Today's Paper Roundup: Sun 18-10-2026
A tanker tragedy in Ibadan, fresh jitters in the equities market, and the passing of a revered elder statesman dominate the weekend's news cycle, even as politics and the economy keep churning ahead of 2027.
Tragedy on Iwo Road
A grim scene played out in Ibadan after a diesel tanker lost control and ploughed into vehicles along the Iwo Road-Ojoo Expressway, leaving multiple residents dead. Punch reports that the tanker "crushes five Oyo residents," while Legit.ng details the scale of the hazard, noting it was a "45,000-litre fuel tanker" that "crushed several residents in Ibadan, Oyo State, leaving the community in grief."
“Tanker crushes five Oyo residents”
“45,000-litre fuel tanker crushes residents”
Mourning a Statesman
Nigeria is also mourning the loss of a towering public figure. President Tinubu expressed sorrow over the death of Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, with ThisDay reporting that "Tinubu Mourns as Journalist, Ex-Nigerian Ambassador, Dele Cole, Dies in London at 86," describing him as a distinguished diplomat, journalist, politician and historian. Separately, UBA extended condolences over the Nigerian Air Force crash, with Leadership noting the bank is "assuring personnel and their loved ones of the bank's support" following the loss of NAF 931 personnel.
“Tinubu Mourns as Journalist, Ex-Nigerian Ambassador, Dele Cole, Dies in London at 86”
“UBA Condoles Air Force, Assures Personnel, Families Of Support”
Economy & Markets
On the economic front, officials continue to defend the pace of reform even as markets wobble. Daily Trust quotes Budget Minister Abubakar Bagudu insisting "Tinubu's reforms yielding results," while ThisDay cites tax reform chief Taiwo Oyedele's bold claim that "World Markets Have Written Off Opposition, Eyeing Tinubu's 2nd Term," alongside a World Bank report referencing opposition coalition moves. Yet the NGX had a rough week, with Leadership reporting "Investors Lose N534bn As Banking, Telecom Sell-offs Drag Equities Lower." The CBN, meanwhile, is looking eastward for support, with Leadership noting Nigeria "Targets Chinese Capital To Boost Financial Markets" to deepen investment flows and cross-border payments. Elsewhere, Leadership reports lenders are adapting credit models as "High MPR, Lack Of Collateral Force Lenders To Rethink SME Credit Models," and the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange is weighing a new pricing tool, with manufacturers and airlines poised to benefit as "LCFE Plans Domestic Reference Price For Fuel."
“Investors Lose N534bn As Banking, Telecom Sell-offs Drag Equities Lower”
“Nigeria Targets Chinese Capital To Boost Financial Markets”
“High MPR, Lack Of Collateral Force Lenders To Rethink SME Credit Models”
“Manufacturers, Airlines To Gain As LCFE Plans Domestic Reference Price For Fuel”
Politics Ahead of 2027
With the next election cycle looming, Vice President Kashim Shettima has opened up on his concerns, as Legit.ng reports he "reveals what worries him most" ahead of the 2027 presidential contest. In Ogun State, authorities are taking precautionary steps on an agricultural front, with Leadership noting the state government "Cautions Pig Farmers On Swine Fever Outbreak" and urging strict biosecurity compliance. Tribune Online also continues its historical series on regional governance structures, examining how premiers and ministers once apportioned power in "The People's Republic: How they rule."
“Shettima reveals what worries him most”
“Ogun Govt Cautions Pig Farmers On Swine Fever Outbreak”
Infrastructure, Housing & Connectivity
On development policy, Abuja Investments Company boss Maureen Tamuno has pushed for a broader vision of housing, with Leadership quoting her view that "Real Estate Development Must Go Beyond Building Houses" and must address fundamental community needs. In the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for stronger digital infrastructure, telling Leadership that reliable connectivity is key, in a report headlined "Dep Speaker Demands Reliable Telecom Connectivity For Good Education, Healthcare."
“Real Estate Development Must Go Beyond Building Houses”
“Dep Speaker Demands Reliable Telecom Connectivity For Good Education, Healthcare”
Sports Roundup
In the Nigeria Premier Football League, the weekend produced mixed fortunes for several sides. Punch reports that "Kwara, Doma drop points in home draws" after both sides settled for 1-1 results, while unbeaten league leaders Rivers United prepare to host Barau's Maliya Boys in what Punch bills as a Port Harcourt showdown. Enyimba, meanwhile, look to shake off a recent defeat and climb the table as the "People's Elephant seek bounce-back against Seasiders" in Aba, and in Lagos, stakeholders at a basketball clinic urged youngsters to balance sport and schoolwork, per Punch's report that the "Elevate b'ball clinic advocates education, sports balance."
“Kwara, Doma drop points in home draws”
“Maliya Boys set for Port Harcourt showdown”