Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 29th August, 2025
1. FG Approves New Passport Fees, Effective September 1
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of the fees for the Nigerian international passport, effective September 1, 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), A. S. Akinlabi.
According to the Service, the new rates will only apply to passport applications submitted within Nigeria.
He explained that the increment was aimed at safeguarding the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Standard Passport, which will take effect on September 1, 2025.
The statement added that Nigerians applying for passports in the diaspora would not be affected by the new review.
2. NNPCL Boss, Ojulari Confirms Plot To Remove Him From Office
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has alleged that his life and those of the company’s management staff are under serious threat.
Ojulari, who disclosed this on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja, said his “offence” was the series of reforms he introduced in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to revive the nation’s moribund refineries.
The NNPCL boss lamented that some “powerful elements” were bent on removing him from office.
His remarks come weeks after reports claimed he was forced to resign by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an allegation denied by the agencies and the Presidency.
Ojulari reiterated that the company was working to restore the nation’s refineries to full capacity.
According to him, management is considering adopting the NLNG model as part of its strategy to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Despite the threats, he emphasised his determination to see the turnaround process of the refineries through to completion.
3. Details Of National Economic Council Meeting Emerge
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the proposal to strengthen polio vaccination coverage in Nigeria, which has increased from 81% to 84% with a focus on routine immunization.
The approval was given at its 151st meeting on Thursday, which was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Naija News reports that the council also approved the implementation of the Renewed Hope Medium-term plan 2026-2030.
The plan is seen as a key link between ongoing government reforms and the Nigeria Agenda 2050, the country’s long-term economic blueprint.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who made this known while briefing newsmen at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, explained that the current development plan will end in December 2025, necessitating a seamless transition.
4. FG Denies Signing Agreement With ASUU
The Federal Government has denied claims of signing agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Naija News reports that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, clarified that the documents being referenced were merely proposals.
According to him, both the 2009 and 2011 documents often cited by ASUU as binding agreements were never signed, but only proposals presented during negotiations.
He remarked, “The documents ASUU has been referring to as agreements were just proposals that were never signed.”
Alausa also dismissed reports of scheduling a meeting with ASUU and the Minister of Labour and Employment, stressing that they are inaccurate.
He added that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was, however, committed to resolving lingering issues with the university lecturers’ union.
5. Atiku Makes 9 Demands From FG Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has called for urgent reforms in the electoral and judicial sectors of the country ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku, in a personally signed statement made available to Naija News on Thursday, said the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) embarked upon by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would only be meaningful if the reforms are implemented.
He also commended the enthusiasm of Nigerians in the ongoing continuous voter registration for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that it is indicative of Nigerians’ commitment to taking their destinies into their own hands by choosing their leaders in the next election cycle.
The politician, however, said it is not enough to simply demand that eligible voters register for their PVCs, noting that far-reaching electoral and judicial reforms are also necessary to ensure electoral integrity, strengthen public confidence, and promote judicial independence.
Among other things, Atiku demanded an amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act and the compulsory electronic transmission of the 2027 election results.
6. Fresh Crisis Rocks ADC As Faction Rejects Bolaji Abdullahi As Party’s Spokesperson
The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyal to Nafiu Bala has warned former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, to stop parading himself as the spokesperson of the party.
The faction, in a statement on Thursday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs in the office of the factional chairman, Christopher O. Okechukwu, the ADC said Abdullahi has no authorization to operate as the party’s spokesperson.
The statement added that Abdullahi’s claim to the position is misleading and also a violation of the established protocols that guide appointments in the party.
He noted that Abdullahi does not meet the necessary requirements to serve as the Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson of the ADC and therefore urged him to cease and desist from using the ADC’s name and title without proper authorisation immediately.
7. Lagos Police Speak On Tiktoker Peller’s Kidnap Incident
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that popular TikTok personality, Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, is safe.
Naija News understands that the confirmation follows reports that he was kidnapped while livestreaming on his way home on Wednesday evening.
Peller, aged 20 had appeared in video clips online claiming he was abducted by gunmen, though he initially mistook them for security officials.
Police said all of Peller’s belongings, including his phones and vehicle, were intact and that he was unharmed.
The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said that investigations are ongoing to determine the truth behind the incident and whether it was an actual kidnapping or a misunderstanding.
8. Why Davido Hates Me – Skitmaker Trinity Guy
Popular skit maker and prankster, Abdullahi Maruff Adisa, popularly known as IamTrinityGuy, has revealed his worry that music star Davido may not like him.
TrinityGuy revealed that sometimes he feels he might have offended the singer.
The comedian, who brands himself as the OBO Comedian, disclosed on Thursday through his verified Facebook page that he has been trying for almost two years to meet Davido but has not succeeded.
Naija News reports that he explained the failed attempts made him wonder if the Afrobeats star harbours dislike for him.
Trinity Guy further stated that he had promised himself in 2024 that he would meet the Nigerian-American singer before the end of the year, but his wish did not come to pass.
He added that he is now turning to prayer, hoping that his dream to meet Davido will finally become a reality before the end of 2025.
9. Mourinho Admits Benfica Were Better As Fenerbahce Shift Focus To Europa League After UCL Exit
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, has acknowledged that his side fell short against Benfica, after the Portuguese club edged his team 1-0 on aggregate in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League play-off second leg.
The first leg had ended in a goalless draw, leaving Fenerbahce needing a breakthrough in Lisbon. But despite creating chances, Mourinho’s men were unable to find the net and were reduced to ten players during the clash, which ultimately sealed their exit.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho admitted, “It is a club that knows this type of game, and obviously there is sadness in not being able to do it, but for me, I am aware that we lost against a team that is better than us. We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over. But I think overall, the better team went through.”
With Champions League dreams dashed, Fenerbahce will now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they are set to compete in Pot 2 during Friday’s draw. Mourinho also shared his thoughts on the competition, praising FC Porto as a formidable side.
10. UEFA Champions League Draw Confirmed
The draw for the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League was conducted on Thursday, with top European clubs learning their fixtures under the new format.
This season will again adopt the ‘Swiss-style’ league phase rather than the traditional group stage, with 36 teams competing.
Under the format, each team will play eight matches against different opponents, with four at home and four away.
The top eight sides will qualify automatically for the round of 16, while teams placed ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off for the remaining slots.
Clubs ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from all UEFA competitions.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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