Nigerian Newspapers: 15 Things You Need to Know This Friday Morning

Nigerian Newspapers: 15 Things You Need to Know This Friday Morning

From politics and the economy to security, sports, and international affairs, today’s news highlights capture the key developments you need to start your day informed. Whether it’s the latest on the opposition’s coalition talks, the naira’s sharp appreciation, or the court ruling that could decide Nnamdi Kanu’s fate, these are the stories shaping conversations across the country.

Here are the 15 things you need to know this morning:

Super Eagles Drop in FIFA Rankings – Nigeria’s Super Eagles have slipped three places in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, now sitting 42nd globally and 6th in Africa. The decline follows a string of poor performances in recent international matches.

ADC Leaders Meet in Abuja – National leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held a closed-door caucus meeting in Abuja on Thursday. In attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Interim National Chairman David Mark, former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Aminu Tambuwal, and other political figures. The meeting focused on strengthening the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jonathan Preaches Forgiveness – Former President Goodluck Jonathan declared that he has forgiven all those who betrayed him during his political journey. Speaking at a public event, Jonathan said forgiveness and reconciliation are critical to political stability, national unity, and development.

Naira Appreciates Sharply – The naira strengthened significantly in the parallel market on Wednesday, exchanging at ₦1,490 per dollar compared to ₦1,520 on Tuesday. This marks its highest appreciation since June 2024 and brings some relief amid persistent forex challenges.

Nationwide Blackout Looms – The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has declared an indefinite strike over unpaid minimum wage adjustments, casualisation of workers, and other unmet demands. The strike, announced by acting general secretary Dominic Igwebike, could plunge the country into nationwide darkness.

Kwankwaso to Return to APC? – APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has claimed that NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is preparing to rejoin the All Progressives Congress. According to him, Kwankwaso has already written to notify the APC of his intention, alongside Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.

Building Collapse in Awka – A three-storey building under construction collapsed in Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday. The structure, located near the State House of Assembly, caved in during the roofing stage, trapping several artisans and raising safety concerns in the state’s construction sector.

Lagos Demolishes Illegal Buildings – The Lagos State Government began demolishing illegal and unsafe structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo. Viral videos showed property owners lamenting as bulldozers pulled down their investments. The state government insisted the exercise was necessary to restore order and enforce planning laws.

Labour Party Senator Defects to APC – Senator Kelvin Chukwu, who represents Enugu East on the platform of the Labour Party, has defected to the APC. He cited internal crisis and factionalism within the LP as reasons for his exit. His constituents, however, have accused him of poor representation.

FBI Declares Nigerian Wanted – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Nigerian fraud suspect Olumide Adebiyi Adediran. The 56-year-old faces multiple charges including bank fraud, identity fraud, and credit card fraud linked to crimes committed in Illinois in 2001.

FRSC Wants Right to Bear Arms – Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed has called for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to be allowed to bear arms. Speaking in an interview, Mohammed argued that arming FRSC personnel would enhance their ability to enforce road safety laws and protect themselves on duty.

Judgement Day for Nnamdi Kanu – IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu will today know his fate as the Federal High Court in Abuja rules on his no-case submission in the terrorism trial brought against him. If the court upholds his plea, he will be discharged; if not, he will be required to open his defence.

Fuel Scarcity Worsens in Abuja – Motorists in Abuja are grappling with long queues at petrol stations amid worsening fuel scarcity. Many stations were shut on Thursday, while others sold above the official pump price, sparking complaints of hoarding and supply shortages.

FG Targets $20bn in Remittances – The federal government announced fresh plans to boost annual diaspora remittances to $20 billion. Officials said reforms in the forex market and financial systems are being put in place to attract more inflows from Nigerians abroad.

INEC to Review BVAS Ahead of 2027 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would upgrade the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and improve the IReV results portal before the 2027 elections. The move is aimed at addressing concerns raised after the 2023 polls.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more