Business
World Bank Cuts Global Growth Forecast To 2.3% For 2025

If current projections hold, average global growth in the first seven years of the 2020s would be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s.
Global economic growth is projected to slow to 2.3 per cent in 2025 due to mounting trade tensions and persistent policy uncertainty, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.
A statement from the bank’s Online Media Briefing Centre on Tuesday noted that the new forecast was nearly half a percentage point lower than the rate projected at the beginning of the year.
The report indicated that the slowdown would mark the weakest non-recessionary global growth since 2008.
“The turmoil has resulted in growth forecasts being cut in nearly 70 per cent of all economies, across all regions and income groups,” the report states.
In spite of the gloomy outlook, a global recession is not anticipated. However, if current projections hold, average global growth in the first seven years of the 2020s would be the slowest of any decade since the 1960s.
Indermit Gill, the World Bank Group’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President for Development Economics, warned of deepening stagnation in the developing world.
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“Outside of Asia, the developing world is becoming a development-free zone. It has been advertising itself for more than a decade,” he said.
Mr Gill noted that growth in developing economies had declined steadily, from 6 per cent annually in the 2000s, to 5 per cent in the 2010s, and to under 4 per cent in the 2020s.
This trend mirrored the slowdown in global trade, which fell from an average of 5 per cent in the 2000s to under 3 per cent today. Investment growth had also weakened, while debt had surged to record levels.
The report projected that growth would slow in nearly 60 per cent of developing economies in 2025, averaging 3.8 per cent before a modest rise to 3.9 per cent in 2026 and 2027.
The report added that more than a full percentage point below the average of the 2010s.
“Growth in low-income countries is expected to reach 5.3 per cent in 2025, a 0.4 percentage point downgrade from earlier forecasts.
“Tariff hikes and tight labour markets are expected to keep global inflation elevated, with a projected average of 2.9 per cent in 2025, still above pre-pandemic levels.”
The World Bank warned that slowing growth would hinder efforts by developing economies to create jobs, reduce poverty, and close the income gap with advanced economies.
“Per capita income growth in these economies is forecast at 2.9 per cent in 2025, 1.1 percentage points below the 2000–2019 average.
“Assuming developing countries (excluding China) maintain a GDP growth rate of 4 per cent the forecast for 2027, it would take them about two decades to return to their pre-pandemic growth trajectory.”
Still, the report noted that global growth could rebound more quickly if major economies reduced trade tensions.
It said that resolving current disputes and halving tariffs could boost global growth by 0.2 percentage points over 2025 and 2026.
In response to rising protectionism, the World Bank urged developing economies to diversify trade, pursue strategic partnerships, and engage in regional agreements.
Given constrained public resources and growing development needs, policymakers are encouraged to mobilise domestic revenue, prioritise spending for the most vulnerable, and enhance fiscal management.
To drive sustainable growth, the report emphasised the need to improve business environments, expand productive employment, and align workforce skills with market demands.
Finally, it highlighted the importance of global cooperation in supporting the most vulnerable economies through multilateral initiatives, concessional financing, and targeted relief for countries affected by conflict.
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Business
After Petrol, Dangote Refinery Slashes Cooking Gas Price Lowest In Nigeria [Price Per State Emerges]

Africa’s largest refinery, Dangote Refinery, has slashed the price of liquified natural gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas to the lowest in 2025, a few hours after cutting petrol rate, a move that has sent joy to Nigerian households.
This move came barely 24 hours after the refinery reduced its petrol prices to N820 per litre from N854.
Checks showed Dangote Refinery lowered the cooking gas price, easing hardship for Nigerians.
Checks by Legit on petroleumpriceng’s price data show that the refinery slashed the LPG price to N740 per kg, the lowest among depot operators and cheapest in Nigeria.
The latest price is also the cheapest the refinery has sold cooking gas in 2025 after rates jumped above N1,000 per kilogramme.
Experts have hailed the move as exemplary, urging other operators to follow suit. They also attributed the latest price cut to the declining crude oil prices in the international market.
Where it’s cheapest and costliest
Oyo, Plateau, and Yobe currently offer the lowest 5kg refill costs at ₦7,100, ₦7,200, and ₦7,600, respectively. For the 12.5kg size, Yobe leads with ₦19,000, followed by Niger (₦19,242.48) and Jigawa (₦20,025.94).
At the other extreme, the South-South zone records the highest average: ₦8,871.63 for a 5kg cylinder and ₦22,179.08 for a 12.5kg refill. In contrast, the South-West pays the least regionally—₦7,960.42 and ₦20,402.42, respectively.
A reversal of fortune for Nigerians
This development came after Legit.ng reported that cooking gas prices are on the rise again.
For the fifth straight month, cooking gas prices in Nigeria have risen, tightening the squeeze on household budgets.
According to fresh data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), refilling a 5kg cylinder now costs ₦8,323.95—up 1.92% from May’s ₦8,167.43 and a hefty 19.49% more than in June 2024.
The pain is sharper for larger households. A 12.5kg cylinder refill now costs an average of ₦21,010.56, marking a 1.46% rise from May and a staggering 33.52% jump compared to last year’s ₦15,736.27.
Crude oil prices slump
“International crude oil price is a great factor in setting petroleum product prices globally,” energy analyst and Team Lead at Platforms Africa, Adeola Yusuf, said.
According to him, falling crude prices mean falling petroleum product prices, and vice versa. Findings show that Brent Crude slumped 0.66% on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to sell at $65.46 per barrel.
WTI fell 0.75% to sell for $62.35 per barrel, while Murban Crude sold for $67.52 per barrel, recording a 0.89% decline.
Why the surge won’t stop
Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria imports much of its cooking gas.
This dependence makes local prices vulnerable to swings in the global market. Disruptions in supply chains, increased global demand, and geopolitical tensions have driven up costs worldwide.
The naira’s persistent weakness worsens the situation, as importers pay more to secure foreign exchange, passing the burden to consumers.
Business
Fuel Scarcity: Petrol Price Rises Above N1,500 As Marketers Shut Filling Stations To Support Strike

A litre of petrol is selling for as high as N1,700 as fuel scarcity has hit residents of Benue state following the petrol tankers’ protest over unfulfilled compensation
Several filling stations are closed, and black market operators have taken advantage of the situation to hike prices
The sudden shutdown has sent petrol prices skyrocketing to hit new levels as black market operators have taken advantage of the situation.
The state governor has pleaded with the petrol tankers to suspend their strike and return to work.
Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is currently on a 3-day warning strike in Benue state.
In solidarity, petrol station owners in the state shut their doors.
The sudden shutdown has sent petrol prices skyrocketing to hit new levels as black market operators have taken advantage of the situation.
Vanguard reports that desperate motorists and commercial motorcycle operators who have been left stranded are resorting to black market operators who are selling petrol for as high as N1,700 perlitre.
Prices vary depending on the location within the town, with some areas seeing prices at N1,600.
The price is a massive N775 difference when compared to N945 it was sold before the showdown.
According to a member of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Benue State, who was quoted in the report said the strike action was taken following unresolved grievances.
“A few years ago, youths attacked a etrol-laden truck on the Makurdi-Aliade road and siphoned its contents. Promises of ompensation by the former administration were never fulfilled.”
He added that efforts by NUPENG and IPMAN to engage the current administration for redress reportedly met with resistance, prompting the decision for a warning strike.
All fuel station managers were instructed to cease operations during this period. “Heavy penalties of up to N500,000 were threatened for non-compliance, leaving no stations perational.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has urged NUPENG to call off the strike, noting that the strike was uncalled for.
Deborah Aber, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), stated that the government received a letter from NUPENG requesting payment of over N40 million as compensation for the vandalised PMS tank in 2022.
“In the letter, they were asking for payment for their 45,000 litres of PMS they lost through the activities of vandals in 2022 at Aliade.
“We needed to sit down and look at the whole scenario and how it played out. To us, it seemed like a straightforward case of theft and vandalism, with no government involvement.
“We have held several meetings with them. Surprisingly, we woke up today to find that the stations were locked. The government too is surprised because we are still. t the discussion at table.
“When we received the letter, we wrote to the police and DSS to furnish us with what happened that time.
In the letter they were claiming payment of over N40m for the loss of their goods in 2022.”
NNPC increase petrol prices
The new price follows changes announced by petrol importers and the Dangote Refinery amid the global oil price increase
NNPC Limited retail outlets are now selling nigher rate than the rate offered by Dangote refinery partners.
Business
What God Showed Me About NNPC GMG Ojulari -Primate Ayodele Reveals

Spiritual leader and founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has sounded an alarm over impending challenges for a top executive at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), warning that powerful cabals are working behind the scenes to frustrate and destabilize him.
In a recent video prophetic message from 00:02:07, Ayodele revealed that the General Managing Director (GMG) of NNPC is facing spiritual and political sabotage that could lead to serious complications in the months ahead.
“NNPC GMG—the problem has just started,” the cleric declared. “They want to frustrate him. Frustrate him. Because there are cabals that have tied his life.”
Ayodele explained that these internal forces are not just opposing the GMG’s reforms or leadership style, but are spiritually plotting to discredit and dismantle his influence. According to the prophet, these groups are determined to undermine the GMG’s success and force him into conflict and confusion within the organization.
“If he’s not careful, they will create commotion for him,” Ayodele warned. “They are not just fighting his position; they are fighting his peace and his purpose.”
The renowned prophet called on the GMG to be prayerful and spiritually alert, urging him not to rely solely on political loyalty or official power to withstand the coming storm. He emphasized that the battle was more spiritual than administrative.
“This is a time to seek divine protection and guidance,” Ayodele advised. “Those around him are not all loyal. Some are pretending while planning his fall.”
Ayodele’s message adds to growing concerns about internal politics and power struggles within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, especially as the government pushes for reforms, transparency, and accountability at the NNPC.
Though the cleric did not mention a specific name, his warning has sparked speculation about tensions within the corporation and what steps leadership must take to avoid disruption.
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