Category: Exclusive

Nigerian Newspapers: Top Nigerian News Today, March 14, 2026

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Nigeria awoke to a mix of political realignments, economic pressures from global tensions, persistent security challenges, and incremental progress across key sectors. As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections and grapples with inflation risks tied to Middle East conflicts, President Bola Tinubu’s administration continued to push reforms while courts, parties, and citizens navigated unfolding developments. From revenue sharing to health initiatives and digital expansion, the day reflected both resilience and ongoing vulnerabilities in Africa’s most populous nation.

Headlines

  • President Tinubu signs 2026 Electoral Act and urges media to hold states and LGs accountable.
  • Middle East crises expected to deepen hardship for Nigeria’s poor through higher fuel prices and inflation.
  • Court restrains Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from seeking re-election.
  • Dangote Refinery hikes petrol price to ₦1,175/litre amid crude oil surge to $100/barrel.
  • APGA may back Tinubu in 2027; PDP insists it will not endorse him.
  • Troops clear 11 IEDs and reopen abandoned Imo road; multiple kidnapping incidents reported.
  • Aviation fuel price jumps 80%; CBN restricts mobile banking apps to one device per user.
  • Chimamanda Adichie’s son’s death sparks controversy as doctors demand apology and hospital defends suspended staff.
  • Global Quds Day rally in Bauchi sees Nigerians back Iran and Palestine.
  • NLO sets today as final deadline for 2026 season club registrations.

News

Major national developments centred on governance and institutional reforms. President Tinubu appointed Fola Adeola to chair a new taskforce on petroleum sector reform, with monthly reporting directly to him. He also called on media executives to extend the same scrutiny to state and local governments as they do to the federal administration. In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodimma urged the City Boy Movement, patronised by Barr. Seyi Tinubu, to champion a “new Nigeria” through youth-driven unity and development. Meanwhile, the Federation Account Allocation Committee shared ₦1.894 trillion from February’s ₦2.230 trillion revenue among federal, state, and local governments.

Business

Economic trends were dominated by fuel price hikes and regulatory moves. Dangote Refinery raised petrol to ₦1,175 per litre following crude oil’s climb to $100 per barrel, dividing marketers over the petrol import ban. Aviation fuel prices surged 80%, threatening airline operations. The CBN limited mobile banking apps to one device per customer for security and announced that 30 banks have already met recapitalisation rules with 19 days to the deadline. CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso assured that Nigeria’s economy would withstand US-Iran war shocks. PalmPay expanded offices nationwide for deeper financial inclusion, while policy hurdles continue to slow the digital economy.

Entertainment

The arts and celebrity scene mixed celebration with controversy. Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh reflected on life mistakes during her faith journey, while musician Asake performed Umrah in Medina. Skit maker Broda Shaggi was hospitalised after an alleged shooting. Ayra Starr named Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema her Afrobeats “Big 3”. A storm erupted over the death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son, with Euracare defending suspended doctors and medical professionals demanding an apology. Pastor Agbala Gabriel faced fraud and sex allegations. Bukunmi Oluwasina discussed balancing motherhood and film, and Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi launched Nigeria’s first long-form fashion interview show, “The Fashion Roundtable”.

Politics

Political manoeuvring intensified ahead of 2027. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) signalled possible backing for Tinubu’s re-election, while the PDP’s national leadership ruled out endorsement and released its primaries timetable for May 2026. A federal high court in Akure restrained Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa from seeking another term. Senate President Godswill Akpabio inaugurated the APC National Convention subcommittee. Oil-producing communities endorsed Tinubu for continuity, and SDP state chairmen pushed member sensitization. Former governors Tambuwal, Abaribe, and Dickson explained their party switches. Daniel Bwala faced grilling on Al Jazeera over past Tinubu comments.

Sports

Domestic football deadlines and preparations took centre stage. The Nationwide League One (NLO) set today, March 14, as the final registration deadline for the 2026 season; clubs failing to meet financial obligations face exclusion. The Super Eagles are scheduled for a March friendly against Jordan in Amman as part of 2026 World Cup preparations, pending FIFA’s ruling on Nigeria’s protest against DR Congo. Domestic leagues saw tactical discussions from coaches like Abia Warriors’ Amapakabo and warnings from legends about young players abroad. Festus Onigbinde received farewell tributes, and Rivers United was cautioned against early title celebrations.

Health

Public health updates highlighted maternal care and chronic disease burdens. Lagos State and an NGO trained health educators for improved maternal outcomes, while the Federal Government and civil society groups advanced inclusive healthcare policies. A woman delivered quadruplets at FMC Abeokuta. Experts linked rising drug-resistant infections to violence and gender inequality. Nephrologists warned that late detection drives Nigerians into ₦1 million monthly kidney treatments. LASU’s Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye reported 13 million Nigerians suffer from asthma. May & Baker women promoted menstrual health education for schoolgirls.

Tech

Digital economy and fintech innovations advanced steadily. PalmPay launched its third-year Purple Woman initiative for gender inclusion in fintech and expanded offices nationwide. Glo and Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S26. TeKnowledge partnered with Microsoft to skill 10,000 Nigerians in AI under the National AI Skilling Initiative. NativeID’s digital identity platform aims to protect businesses from impersonation. However, inconsistent policies and multiple taxation threaten broader digital infrastructure growth. The CBN’s one-device mobile banking rule seeks to enhance cybersecurity.

Education

School and tertiary developments focused on infrastructure and discipline. Kogi State unveiled a remodelled primary school in Okene. SJC Ondo alumni launched a ₦100 million development fund, while the Lagos Muslim Foundation disbursed ₦25 million with students as top beneficiaries. Federal College of Education Technical Omoku graduated 2,562 students, with the Education Minister praising federal efforts. Twenty FUDMA students were expelled for exam misconduct. FUT Minna alumni resisted alleged state takeover of the ₦7 trillion Bosso campus. Obi donated ₦10 million to Western Academy, and mentoring was hailed as academia’s enduring legacy.

Security

Insurgency and crime remained pressing. Troops cleared 11 IEDs, reopened a three-year-abandoned road in Imo, dismantled illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, and neutralised suspected kidnappers in Edo. Kebbi police probed the killing of a 35-year-old man and abduction of his wife. Gunmen in Ondo forced passengers to identify themselves before burning one victim; fear grips Akure North communities over rising kidnappings. A Lagos family alleged their son vanished from police custody. Terror groups showed deadly cooperation, and courts sentenced three to death and one to life for murdering a Rivers pharmacist. Activist Omoyele Sowore faced bail revocation threats over alleged cyberstalking.

World

International stories with direct Nigerian impact focused on Middle East tensions. Experts warned that escalating crises (including strikes on Tehran) will transmit inflation and higher petrol prices to vulnerable Nigerian households, worsening poverty. A massive Global Quds Day rally in Bauchi saw hundreds of thousands of Nigerians wave Iranian and Palestinian flags in solidarity. The US placed a $10 million reward for information on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Nigeria’s economy was assessed as resilient enough to absorb US-Iran war shocks, according to CBN Governor Cardoso.

Nigerian Newspapers Today: Nigerian News Today, March 13, 2026

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Nigeria on March 13, 2026: Defections reshape opposition landscape while labour peace returns and global oil shocks test resilience.

Over two tense days, Nigeria witnessed a flurry of political realignments as key PDP figures defected to the African Democratic Congress, deepening the opposition’s internal fractures ahead of 2027. A short-lived lecturers’ strike at the University of Lagos was swiftly suspended after management assurances, offering relief to students. Dangote Refinery delivered welcome price relief on petrol even as Middle East tensions drove volatile global crude prices, while security forces reported operational successes in the Northeast. Public health advisories highlighted ongoing disease risks, and the digital sector buzzed with new partnerships.

Headlines

– Senators Abaribe, Tambuwal, Umeh, Kingibe and six others defect from PDP to ADC amid deepening party crisis. – UNILAG ASUU chapter declares then suspends indefinite strike over “amputated” January-February salaries. – Dangote Refinery slashes ex-gantry petrol price by N100 to N1,075 per litre as global crude fluctuates. – Troops kill terrorists and rescue hostages in fresh Borno operations; bandit ambushes reported in Zamfara. – Tonto Dikeh dragged to court in N200 million suit over alleged “exorcism” of schoolgirl. – NCDC issues fresh advisories on rising Lassa fever and cerebrospinal meningitis cases. – Glo and Samsung unveil Galaxy S26 smartphone in major telecom partnership. – Oil and gas stocks surge as US-Iran conflict pushes Brent crude toward $120 per barrel before partial retreat.

News

National discourse centred on opposition realignment and swift resolution of labour unrest. Multiple senators, including former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, defected to the African Democratic Congress, citing irreconcilable PDP leadership rifts and factionalism. President Tinubu reiterated that only respect for the rule of law and judiciary would resolve the lingering Rivers political crisis. In a positive development for students, the UNILAG ASUU chapter suspended its indefinite strike hours after commencement, following management’s 48-hour commitment to clear outstanding allowances. Public attention also turned to security gains and health alerts as troops conducted successful anti-insurgency raids while the NCDC warned of seasonal disease spikes.

Business

Economic news offered a mix of relief and caution. Dangote Refinery reduced its ex-gantry petrol price from N1,175 to N1,075 per litre, citing easing global crude benchmarks after earlier spikes linked to Middle East tensions; marketers’ pump prices remained under pressure around N1,300-N1,400 in major cities. Analysts noted that higher oil revenues from the US-Iran conflict could boost export earnings, yet warned of imported inflation and freight-cost ripple effects. The naira held steady in official windows while foreign reserves remained robust. CBN-related nominations and anti-money-laundering extensions continued, and fertiliser price rises added to food-inflation concerns. PalmPay expanded fintech outreach, and stock-market gains in oil and gas reflected global crude volatility.

Entertainment

Celebrity and creative-industry stories reflected personal and legal dramas. Actress Tonto Dikeh faces a N200 million lawsuit from a lawyer over her widely circulated schoolgirl “exorcism” video, with demands for public apology and damages. BBNaija star Phyna questioned ride-hailing payment models and called for political engagement. Singer Ayra Starr opened up about a past relationship that inspired her track “Where Do We Go.” Portable shared joyful family news with prayers for his pregnant wife, while Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami addressed trolls using a late colleague’s image for promotion. Broader industry chatter focused on Afrobeats global traction and production cost challenges.

Politics

The PDP crisis intensified as high-profile defections to the ADC, including senators and former governors, signalled further fragmentation ahead of 2027. Party chieftains traded accusations over backdoor negotiations and Appeal Court rulings on its national convention. The ADC criticised President Tinubu’s comments on the Electoral Act, questioning his democratic credentials. APC leaders welcomed the shifts as validation of its strength, while PDP insiders insisted the party would field candidates regardless. Tinubu defended his assent to the 2026 Electoral Act amendments and stressed judicial harmony in resolving Rivers State tensions. Afenifere and other groups urged strategic unity among opposition forces.

Sports

Domestic and international Nigerian performances drew attention. The NPFL continued with match-day fixtures, while Rivers United expressed title ambitions following CAF Champions League exit. D’Tigress maintained strong form in ongoing qualifiers. Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde received tributes after his recent passing. European-based Nigerian stars continued to feature prominently in club leagues, and analysts debated CAF decisions affecting national teams. Domestic leagues reported steady crowd interest despite logistical challenges.

Health

Public-health authorities issued timely warnings amid seasonal threats. The NCDC released advisories on rising Lassa fever cases during peak season and urged strengthened state-level action on cerebrospinal meningitis. Primary healthcare reforms advanced in 2025-2026, with focus on immunisation and service delivery despite workforce shortages. Outbreaks continued to test national preparedness, while experts highlighted progress in diagnostic capacity and community-level interventions. No major new epidemics were reported, but vigilance remained high.

Tech

Digital innovation advanced with key partnerships. Globacom and Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy S26 series, expanding premium smartphone access. PalmPay rolled out further fintech mentorship programmes for women and opened new service points. Experts emphasised cybersecurity as critical to economic growth amid rising online transactions and open banking. A new digital postcode system gained approval to boost e-commerce and emergency services. Discussions highlighted both surging internet penetration and persistent gaps in user safety habits and infrastructure protection.

Education

The brief UNILAG ASUU strike dominated campus news before its swift suspension. Lecturers had withdrawn services over unpaid earned academic allowances and other entitlements for January and February, but management’s prompt assurances restored normalcy within hours; ongoing examinations proceeded uninterrupted. Broader sector concerns included parent-driven shifts from private to public schools due to economic pressures. Policy talks continued on vice-chancellor accountability and STEM incentives, while states reported incremental reforms in access and quality.

Security

Military operations yielded tangible results. Troops in Borno killed several terrorists and rescued kidnapped civilians in coordinated raids. Bandit ambushes in Zamfara claimed security personnel lives, prompting intensified patrols in affected Northwest states. The Navy and other services maintained pressure on sea and land criminal networks. Residents in volatile areas called for sustained collaboration between communities and security agencies. No large-scale new incursions were recorded, but vigilance against banditry and insurgency remained elevated.

World

The US-Israel-Iran conflict continued to shape Nigeria’s economic outlook. Global crude prices spiked toward $120 per barrel before easing, boosting potential oil revenues while raising freight and refined-product costs. Analysts warned of imported inflation and transport-fare pressures despite Dangote’s local supply dominance. Nigeria urged de-escalation and dialogue to protect remittances, trade routes and energy security. The G7 discussed strategic reserve releases, offering indirect stabilisation hopes. Diplomatic engagements, including upcoming high-level visits, underscored Nigeria’s call for peaceful resolution to avert broader global fallout.

The global economy cost of Iran-Israel-US war

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The escalating Iran-Israel-US war, now in its second week as of March 3, 2026, threatens to unleash profound shocks on the global economy through surging energy prices and disrupted trade routes. With Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz and retaliating against US and Israeli targets, world leaders must prioritize de-escalation to avert a full-blown recession.

Conflict Overview

Joint US-Israeli strikes began on February 28, assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and targeting military sites in Tehran and Beirut, prompting Iranian missile attacks and a de facto shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has signaled a campaign lasting “four to five weeks,” while Israeli PM Netanyahu insists it “won’t take years,” but casualties exceed 700 in Iran alone, with US losses mounting. This rapid escalation has already stranded over 150 oil tankers, halting 20% of global oil and significant LNG flows.

Energy Market Turmoil

Brent crude has spiked over $10 per barrel to nearly $80, with analysts forecasting $100-$150 if disruptions persist beyond weeks, as Iran targets Gulf energy infrastructure and tankers burn in the strait. Qatar halted LNG production, pushing European gas prices toward 2022 peaks and amplifying supply fears for Asia’s major importers like China and India. Prolonged closure risks stagflation, with every $10 oil rise potentially adding 0.5% to global inflation.

Financial Market Reactions

Global stocks plunged initially—India’s Sensex dropped nearly 1,000 points—with S&P 500 seesawing to flat amid risk-off trades, while gold and defense stocks surged as safe havens. Crypto and emerging markets face volatility from dollar strength and higher US rates if inflation sticks. Forecasts warn of compounded shocks: logistics delays via Cape of Good Hope reroutes add weeks and costs to trade.​

Sector Short-Term Impact Prolonged Risk
Oil/Gas +10-13% prices ​ $120+/bbl, shortages ​
Stocks -1% drops, recovery in tech ​ Recession if >$100 oil ​
Inflation +0.3-0.9% in US/EU/China ​ Stagflation drag on growth ​

Emerging Markets Strain

Oil importers like Nigeria face dual edges: higher crude boosts export revenues and reserves, but fuel prices could hit ₦1,000/liter, fueling inflation and import costs. Gulf states risk $730bn-$1tn losses from stalled FDI and tourism, while broader MENA growth dips to 2.8%. A regional war could shrink global GDP by 1.7% in Q3.

Call for Restraint

This war’s economic fallout—higher inflation, eroded confidence, and trade chaos—demands urgent diplomacy over escalation. Policymakers worldwide, including in oil-dependent Nigeria, should diversify energy sources and stabilize markets now, lest short-term spikes become enduring pain.