Global News Today, 6 November 2026: Democrats Tighten Grip on Congress, Hormuz Tanker Fires, Bank of England Hikes Rates
Last updated: 6 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Friday 6 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. Washington is adjusting to a Congress the Democrats will control. The Gulf war is again pushing oil towards $100, the Bank of England has raised rates, and hoax bomb threats hit European flights for a third day. Here is what happened overnight and what it means for Nigerians at home and abroad.
Today at a glance
- US: Democrats head for at least 54 Senate seats and more than 240 House seats; Trump calls elections “crooked”.
- Iran war: more tanker fires reported in the Strait of Hormuz; Trump says a decision on escalation is coming.
- UK: Bank of England raises its rate to 4%, the first rise in over three years.
- Europe: hoax bomb threats hit about 20 to 25 flights; fighter jets escort several planes.
- Markets: the Nasdaq falls 5.5%, its worst day in 19 months, as chip stocks crash.
- France: hundreds of thousands march over wages and living costs; more than 400 arrests.
- Africa: Dangote breaks ground on a $2.5 billion fuel hub in Namibia.
1. US midterms: Democrats extend their lead as Trump attacks the count
What happened
Two days after Tuesday’s vote, Democrats are on track for at least 54 of 100 Senate seats and a House majority above 240. Races in Alaska and Mississippi are still being counted. On Thursday President Trump called US elections “so crooked, you have no idea”. He also demanded that votes for two minor candidates in Alaska go to the trailing Republican. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, set to become the first Black Speaker, said his priorities include lowering costs, ending the Iran war and stopping Trump’s tariffs. Senate leader Chuck Schumer said voters acted out of frustration rather than “love” for his party. Trump said he would use his veto when needed but could work with Democrats on some issues. Speaker Mike Johnson says he will not lead House Republicans next year.
Why it matters
A Democratic Congress can put pressure on US war funding, tariffs and immigration policy. All of these affect oil prices, trade with Africa and visa rules for Nigerians. The new Congress takes its seats in January.
Source: AFP via ABS-CBN; RTÉ; Reuters via TimesLive.
2. Iran war: tanker fires in Hormuz, Trump hints at a decision
What happened
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said several more tankers and a tugboat caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, some reportedly after hitting mines. These Iranian claims have not been independently verified. Britain’s maritime agency UKMTO separately reported a tanker hit by two projectiles north of Qatar. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he would “rather not” destroy the rest of Iran but might have to, adding: “You’ll know soon enough.” US reports say officials are weighing new strikes, talks, or keeping the naval blockade in place. Brent crude jumped about 4 to 5% on Thursday to near $99 a barrel.
Why it matters
Higher crude prices help Nigeria’s oil earnings. They also keep imported fuel and transport costs high, and Nigerian shipping and insurance costs rise when the Gulf route is disrupted.
Source: Gulf News; Rediff (Reuters); Upstox.
3. Bank of England raises rates to 4%
What happened
The Bank of England raised its main rate from 3.75% to 4% on Thursday, its first increase since August 2023. Eight committee members voted for the rise and one, Catherine Mann, wanted a bigger one. The Bank expects UK inflation, 3.5% in September, to reach about 5% by mid-2027 because of energy costs linked to the Middle East war. Governor Andrew Bailey said another rise is likely if the conflict continues. The next decision is on 17 December.
Why it matters
Nigerians in the UK with variable-rate mortgages, car loans or credit cards will pay more. Savers may earn slightly more. A stronger pound can also change how far remittances go. See our diaspora money guide.
Source: Reuters; AJ Bell; Economic Times.
4. Hoax bomb threats disrupt European flights again
What happened
For the third day this week, emailed bomb threats targeted about 20 to 25 passenger flights across Europe on Thursday, mostly low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. French jets escorted an Aer Lingus Dublin–Rome flight to a military base near Paris, and Bulgaria’s air force escorted three Ryanair planes. No explosives were found. Some messages claimed to come from a group calling itself the “Male State”. The EU transport commissioner said it was too early to say whether the incidents were linked.
Why it matters
Nigerians travelling within Europe this weekend should allow extra time and check their flight status. Most of Thursday’s roughly 25,000 scheduled flights ran normally. Our japa guide has more travel tips.
Source: AFP; Reuters via Radio-Canada; Washington Post.
5. Wall Street’s AI sell-off
What happened
US stocks plunged on Thursday. The Nasdaq fell 5.5%, its biggest one-day drop since April 2025, and is now more than 10% below its October peak, which counts as a “correction”. The S&P 500 lost 4.4% and the Dow fell about 1,800 points. Chip stocks fared worst, with Nvidia down around 9% and AMD and Micron down more than 13%. Investors worry that a Democratic Congress, together with local votes against data centres, could slow AI spending.
Why it matters
Nigerians who hold US shares through investment apps will see losses. Global sell-offs also tend to make investors more cautious about emerging markets like Nigeria.
Source: Reuters via Post and Courier; Yahoo Finance; Le Monde.
6. France: mass protests over living costs
What happened
Union-led strikes and marches over wages and energy costs drew hundreds of thousands of people in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and other cities on Thursday. Some estimates put the turnout at about 600,000. Authorities reported more than 400 arrests and over 50 police officers injured as some protests turned to clashes and arson. The protests have run for about two months.
Why it matters
Nigerians living in or travelling to France should expect transport strikes and disruption around protest days. The anger in France shows how the Gulf war’s energy shock is squeezing households well beyond Nigeria.
Source: Anadolu Agency; SBS News.
7. Dangote breaks ground on $2.5 billion Namibia fuel hub
What happened
Aliko Dangote launched a $2.5 billion fuel storage and pipeline project near Walvis Bay, Namibia, with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah present. The tank farm is planned to hold about 600 million litres of diesel and petrol. A proposed 1,700 km pipeline could serve Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and possibly the DR Congo. Dangote said the storage would take about 18 to 20 months to build. Namibia has placed the project under direct presidential supervision.
Why it matters
It gives Nigeria’s largest refinery a new export route into southern Africa. It also shows a Nigerian company expanding across the continent while Gulf supplies are disrupted.
Source: Reuters; The Namibian; BusinessDay.
What to watch next
- Whether the White House announces new strikes on Iran or opens talks.
- Final results from the Alaska and Mississippi Senate races.
- The US lame-duck session’s government funding bill, due before December.
- Israel’s president names who will try to form the next government on Sunday.
- Oil prices and their effect on the naira: see the dollar to naira rate today.
Frequently asked questions
Does the US midterm result change US visa rules for Nigerians?
Not immediately. Visa rules are set mainly by the executive branch. Congress can change laws and funding, but the new members only take office in January.
Why does a war in the Gulf affect prices in Nigeria?
The Strait of Hormuz carried about a fifth of the world’s oil before the war. Disruption there raises global fuel prices, and Nigeria still pays world prices for petrol and diesel.
Should I change my travel plans in Europe?
No flights have been cancelled across the board, and no explosives were found. Check with your airline before you travel and arrive early.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
