability and access to quality healthcare. The rankings provide a comprehensive view of comfort and sustainability across the continent, factoring in key indicators such as purchasing power, cost of living, and healthcare quality. Other metrics considered include traffic conditions, average commute times, pollution levels, and climate. Based on these measures, the top ten African countries offering the highest quality of life in 2026 are: Leading the continent, Namibia posts a Quality of Life Index of 156.98, reflecting high overall living standards. Its Purchasing Power Index of 77.57 shows residents enjoy moderate income strength, while a Healthcare Index of 65.36 signals reliable access to medical services, supporting comfortable daily living.

  The  African Democratic Congress (ADC)  yesterday alleged plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevent its members from participating in next year’s elections. National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the electoral commission is hatching a plot designed to stop the party from fielding candidates for the polls. Echoing him, former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu dismissed insinuations of a protracted leadership crisis, saying ADC structures remain intact despite intra-party conflicts. Rejecting INEC’s withdrawal of recognition of the Interim National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s youth wing unveiled plans for a nationwide protest. It issued a 72-hour ultimatum to INEC to recognise the interim leadership or face civil action.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) has disclosed that the naira traded within the range of N1,340 to N1,430 against the dollar in the official market in the first quarter of 2026. Chief Executive Officer of CPPE, Muda Yusuf, made this known in a weekend statement while reviewing Nigeria’s economic performance in Q1 and providing an outlook for the second quarter. According to him, the relative stability of the naira during the period helped to moderate imported inflation and boost investor confidence. He attributed the exchange rate stability to improved external reserves, which climbed to about $50 billion as of March 11, 2026. Despite the gains, Yusuf noted that the cost-of-living crisis remained severe for many Nigerians, driven by high energy costs, insecurity, and persistent structural challenges within the economy.

  Tension is mounting in Katsina State as Governor  Dikko Umaru Radda  convenes an emergency Security Council meeting at the Government House to address serious security concerns. The meeting, which is still ongoing, has brought together top security officials, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Those present include senior officers of the Nigerian Army, officials from Defence Headquarters, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Also in attendance are representatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Fire Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Chairmen of affected local government areas are also participating, alongside the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other senior government officials.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who had declared himself “beyond frustrated” after qualifying for the ⁠Japanese Grand Prix, said he was considering his future in the sport after finishing eighth in Sunday's race at Suzuka. Speaking to  BBC ‌Radio 5 Live , the Red Bull driver said his lack of enjoyment at driving the ‌new generation of cars was making him question whether racing in ‌the sport was still worth it. "I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock,"  he ‌said in the interview. "You also wait for 24 ‌races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about, is it worth it?" Verstappen  has been an outspoken critic of Formula 1's new ‌regulations and engine era.

  Spain released Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi from their squad on Sunday because of knee discomfort. "To avoid any risk whatsoever and safeguard the player's health, he has been released from the squad," said the EURO 2024 winners in a statement. " Arsenal 's medical staff have been fully informed of the entire process." Zubimendi  came on as a substitute in  Spain 's 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday. The 27-year-old will miss Tuesday's friendly  against Egypt in Barcelona . Zubimendi has been a key part of Premier League leaders Arsenal's midfield this season, playing 44 times across all competitions.