Today's Paper Roundup: Mon 26-10-2026
From an Ebola scare in Abuja to a historic election upset in Brasília, and from bloodshed in Taraba to boardroom gains in Lagos, Monday's papers span the gamut of crisis and commerce shaping Nigeria and the world.
Health Alert and World News
Nigeria's health authorities are moving swiftly on the country's index Ebola case, with ThisDay reporting the patient is "set for Medical Evacuation Abroad Today" even as two contacts have tested negative; the paper notes quarantined persons may get N100,000 weekly upkeep, with Ebola and brain drain topping the agenda as doctors from West Africa meet in Abuja. Abroad, Brazil has delivered a political earthquake, as ThisDay reports that Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva "Stages Historic Comeback to Beat Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil's Presidential Poll," with the Brazilian leader staging a dramatic fightback to claim a historic fourth term.
“Nigeria’s Index Ebola Case Set for Medical Evacuation Abroad Today, Two Contacts Test Negative”
“Lula Stages Historic Comeback to Beat Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil’s Presidential Poll”
Violence and Security
Grim security news dominates from the North, with Daily Trust detailing what it calls "Taraba's bloody market day," after gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Binnari town in Karim-Lamdo Local Government Area, reportedly killing over 50 persons including women and children. In Abuja, Daily Trust also reports that a hotel manager, Joseph Terdoo, "dies during fight with tiler" in the Utako area, while in Edo State a Niger Republic national and three others have been arrested in connection with a guard's killing and the theft of goods worth over N400 million, as Daily Trust reports a "Nigerien, 3 others nabbed over guard's killing, theft."
“Taraba’s bloody market day”
“Abuja hotel manager dies during fight with tiler”
“Nigerien, 3 others nabbed over guard’s killing, theft”
Politics and Parties
The political calendar continues to churn, with the APC naming Umar Hassan Augie as winner of the Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency by-election in Kebbi State, as Leadership reports the party "Declares Augie Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency's Candidate." In Lagos, Punch reports a group called AFAC 79 has launched efforts to reconcile aggrieved APC factions in Alimosho LGA, while ThisDay examines the broader electoral mood in a piece on the "Tricky art of campaign rallies," reflecting on the ruling APC's Kaduna rally launch. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, meanwhile, has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers' N5 billion endowment and financial literacy drive, Leadership reports.
“APC Declares Augie Argungu/Augie Federal Constituency’s Candidate”
“Group moves to reconcile Lagos APC factions”
“Tricky art of campaign rallies”
“Lagos Government Pledges Support For CIS N5bn Endowment, 10m Financial Literacy Drive”
Cost of Living and Commerce
Economic pressure remains a recurring theme across the papers. Leadership reports that rising electricity tariffs and fuel prices are prompting an unusual trend, as the "Cost Of Living Drives Shift From Kitchen Items To Solar As Wedding Gifts." In Yobe State, traders in Potiskum are appealing for government intervention amid rising transportation costs and declining purchasing power, Leadership notes. Meanwhile, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has defended his tax policy, with Tribune Online reporting the state "consolidates multiple levies into N36,000 annual payment," against claims of excessive taxation.
“Cost Of Living Drives Shift From Kitchen Items To Solar As Wedding Gifts”
“Traders Seek Yobe Govt’s Support Over Rising Business Costs”
“Enugu consolidates multiple levies into N36,000 annual payment, says Mbah”
Markets and Business
On the markets front, Vanguard reports that the "Stock market extend losses, 55 stocks depreciate; 20 record capital gains," with the decline coming "against the backdrop of rising international oil prices, which climbed sharply amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East." There was brighter news from the banking sector, however, as ThisDay reports FirstHoldCo posted a N911 billion profit before tax in the first nine months of 2026, a performance the paper says marks the Group's transition "from balance sheet repair toward a more resilient, capital-supported growth phase."
“Stock market extend losses, 55 stocks depreciate; 20 record capital gains”
“FirstHoldCo Reports N911bn Profit Before Tax in 9 Months 2026; Reinforcing Profitability and Resilience”
Tech and Real Estate
On the innovation front, Leadership reports that ten Nigerian startups are set to showcase their work at the APAC Summit 2026 in Singapore on October 30, seeking partnerships to expand into the Asia-Pacific market. Closer to home, a real estate expert has urged developers in the Federal Capital Territory to improve living standards, with Leadership headlining the call for "Adequate Facilities In FCT Estates."
“10 Nigerian Startups To Showcase Homegrown Innovations In Singapore”
“Expert Calls For Adequate Facilities In FCT Estates”
Sports
In the NPFL, Punch reports a mixed weekend of results as "Ikorodu hold Shooting, Rivers fall in Benin," with Ikorodu City drawing 2-2 against Shooting Stars while league leaders Rivers United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance. On the global stage, Vanguard previews the Ballon d'Or race, reporting that "Kane primed to beat Yamal, Mbappe to Ballon d'Or glory" as Harry Kane emerges favourite ahead of the ceremony in London.
“Ikorodu hold Shooting, Rivers fall in Benin”
“Kane primed to beat Yamal, Mbappe to Ballon d’Or glory”