Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 20 October 2026

October 20, 2026

Tinubu Rules Out Return To Fuel Subsidy, Says Removal Irreversible

President Bola Tinubu has again ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, insisting his administration’s decision to remove it cannot be reversed. Comparing the policy to the biblical account of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Tinubu said those pushing for its return were asking the country to undo a decision it had already taken.

Economy Would Have Collapsed Without Tinubu, Says Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria’s economy would have collapsed without President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention. He noted that some of the president’s critics would have been writing about the country’s economic collapse from Dubai and New York. Shettima spoke at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa during an event by the City Boy Movement, which is working for Tinubu’s re-election.

‘If Buhari As A Retired General Couldn’t End Nigeria’s Insecurity, What Do You Expect Of Tinubu?’ – Yari

Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, says President Bola Tinubu cannot be blamed solely for insecurity. Speaking on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, he said if ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired general, could not fully tackle the problem, Tinubu should not be blamed. Yari insisted the president is doing his best.

Flood Kills Two, Submerges 18 Communities In Nasarawa

Two people have died and 18 communities have been submerged by massive flooding in Nasarawa State. The affected villages, all in Rukubi and Akpanaja wards of Doma Local Government Area, include Kwatan Bala, Olegokeme, Obendo, Achepe, Olegokpa, Ijiwo, Olegabgulu, Otiya-Gekye, Otiya-Giso, Odagede, Anagoga and Otariga.

Ex-Delta Governor Uduaghan Dies Days Before 72nd Birthday

Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died three days before his 72nd birthday, his family has said. A statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the family, said the former governor died on Monday.

Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Prayer, Fasting For 2027 Elections

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has declared a nationwide prayer and fasting programme to promote free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2027. Themed ‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’, drawn from Amos 5:24, it was announced in Abuja on Monday in a statement signed by president Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso and secretary Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo.

NDC Faults FG’s Subsidy Warning, Questions Refinery Failures

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has faulted the Federal Government’s warning that a return to petrol subsidy could push the naira to between N3,000 and N4,000 per dollar. The party demanded explanations for the failure of the country’s refineries to operate effectively and asked why Nigeria had mortgaged a sizeable portion of its crude oil to secure foreign loans.

NLC Says Workers Still Under Severe Pressure, Ultimatum Stands

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that workers remain under severe economic pressure despite the increase in the minimum wage to N70,000. It insisted its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over rising petrol prices and fresh wage negotiations remains in force. NLC President Joe Ajaero spoke in Abuja on Monday, criticising implementation of the 2024 wage agreement.

Police Rescue Eight Kidnap Victims, Including Catholic Priest, In Benue

The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnap victims, including Rev. Fr. John Otache of the Otukpo Diocese, and arrested two suspects. The command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

Rivers Assembly Recalls Three Lawmakers Loyal To Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly has reversed its decision to declare vacant the seats of three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are Victor Oko-Jumbo (Bonny), Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha (Opobo/Nkoro) and Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West). Their apology was accepted at Monday’s plenary, and they were directed to resume duties.

Zamfara Govt Denies Report Deputy Governor Was Trapped By Angry Youths

The Zamfara State government has dismissed claims that angry youths trapped Deputy Governor Mani Malam Mumini in Bukkuyum Local Government Area on Sunday. Residents had said youths barricaded the town chanting “Bamayi”, Hausa for “We don’t want you”. Governor Suleiman Bala Idris’s spokesman told Leadership the claim was untrue, saying Mumini visited and donated relief materials to victims.

Court Dismisses El-Rufai’s ₦120m Rights Suit Against DSS, EFCC, ICPC

An Abuja High Court has dismissed a ₦120 million fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the DSS and three others. Justice Sylvanus Oriji, on Monday, held that EFCC and ICPC invitation letters were constitutional and ordered El-Rufai to pay ₦200,000 in costs to each of the four respondents.

NLNG Dividend: I Am Ready To Provide Evidence – Makinde Challenges Tinubu

APM presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted the Tinubu government is withholding ₦250 billion in NLNG dividends for each state. The presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, had called the claim false. In a Monday statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde said he has evidence and challenged the Federal Government to address the substance rather than resort to diversionary tactics.

‘DSS DG Is A Coward, He Has Been Running Away From His Responsibilities’ – Sowore

African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi a coward. Speaking to journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after his cybercrime trial proceedings, he accused Ajayi of sending a representative to court. Sowore also said the DSS had named APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe as a witness.

Tinubu Has Not Done Anything To Me – Antar Laniyan

Veteran Nollywood actor Antar Laniyan says he would leave any gathering where a friend begins criticising President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on the Oyinmomo TV podcast, he said he prefers avoiding such conversations to arguing with friends, and would not let political differences affect his relationships. He added that his stance would stay the same even if he had a personal disagreement with the president.

‘Honestly, You’re An Ingrate, I Won’t Let This Slide’ – Laide Bakare Blasts Eniola Badmus

Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has slammed colleague Eniola Badmus over a gesture in a podcast video. Badmus was seen hissing and changing her expression when skit maker Isbae U named Bakare as a favourite actress. Reacting on Instagram, Bakare described Badmus as a nuisance and a bastard, saying she would no longer let it slide.

Luis Enrique Reveals PSG Plan To Stop Lamine Yamal

PSG manager Luis Enrique says possession is key to limiting Lamine Yamal when his side hosts Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday. Yamal, 19, has eight goals and six assists in nine La Liga games, plus two goals and three assists in Europe. PSG are coming off a 4-2 win over Manchester City.

De Zerbi Bans Mobile Phones During Meals To Revive Tottenham

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has banned mobile phones during meals to improve team spirit. He introduced the rule at a training camp in Marbella, Spain, encouraging players to communicate more. Spurs are bottom of the table, winless in six league games with three goals, ahead of Monday’s meeting with newly promoted Coventry City.

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