Democracy Day Protests & Security: Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore says police used “strange gas” at close range during Abuja’s June 12 protest, leaving him struggling to breathe and collapsing, as demonstrations across Lagos and Osun also protested insecurity and economic hardship. Tinubu’s Security Push: In his Democracy Day broadcast, President Bola Tinubu warned armed groups to “surrender or face the full force” of the state, linked insecurity to the “collapse of grassroots governance,” and announced major police and defence/security spending. State Police Bill Momentum: APC diaspora leaders and northern youth groups backed the National Assembly’s state police push, arguing decentralised policing can improve community protection. Tax & Revenue: Nigeria’s VAT collections hit N2.42tn in Q1 2026 (+17% y/y), with local VAT the biggest contributor, while some sectors like education saw sharp declines. Oil Output & OPEC: Nigeria produced about 1.53m barrels/day in May, exceeding its OPEC quota by 42,000 bpd, boosting energy-market confidence. UK–Nigeria Deal: The UK unveiled a £15m, three-year Growth Programme to unlock private investment and support Nigeria’s reform-led growth, including digital economy collaboration. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: NiDCOM condemned the treatment of repatriated Nigerians, while humanitarian officials urged reintegration support for returnees. Education Funding Alarm: Nigeria’s education minister warned federal education funding stays at 5–8% of budget versus UNESCO’s 15–20% benchmark, calling it a “ticking time bomb.” Digital Economy & Energy: NITDA and NISO explored a partnership to power Nigeria’s digital transformation via stronger electricity reliability. Markets: Nigerian stocks and FX headlines stayed mixed, with the naira moving around N1,362–N1,363/$1 in official trading as investors tracked policy signals.