Welcome to 234Digest: an independent, nonpartisan, reader-focused newsletter that informs you in less time with fact-based news, features and insights about Nigeria. In this edition, we’re covering Nigeria’s governorship polls, matters arising and more.

One top headline

Nigeria’s governorship polls: Another vote. Another challenge.

Nigeria’s electoral body will conduct an election for state governors on Saturday in hopes mistakes from last month’s presidential vote do not happen again.

What to know. Nigerians will be voting for governors in 28 of the country’s 36 states. The other states had their governors in staggered elections. Citizens will also be voting for representatives in state assemblies when polling opens on Saturday.

The challenge. With cases of glitches around the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, late arrival of voting materials and other logistical challenges recorded in last month’s election, the Independent National Electoral Commission will be going into the polls to improve on its performance.

The civil society, observers and election monitors are also doing their part. On Thursday, Yiaga Africa, a non-profit civic organization, said it was deploying more than 1,500 observers across 28 states. The observers will include stationary and roving reporters with eyes on the polling and results collation process.

Security is another challenge. Voter suppression and intimidation were major issues in last month’s elections. In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, there were reports of armed thugs carting away ballot boxes and BVAS machines. The police says security will be better this time.

Long stories short

Nigeria delays census to May

Nigeria’s information minister said this week the country will now hold its first census in 17 years in May instead of at the end of March, citing a rescheduling of governorship elections for the delay. The census will seek to update data on the exact population in Africa’s most populous country.

Nigeria’s tech scene faces uncertain times amid layoffs

In Nigeria, layoffs have left tech employees scrambling to adjust their lifestyles as funding takes a hit in an already struggling economy. Tech workers — who once enjoyed perks that included good salaries —are now on the hunt for new job opportunities.

Nigeria leads countries withholding airline funds

A shortage of foreign currency is making it hard for Nigeria to fulfill its financial obligations to foreign airlines that need to convert local currency to repatriate their profits. The International Air Transport Association, IATA, says governments across the world are owing airlines a total of $2.2 billion, but Nigeria owes the highest at $743 million.

Shelf Drilling wins $118m rig contract in Nigeria

Olso-listed jack-up drilling rig leasing firm Shelf Drilling said it had secured a two-year contract for its Shelf Drilling Scepter rig in Nigeria for offshore operations. The contract value, including mobilization revenue, is approximately $118 million, the Dubai based company said, without sharing details on location and client’s identity

Burna Boy to perform at Champions League Final

Burna Boy will co-headline this year’s UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off show in the Turkish largest city of Istanbul. The Nigerian music star will perform at the sporting final on June 10 at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, according UEFA’s marketing director, Guy-Laurent Epstein.

Commentary

Nigeria’s next leader has no time to waste

Bloomberg: Africa’s largest economy needs urgent reforms to stabilize the country’s fiscal situation and attract investment (Read)

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