10 Things to Know from Nigerian newspapers, Friday, 13th March 2026

1. Tinubu Meets Military Chiefs Amid Security Concerns

President Bola Tinubu held a high-level meeting with Nigeria’s Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as insecurity rises in parts of the country, particularly the North-East. Attendees included General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (Army), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke (Air Force), and Vice Admiral Idi Abass (Navy).

2. Ondo Governor Barred From 2028 Re-Election

A Federal High Court in Akure ruled that Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa cannot run in the 2028 governorship race, citing the constitutional eight-year term limit. Justice Adegoke referenced the Supreme Court’s Marwa v. Nyako decision to affirm the restriction.

3. Senate Sets Budget Approval for March 31

The Nigerian Senate adjourned until March 31 for the Sallah break. Lawmakers plan to pass the 2026 National Budget upon return. On the same day, nine senators defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

4. Power Sector Crisis: Gas Suppliers Threaten Shutdown

Power generation companies warned of possible electricity disruptions as gas suppliers demand payment of ₦3.3 trillion in unpaid debts. Currently, Nigeria’s grid is generating only 3,334 megawatts due to gas shortages, affecting thermal power plants.

5. Fuel Price Reduction Brings Relief

NNPC has lowered petrol prices to ₦1,130 per litre in Lagos and ₦1,165 in Abuja, down from ₦1,230 and ₦1,260 respectively. The reduction is reflected at multiple retail stations, giving motorists a short-term reprieve from rising fuel costs.

6. Court Confirms Wole Oluyede as PDP Governorship Candidate

The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, upheld Dr Wole Oluyede’s position as the PDP candidate for the Ekiti Governorship Election. The court validated the party’s primary election, overturning an earlier Federal High Court judgment.

7. Ayra Starr Names Her “Afrobeats Big 3”

Singer Ayra Starr named Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema as her top three Afrobeats stars, sparking debate as usual heavyweights Davido and Burna Boy were excluded from her list.

8. Rotimi Salami on Paternity Scams

Nollywood actor Rotimi Salami revealed he would accept and raise a child even if a DNA test showed he wasn’t the biological father, provided he has bonded with the child. He expressed uncertainty about how he’d react toward his wife in such a situation.

9. Trump Questions Iran’s 2026 World Cup Participation

Former US President Donald Trump said Iran might not be “appropriate” to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to security concerns, following US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

10. Friday Ekpo Explains Super Falcons’ Success

Ex-Nigeria international Friday Ekpo highlighted why the Super Falcons have outshone the Super Eagles: consistent global participation, a record 10 WAFCON titles, and being the only African women’s team to reach the Olympic quarter-finals.