Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today

Good Morning, Nigeria! Here's Your Daily Dose of News for Thursday, April 3, 2025

1. President Tinubu Heads to Paris for Strategic Working Visit

Hey there, Nigeria! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is jetting off to Paris, France, for a two-week working visit starting Wednesday, April 2. This trip isn’t just another vacation—it’s a deep dive into the progress of his administration. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu will be reviewing the mid-term performance of his government and evaluating key achievements. This isn’t just about looking back, though. The President also plans to assess ongoing reforms and strategize for the future, especially in anticipation of his administration's second anniversary. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and ensuring Nigeria stays on the right path. Stay tuned for updates!

2. Tribunal Delivers Verdict in Edo Governorship Election Dispute

Breaking news from Edo State: The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially dismissed the case brought forward by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The petitioners argued that the election was tainted by non-compliance with the Electoral Act and instances of over-voting, which they claimed invalidated the results. However, the tribunal, citing established Supreme Court precedents, ruled that the burden of proof lies solely with the petitioners. The tribunal found that the evidence provided by the PDP and Ighodalo failed to meet the necessary standards, leading to the dismissal of their claims. Furthermore, the tribunal pointed out that the failure of the petitioners to call polling unit agents in respect to INEC forms was a critical misstep, essentially amounting to a dumping of documents without proper substantiation. It’s a significant victory for Governor Okpebholo and the APC.

3. President Tinubu Shuffles NNPC Leadership

Big changes are afoot at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)! President Tinubu has made sweeping moves, dismissing Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and dissolving the board, effective April 2, 2025. This decision is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the operational efficiency of the oil giant and restore investor confidence. In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu invoked his powers under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to execute this leadership overhaul. The aim? To make NNPC more commercially viable and efficient. Enter Bayo Ojulari, a seasoned oil and gas professional, who has been appointed as the new GCEO, replacing Mele Kyari. Ahmadu Musa Kida, with decades of experience in the sector, has been named the new non-executive chairman, taking over from Pius Akinyelure. These changes signal a fresh start for NNPC and its mission to transform the Nigerian oil sector.

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4. Police Respond to Threats Amid Uromi Killings

The Nigerian Police Force is stepping in after a Kaduna-based officer made alarming threats of retaliation following the lynching of 16 northerners in Uromi, Edo State. Hadaina Hussaini Dan-Taki, in a Facebook comment, vowed decisive action against southerners living in northern Nigeria. Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has assured the public that necessary action will be taken. Dan-Taki’s inflammatory comments drew widespread criticism, prompting him to change his Facebook name and restrict access to his posts. Despite his attempts to distance himself from the controversy, a screenshot of his original post was shared by a user on 𝕏, bringing the issue to light. In response, Adejobi confirmed that the matter would be addressed appropriately, ensuring accountability and maintaining peace across the nation.

5. NNPC Stands Firm on Petrol Prices Amid Dangote Refinery Move

As the Dangote Refinery ends its naira-for-crude swap deal with the federal government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has decided to keep its petrol prices steady to guarantee energy security. With the refinery’s decision to stop selling petrol in naira, private filling stations across the country have seen an increase in pump prices. However, NNPCL petrol stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continue to sell at ₦880 per litre. The national oil company emphasized that the Petroleum Industry Act mandates NNPC to serve as a supplier of last resort, ensuring the country’s energy needs are met. When asked if maintaining these prices was causing losses, an NNPC spokesperson responded, “Not really.” It’s a bold move by NNPC to keep the nation’s energy supply stable amidst these changes.

6. APC Rebukes Peter Obi for Election Hangover Criticism

The All Progressives Congress (APC) isn’t holding back in its response to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. In a recent interview on Arise TV, Obi criticized the Tinubu-led administration, claiming there’s no democracy in Nigeria and suggesting he could have done better as president. APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, fired back, stating that Tinubu’s success as both Lagos State governor and President speaks for itself and doesn’t require validation from the opposition. Morka described Obi’s criticism as a result of an “election failure-induced hangover,” urging him to curb his inflated imagination. It’s clear that the APC isn’t letting Obi’s critiques go unchallenged, reminding Nigerians of Tinubu’s undeniable achievements.

7. NIMET Warns of Heatwaves and Health Risks Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is urging Nigerians to brace for fresh rounds of heatwaves in April, warning of potential heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Central and northern states are particularly at risk, though the south won’t be spared from the heat stress. NiMet’s April weather outlook highlights that residents in states like Kwara, Kogi, and Benue face heightened risks of malaria due to increased mosquito activity. Additionally, the agency predicts meningitis outbreaks in the extreme north, where conditions are favorable for such occurrences. With temperatures expected to rise above average, NiMet advises Nigerians to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and use mosquito nets and repellents to protect themselves. It’s a crucial reminder to stay safe and informed during this challenging season.

8. Portable Takes Aim at Zlatan, Claims Wealthy Nigerians Don’t Know His Music

Controversy is back in the Nigerian music scene as singer Portable targets his fellow artist, Zlatan Ibile. During an interview on Echo Room, Portable described Zlatan as an up-and-coming artist, suggesting that his music doesn’t resonate with wealthy Nigerians. He recounted an interaction with a car dealer who criticized Portable for engaging in a public feud with Zlatan, arguing that the rapper wasn’t worth the attention and was merely using Portable for clout. Portable went on to claim that many affluent individuals are unfamiliar with Zlatan’s songs, questioning their lyrical value and whether they qualify as true music. It’s a bold statement that’s sure to spark debate among fans and industry insiders alike.

9. La Liga Challenges Barcelona Over Player Registrations

La Liga is raising eyebrows over FC Barcelona’s financial capacity to register new players Dani Olmo and Paul Víctor. The Spanish league contends that Barcelona lacks the necessary salary cap to accommodate these contracts, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the €100 million deal that allowed the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) to grant temporary registrations in January. La Liga has expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement, questioning the club’s financial practices and threatening action against the auditor involved in validating the controversial sale of VIP seats at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. Recent revelations indicate that this significant transaction was omitted from Barcelona’s financial documents submitted to La Liga for the 2024-2025 season, raising concerns about transparency. La Liga’s statement confirms that Barcelona did not have the financial capacity to register Olmo and Víctor as of December 31, 2024, and continues to face scrutiny.

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10. Ruben Amorim Feels the Heat at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is feeling the pressure as he navigates the team’s struggles in the Premier League. Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, Amorim expressed concern over the limited time he has to turn things around. The defeat, marked by a fifth-minute goal from former United winger Anthony Elanga, was the team’s 13th of the season. Amorim acknowledged the challenges, stating, “In Manchester United, you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast.” United currently sits in 13th place, struggling to achieve back-to-back wins. The clock is ticking for Amorim to deliver results and restore the club’s former glory.

That’s the Wrap for Today’s Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines

There you have it, folks! These are the top stories making waves in Nigeria today. For more updates, be sure to visit Naija News. See you tomorrow for another round of fresh headlines!