10 things to know from Nigerian newspapers, Friday, March 6, 2026

1. Tinubu Resolves OPL 245 Dispute

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the settlement of the 15-year-old dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 with Eni and Nigerian Agip Exploration. The resolution paves the way for the Zabazaba–Etan deepwater project, expected to boost Nigeria’s crude oil output by 150,000 barrels per day.

2. PDP, LP Absent in Osun Governorship Candidate List

INEC released the final list of candidates for the 2026 Osun governorship election, with notable absences from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP). The election is scheduled for August 8, 2026.

3. Suspended DCP Abba Kyari Acquitted

 Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, discharged and acquitted Abba Kyari and his brothers of a 23-count charge of alleged non-declaration of assets, citing insufficient evidence by the NDLEA.

4. Kano Deputy Governor Faces Impeachment

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo over alleged gross misconduct and receipt of ₦462 million in kickbacks during his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government.

5. New Gratuity Package Approved for Federal Workers

The Tinubu administration has approved a gratuity scheme for retiring federal civil servants, offering a full year’s salary to employees with at least 10 years of service. The scheme complements the existing Contributory Pension Scheme and takes effect from January 1, 2026.

6. Senator Seriake Dickson Dumps PDP for NDC

Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson has defected from the PDP to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing concerns about the PDP’s current state and warning against a drift toward one-party dominance.

7. CAF Postpones 2026 WAFCON

The Confederation of African Football has rescheduled the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from March to July–August (July 25–August 16) to ensure proper tournament organization.

8. NFF Denies World Cup Elimination Reports

The Nigeria Football Federation insists the Super Eagles are still in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing media claims that DR Congo has replaced Nigeria for the inter-confederation playoffs.

9. Chris Okafor Explains Public Apology to Doris Ogala

Cleric Chris Okafor said his public apology to actress Doris Ogala was made under pressure to protect church leaders, not as an admission of wrongdoing. He now plans to resolve the matter through legal channels.

10. Peter Okoye Almost Became a Professional Footballer

Music star Peter Okoye of P-Square revealed he nearly pursued a professional football career, training at the Pepsi Football Academy and receiving an offer from Plateau United, before fate led him to music.