Today's Paper Roundup: Mon 28-09-2026
Nigeria wakes up to a familiar mix of constitutional wrangling, presidential whereabouts speculation and big business swagger, even as Dangote's expanding empire continues to dominate the economic conversation.
Politics: State Police Bill Heads to Court, Tinubu's Absence Questioned
The push for state police is running into fresh legal turbulence after a civil society group and three other plaintiffs approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Daily Trust reporting the challenge centres on "the alleged procedure adopted by the House of Representatives in passing the constitutional amendment bill." Leadership frames the moment as significant given the National Assembly's move in "singling out state policing as the sole constitutional alteration sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly in this cycle." Meanwhile, questions are swirling in Abuja over President Tinubu's schedule, as ThisDay reports that Atiku, Peter Obi, the ADC and others are pressing for answers, even as the Presidency insists "Tinubu is hale and hearty." Separately, the Allied Peoples Movement has turned up the heat on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, with Vanguard noting the party "demanded the resignation of Edo State Governor... over his comparison of petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom."
“the alleged procedure adopted by the House of Representatives in passing the constitutional amendment bill”
“singling out state policing as the sole constitutional alteration sent to the 36 State Houses of Assembly”
“Presidency: Tinubu is hale and hearty”
Business: Dangote's Big Numbers, Oil Majors' Shifting Priorities
Dangote Group continues to headline the business pages with eye-watering projections. Leadership reports the conglomerate "has generated approximately $17 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026 and is on course to achieve a record $36 billion for the full year," while ThisDay adds that the group "Eyes $35bn Annual Profit By 2030" and plans "to Invest $8bn in LNG Plant," with Kenya's President Ruto reportedly calling the Lagos refinery a "masterpiece of science, engineering, art." Elsewhere in the corporate world, BusinessDay reports that former First Bank chairman Ibukun Awosika has urged founders "to build boards that challenge decisions, drive growth," while UBA's Oliver Alawuba is pushing for "Increased Investment In Bankable Projects," per Leadership. On the energy side, BusinessDay notes a shift in strategy among international oil companies, who are "sacrifice[ing] reserve growth to keep shareholders paid."
“has generated approximately $17 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026 and is on course to achieve a record $36 billion for the full year”
“Lagos refinery masterpiece of science, engineering, art”
“build boards that challenge decisions, drive growth”
“Seeks Increased Investment In Bankable Projects”
“Oil majors sacrifice reserve growth to keep shareholders paid”
Africa & World: Climate Funding, Agric Reform, and Global Flashpoints
Across the continent, the ECOWAS Parliament is calling for member states to boost climate financing, with Daily Trust reporting the body "urged member states to strengthen implementation and financing of climate policies to tackle environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity." At the Agriculture Summit Africa, ThisDay reports a consensus that the continent "must move beyond producing raw commodities to owning the processing, storage, trade and finance" that add real value. Globally, BusinessDay's world brief flags escalating tension after "Iran seeks talks after Trump rejects Hormuz deal," alongside a mountain rescue effort with "10 climbers missing in avalanche" and a fresh sovereign downgrade as "Moody's cuts Botswana rating again."
“urged member states to strengthen implementation and financing of climate policies to tackle environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity”
“must move beyond producing raw commodities to owning the processing, storage, trade and finance”
“Iran seeks talks after Trump rejects Hormuz deal”
Society & Culture: Miners' Deaths, IVF Awareness, and BBNaija Drama
On a somber note, Premium Times uses its editorial space to demand accountability over the deaths of miners, arguing bluntly that "the Nigerian state failed them and nudged them towards their untimely graves, with the failure of governance at all levels." On a lighter public health front, Daily Trust reports that experts in Abuja have organised a seminar to sensitise couples on "in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and related" fertility options. And in entertainment, Big Brother Naija fans got a shock twist as Vanguard reports that "Ricky, Tram and Temi Nkem" were evicted from the 'Show Ya Sef' house "in a fake eviction twist."
“the Nigerian state failed them and nudged them towards their untimely graves, with the failure of governance at all levels”
“in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and related”