Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 22 October 2026

Tinubu Task Force Says Nigeria Ready To Contain Ebola

The Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness has assured Nigerians it has what it takes to handle the Ebola situation in the country. Chairman of the Task Force and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said this after the group’s emergency meeting at the State House on Wednesday.

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Ekiti, Kebbi Assemblies Back State Police Bill

The Ekiti and Kebbi State Houses of Assembly have endorsed the proposed constitutional amendment to pave the way for state police. Ekiti passed the bill, while Kebbi lawmakers adopted a resolution backing decentralised policing to tackle insecurity.

At least 13 states, including Osun, Edo, Oyo and Rivers, had earlier passed the bill.

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Shettima Urges States To Stop Waiting On FG For Power Fixes

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday urged state governments to end their dependence on the Federal Government for solutions to local power problems.

He said states should set up functional electricity markets under the Electricity Act 2023. He spoke at the opening of the National Stakeholders’ Workshop on the Act at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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FG Settles Over N100bn Gas Debts Since January

The Federal Government says it has settled more than N100bn in longstanding gas debts since January 2026 to strengthen the gas-to-power value chain.

Special Adviser to the President on Oil and Gas, Mrs Olu Verheijen, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Africa Interviews Sustainability Forum 2026 in Lagos, saying payments were made under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.

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NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Herbal Factory In Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has uncovered an illegal herbal product manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos State.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on its verified X handle on Wednesday. It said the operation followed a report by The Guardian on herbal products bearing falsified NAFDAC registration numbers.

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Lives Lost As Boat Capsizes During Rivers Oil Spill Clash

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that lives were lost after a boat reportedly capsized during a confrontation between youths and men in military uniform over an oil spill in Kula, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.

Police said an investigation had begun to determine the number of casualties and the circumstances of the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening.

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AAC Asks Tinubu For Villa To Inaugurate 2027 Campaign Council

The African Action Congress has asked President Bola Tinubu to approve the use of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the inauguration of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for participants at the event, scheduled for November 11, 2026.

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Tinubu To Kwankwaso At 70: Politics Won’t Dim My Affection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said his political differences with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will not diminish his personal affection for him.

Tinubu made the declaration on Wednesday in a birthday tribute to Kwankwaso, who turned 70, describing the former Minister of Defence as a longstanding friend and influential figure in Nigeria’s political development.

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Edo Govt Urges Calm After New Ebola Case Confirmed

The Edo Government has called on residents to remain calm, observe preventive measures and promptly report suspected cases following confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease case in Nigeria.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Paul Eighemhenrio, made the call on Wednesday in Benin on behalf of Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole.

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Senate Panel Rejects NMDPRA’s 2022, 2023 PMS Import Records

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday rejected the NMDPRA’s records of Premium Motor Spirit imports for 2022 and 2023, citing discrepancies with those of the NNPCL.

The committee resolved to summon the heads of NMDPRA, NNPCL and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative to explain the differences and reconcile the records.

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G-100 Opposition Coalition Moves To Pick 2027 Consensus Candidate

The G-100 opposition coalition says it has intensified efforts to produce a consensus candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, inaugurating key committees.

SDP National Chairman Sadiq Gombe disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja. He named Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Donald Duke and Adewale Adebayo as under consideration, with breakthroughs expected before year-end.

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Akume Urges Atiku, Northern Aspirants To Quit 2027 Race

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has urged Atiku Abubakar and other Northern presidential aspirants to step down from the 2027 race.

Akume said their ambition contradicts the North-South power rotation arrangement, noting the North completed eight years under Muhammadu Buhari. He spoke on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of the Knights of St. Mulumba in Abuja.

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Wike Promises Logistics For PDP Members Who Back Tinubu In 2027

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged PDP members in the Federal Capital Territory to support President Bola Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

He promised that all the logistics needed for the campaign would be provided. Wike spoke at a political stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on Wednesday and also urged support for Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda and Dr John Gabaya.

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Ex-NAHCON Boss Warns Of Crisis If Tinubu Is Denied Second Term

Former NAHCON Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, has warned that denying President Bola Tinubu a second term could trigger a political crisis.

Speaking to youth groups at his Kano residence, he argued that Tinubu should complete two terms to ensure smooth North-South power rotation, and should not be opposed because of his region.

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Atiku To Tinubu: Where Is The ₦10bn Ebola Fund?

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of failing to account for the ₦10 billion approved for Ebola preparedness.

The ADC flag bearer, in a statement by spokesman Phrank Shaibu, said Nigeria’s first confirmed Ebola case has exposed the Federal Government’s lack of preparedness.

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Peller Tells Yoruba, Igbo To Marry Outside Their Tribes

Popular streamer Peller has advised Yoruba and Igbo people to consider marrying partners from other ethnic groups instead of limiting their choices to their own backgrounds.

Speaking during a TikTok livestream, he argued that intertribal relationships could offer a different experience and that those who stick to their own tribe could be missing out.

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Okpebholo Names Ex-BBNaija Housemate Anto Lecky Tourism Aide

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed former Big Brother Naija housemate Munirat Antoinette Lecky, known as Anto Lecky, as Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Creative Economy.

Lecky announced the appointment on Instagram, thanking the governor for another opportunity to serve Edo State and Nigeria in a new capacity.

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Ronaldo Sends Message Of Support To Injured Kvaratskhelia

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent an encouraging message to PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who suffered an ACL injury against Barcelona in the Champions League.

The 25-year-old will undergo surgery in the coming days and is expected to be out for several months. Ronaldo, his childhood idol, urged him to stay confident, Fabrizio Romano shared on X on Wednesday.

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Mac Allister Credits Iraola For Liverpool Turnaround

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has praised manager Andoni Iraola for restoring confidence in the squad after a difficult previous season.

Iraola has won seven, drawn three and lost one of his first 11 games. Mac Allister scored twice in Tuesday’s 4-3 comeback win over Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield.