Today's Paper Roundup: Wed 23-09-2026
A regulatory crackdown on fuel stations, a political spat over an Ibadan airport upgrade, and fresh developments in the El-Rufai wiretapping trial headline a busy Wednesday news cycle, alongside continental pushes on minerals and SME financing.
Fuel Market Crackdown
The downstream petroleum regulator has drawn a hard line against filling stations shortchanging motorists at the pump. Punch reports that the NMDPRA has ordered stations to calibrate their pumps, warning that offenders risk sanctions including licence revocation, while Leadership notes the agency has also unveiled a draft competition code as it tightens its stance against market abuse. Tribune Online adds that the regulator has essentially "read the Riot Act" to petrol stations caught under-dispensing.
“Govt threatens licence revocation over fuel under-dispensing”
“NMDPRA Toughens Crackdown On Market Abuse”
“read the Riot Act to petrol stations”
Airport Funding Row
A political disagreement over the Ibadan airport upgrade has spilled into public view, with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde pushing back against the FCT Minister. Daily Trust reports Makinde has denied the claim by Nyesom Wike that President Tinubu gave Oyo N50bn for the project, and Punch quotes the governor's flat rejection that the "FG didn't fund Ibadan airport with N50bn." Vanguard frames the exchange simply as Makinde telling Wike that "Tinubu didn't give Oyo N50bn for airport."
Infrastructure & Economy
Works Minister David Umahi says progress continues on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with Leadership reporting that the main pavement of the first 105 kilometres is set for completion in November 2026, though ThisDay notes Umahi also decried vandalism along the route. Meanwhile, former Cross River governor Donald Duke has raised sharp questions about the country's economic trajectory, with Vanguard quoting his claim that "Nigeria's population tripled without economic expansion since Shagari era," as ThisDay adds he is also questioning the economic justification and timing of the coastal highway project itself.
“105km Pavement Of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway For Completion November – Umahi”
“Questions economic justification, timing of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway”
Legal & Governance
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai will have to wait weeks longer to learn his fate in the alleged wiretapping case, as Punch reports the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 26, 2026, for its ruling on his no-case submission, a development ThisDay confirms as the court reserving judgment on the matter. Separately, ThisDay reports that the National Assembly leadership says other constitution amendment bills are still awaiting passage before they can be transmitted to state assemblies, noting that only the state police bill has so far been sent to the states.
“Alleged wiretapping: El-Rufai awaits Oct 26 no-case ruling”
“Other Constitution Bills Await NASS Passage Before Sending to State Assemblies”
Crime Watch
A disturbing case out of Enugu is drawing attention this morning, with Premium Times reporting that a man allegedly killed his girlfriend during an argument about HIV infection, striking her with a pestle before dumping her remains in a toilet. Punch identifies the suspect as Okpara Emmanuel, who has been arrested by police over the killing.
“Man allegedly kills girlfriend over argument about HIV infection”
“Enugu man allegedly kills girlfriend over HIV infection argument”
Africa & Continental Affairs
President Tinubu has called for greater African unity on resource management, with ThisDay reporting he is pushing the continent to stop exporting its wealth and start profiting from its own resources. In South Africa, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has sharply criticised the federal government's response after the killing of a Nigerian cleric, with ThisDay publishing his piece on what he terms the "Abdication of The Duty of The Federal Govt To Protect Nigerians In South Africa," following the assassination of Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle in Johannesburg. Elsewhere, Leadership reports a new ITC-Access Bank partnership aimed at unlocking finance and market access for SMEs across 14 African countries.
“Abdication of The Duty of The Federal Govt To Protect Nigerians In South Africa”
“ITC-Access Bank Partnership Targets SMEs Job Creation Across Africa”
Tech & Society
Ahead of 2027, INEC has sounded a warning on emerging digital threats, with Daily Trust reporting the commission's alarm over AI-driven misinformation and its potential to undermine election credibility. Separately, Leadership reports industry stakeholders say the AI boom is driving surging demand for power and digital infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.
“INEC raises alarm over AI-driven misinformation ahead of 2027”
“AI Boom Drives Demand For Power, Digital Infrastructure In Africa, Middle East”
Entertainment & Sports
A personal allegation has surfaced against Juju legend King Sunny Ade, with Leadership reporting that a woman identifying herself as his daughter, Damilola, made emotional claims in an Instagram video, saying "I Never Knew Pain Till I Lived With My Father." On the court, Punch reports Rivers Hoopers have reclaimed the NPBL title after an unbeaten run in the Final Four playoffs in Port Harcourt.
“I Never Knew Pain Till I Lived With My Father”
“Rivers Hoopers reclaim NPBL title”