Today's Paper Roundup: Thu 24-09-2026
From long-overdue gratuity payments in Bauchi to an $800m gas field finally coming to life after 53 years, Thursday's papers blend fiscal relief, energy milestones and political undercurrents, while the Super Eagles prepare for a make-or-break AFCON qualifying double-header.
Politics & Governance
Bauchi State has moved to clear a long-standing debt to its retired workers, with the government flagging off payment of a N10bn gratuity backlog owed to civil servants who left service between 2012 and 2016. Elsewhere, the amnesty debate resurfaced as former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche pressed the Federal Government to extend amnesty to repentant cultists and militants in the Orashi region, while in Abia, Governor Alex Otti urged Nigeria to learn from South Korea, India and China by embracing indigenous languages. In Awka, Works Minister Dave Umahi announced that the reconstructed First Niger Bridge will open next week, alongside orders to strip illegal billboards and replace them with the President's image.
“Bauchi begins N10bn gratuity backlog payment”
“Grant repentant cultists, militants in Orashi amnesty, Nwuche begs FG”
“Reconstructed First Niger Bridge Opens Next Week”
Anti-Corruption & Judicial Fallout
The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the Sultan of Sokoto challenged the EFCC to pursue corrupt Nigerians without fear or favour, with the anti-graft agency disclosing that many pastors and imams are themselves facing corruption charges. Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki said he felt vindicated after the Court of Appeal ruled on the prolonged tenure of former EFCC boss Ibrahim Magu, a verdict he says validates his long-held position.
“Go After Corrupt Nigerians Without Fear or Favour, NIREC and Sultan Tell EFCC”
The Obi Debate & Opposition Politics
Commentary pages continued to dissect Peter Obi's political persona, with one Vanguard essay arguing that 'Peter Obi cannot be different from us,' while another piece interrogated the phenomenon of 'Obiism' and the identity of his so-called 'Obidients.' On the organisational front, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, known as the OK Movement, pushed back on attempts to cast it as a mere appendage of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, insisting on its independence and vowing to resist what it called a bad structure.
“Peter Obi cannot be different from us”
“OK Movement Rejects Dickson, Insists on Independence, Vows to Resist Bad Structure”
Energy & Investment
Nigeria's decades-long wait for gas development took a major step forward as TotalEnergies and AMNI International signed an $800m Final Investment Decision to unlock the Ima Gas Field, a project that had sat undeveloped for over 50 years. On the education and enterprise front, Nigeria partnered with Italy at UNGA 81 to pursue $5bn in global education funding, even as President Tinubu welcomed a $12 million Abuja Entrepreneurship Centre backed by Korea, describing it as a boost for the MSME ecosystem and job creation.
“Nigeria Unlocks 53-year Ima Gas Field as TotalEnergies, AMNI Sign $800m FID”
“At UNGA 81, Nigeria Teams Up with Italy for Massive $5bn Global Education Funding”
Education & Regional Notes
In Minna, the NECO Registrar highlighted the resilience of the examination system, noting that Boko Haram, banditry and terrorism have never stopped the conduct of examinations, even as the board honoured dedicated staff and proficient students. Meanwhile, aviation stakeholders gathered in Abuja as Nigeria hosted the 35th ACI Africa Conference, drawing over 500 airport professionals and policymakers to brainstorm on continental airport development, while the WHO and CJID launched a media initiative to tackle Africa's staggering 250,000 annual road deaths.
“NECO Registrar: Boko Haram, Banditry, Terrorism Never Stopped Conduct of Examinations”
“Over 500 professionals brainstorm on airport development in Abuja”
“Africa Records 250,000 Road Deaths Yearly as WHO, Editors Seek Media Action”
Sports
The Super Eagles are under pressure to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign strongly, with Head Coach Eric Chelle ordering his side to pick all six points against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Presidential aide Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye echoed the demand, charging the Eagles to avoid a shaky start in the qualifiers, while on the domestic front, Bendel Insurance FC edged Ikorodu City FC 2-1 thanks to an Oweiyalefa header, claiming maximum points in their Nigeria Premier League match-day five fixture.
“Chelle Orders Eagles to Pick All Six Points against Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau”
“Avoid Shaky Start, Presidential Aide, Adeboye, Charges Eagles”
“Oweiyalefa Header Secures Bendel Insurance Victory over Ikorodu City”