Today's Paper Roundup: Thu 17-09-2026
From simmering APC tensions in Abuja to a rising death toll in Ondo State and a mega IPO drawing crowds to the banks, Thursday's front pages capture a nation juggling politics, tragedy and big money moves.
Politics: Northern Governors, Wike Rift and Tinubu's Balancing Act
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stirred fresh controversy by revisiting the 2023 presidential race, with conflicting accounts of just how much northern support President Tinubu actually enjoyed. Meanwhile, President Tinubu finds himself caught between Nyesom Wike and APC governors as their rift deepens, with reports suggesting the president may need to step in personally to broker peace within his own party.
“Only Six Northern Governors Believed in and Supported Tinubu in 2023”
“How 13 Northern Governors Worked Against Tinubu In 2023 – Shettima”
“Tinubu split between Wike and governors”
Government: Power, Tariffs and Education Investment
The Federal Government has moved to shore up its infrastructure and public trust credentials, commissioning a 3MW solar hybrid power project at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja, a facility expected to serve 40,000 students and over 3,500 staff while easing reliance on diesel. On the electricity front, Abuja has sought to calm public anxiety, insisting there are no immediate plans to hike tariffs as it instead focuses on expanding access to reliable power.
“Facility will reduce reliance on diesel, ease budgetary pressure”
“No Immediate Plans To Raise Electricity Tariff, Federal Govt Insists”
Tragedy in Ondo and Trouble at King's College
Grim news continues from Ondo State, where the death toll from a suspected poisonous herbal drink has climbed to 49, with 170 people affected and police making an arrest in connection with the suspected producer. In Lagos, tensions over a concession dispute boiled over as police sealed off the premises of the historic King's College, Onikan, following days of parental protest.
“Ondo herbal drink deaths rise to 49, 170 affected”
Business & Markets: Dangote IPO Fever, Port Upgrades and Market Concentration
Nigeria's banking sector is in overdrive as commercial lenders deploy digital and physical channels to handle a flood of investor interest in Dangote Petroleum Refinery's N2.15 trillion IPO. At the ports, APM Terminals Apapa is pushing to modernise export logistics with plans for 24-hour barge operations and greater rail evacuation by the fourth quarter of 2026. Elsewhere, fresh data shows just nine companies control 68 percent of the NGX's N157.7 trillion equity market, underscoring how concentrated Nigeria's stock exchange has become.
“Banks mobilise digital platforms as investors flood offer”
“APM Terminals Apapa to strengthen exports with 24-hour operations”
“9 Companies Control 68% Of N157.7trn NGX Market”
Tech & Aviation: Fibre Gaps and Flight Delays Under Scrutiny
Nigeria's digital ambitions face a stiff infrastructure test, with reports indicating the country needs roughly 52,000 kilometres of additional fibre-optic cable to keep pace with surging demand. In aviation, commentary continues to dissect the NCAA's recent statistics showing over 60 percent of domestic flights were delayed or cancelled, with analysts probing the facts behind the disruptions. On financial inclusion, CBN Governor Cardoso has stressed that price stability remains central to deepening access, as a new EFInA report shows financial exclusion has dropped to 21 percent.
“Nigeria Faces 52,000km Fibre Deficit As Digital Demand Surges”
“The facts behind airline disruptions”
“Price Stability Critical to Deepening Financial Inclusion”
World & Africa: Iran War Costs, Health Warnings and China's Shifting Strategy
Internationally, a new report claims the US war against Iran has cost $38 billion over six months, a figure Washington disputes alongside contested claims of munitions shortages. On the continent, the WHO has sounded the alarm over rising deaths from non-communicable diseases in Africa, calling for safer care systems. Closer to home, analysts note a shifting dynamic in Nigeria-China trade relations, as Chinese manufacturers move beyond supplying local traders to targeting their customers directly.
“Iran War Gulped $38bn in Six Months, US Disputes Findings on Munitions Shortages”
“WHO Warns of Rising NCD Deaths in Africa, Seeks Safer Care”