Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 9th September, 2025
1. Speaker Abbas Denies Speaking Against Borrowing By Federal Government
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has denied reports that he raised an alarm and condemned borrowing by the federal government of Nigeria.
The Speaker warned that mischief makers are only trying to misrepresent what he said.
Abbas, in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on New Media, Jowosimi Enitan, said his submission was that if properly managed, public debt can be a veritable tool for national growth and development.
Earlier, the House of Representatives Speaker was quoted to have raised an alarm over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, warning that it has surpassed the statutory ceiling and now poses a serious threat to fiscal sustainability.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) at the National Assembly, Abuja, Abbas who was represented by a member of the House, Babatunde Salam, said Nigeria’s debt had reached “a critical point.”
However, hours later, in a rebuttal by his media aide, the Speaker said he never called for a blanket condemnation of borrowing and supports responsible public debt when properly managed, including oversight functions.
Naija News reports that he added that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has met its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule, without reliance on borrowing.
2. Dangote Bows To Pressure, Allow Workers Join NUPENG
Dangote Group has reportedly agreed to allow workers of its refinery and petrochemicals to join the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Sources at the meeting on Monday told Vanguard that an MOU is currently being drafted to be signed by parties.
According to the sources, parties are also looking at the possibility of a two-week time frame for implementation of the MOU.
3. TUC Rejects Planned 5% Fuel Tax, Threatens Nationwide Strike
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products, describing the move as reckless and an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.
In a statement signed and issued on Monday by its President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N.A. Toro, the TUC warned that the policy, if implemented, would spark nationwide resistance.
The union said Nigerians were still battling the harsh consequences of fuel subsidy removal, galloping inflation, and a collapsing naira, adding that the new tax would only worsen the economic crisis.
Naija News reports that the TUC warned that it would not hesitate to mobilise its members, workers across the country, and the masses for mass action if the government pressed ahead with the plan.
The labour body directed all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain on alert and prepare for possible industrial action.
4. If We Reveal Their Names, They Will Be Kidnapped – Labour Party’s Arabambi Speaks On 2027 Presidential Aspirants
Factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) Abayomi Arabambi has stated that the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not be its candidate in 2027.
Featuring on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, he declared that the party has three possible names to consider as its presidential candidate in 2027.
Arabambi said he can’t reveal the individuals’ names now because they would be kidnapped, and the Labour Party would have no presidential candidate in 2027.
He claimed that Obi and his supporters’ agenda is to make sure that Nigeria turns to the Southeast.
5. 2025 UTME: JAMB Uncovers Over 4,000 Cases Of ‘Finger Blending’, AI-Assisted Exam Fraud
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has received the report of its Special Committee on Examination Infractions (SCEIi), revealing shocking levels of technology-driven malpractice undermining Nigeria’s admission process.
Presenting the report in Abuja to JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the committee chairman, Jake Epelle, stated that investigations into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) had uncovered 4,251 cases of finger blending and 192 instances of AI-assisted impersonation using image morphing.
The panel also documented 1,878 false disability claims, forged credentials, multiple National Identification Number (NIN) registrations, and collusion between candidates and examination syndicates.
Epelle lamented that examination malpractice in Nigeria has become highly organised, technology-driven, and dangerously normalised.
He said the fraud involved multiple actors, including parents, tutorial centres, schools, and even some CBT operators, while weak legal frameworks made enforcement challenging.
Naija News understands that the special committee, inaugurated on August 18, was tasked with probing rising infractions, reviewing JAMB’s systems, and recommending reforms to safeguard the integrity of examinations.
6. Tinubu Sacks SA Digital And Creative Economy
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has announced the sack of Fegho John Umunubo as an aide to the President serving in the office of Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Monday by the Director of Information & Public Relations, State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
Umunubo had served as the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Creative Economy (Office of the Vice President).
The presidency also warned that anyone who interfaces with him in the name of President Tinubu’s administration does so at his or her own risk.
7. My Daughters Deserve Better Than What I Endured – Annie Macaulay
Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay has once again drawn attention with a message that many believe points to her past experiences with her ex-husband, music star Innocent “2Baba” Idibia.
Naija News reports that the actress posted on Instagram on Monday, expressing her hope that her daughter would make better choices than she did and always recognise her value.
She wrote: ”I hope my daughter doesn’t accept things I’ve accepted, that she knows her worth from the start and that no matter what, she always has me in her corner.”
The post stirred reactions, with many linking it to the ups and downs of her marriage and her recent separation.
8. ‘I Was Expecting It’ – Segun Ogungbe Opens Up About Infidelity Allegation
Nollywood actor, Segun Ogungbe, has said he was not surprised by the allegation of infidelity made by his ex-lover, Wunmi Ajiboye.
Naija News recalls that Wunmi announced her separation from Ogungbe in 2024, accusing him of infidelity and inappropriate behaviour with her trainees.
She said, “You will molest my trainees to the point one of them got pregnant and you made her abort it. What is it? Do you want to kill me, Segun? Do you want to ruin me? Leave me alone, go away.”
Similarly, in June 2025, Wunmi claimed she was never married or engaged to Ogungbe.
Omowunmi disclosed that Ogungbe never met any of her family members, except for a friend of her sibling who lives in Lagos.
Despite having two children together, Omawunmi described Ogungbe simply as the father of her children, not her husband, and pleaded with the public to refrain from trolling her.
In a recent interview on Oyimomo TV, Ogungbe described his relationship with Ajiboye as pre-destined and not something he had intended.
The film star said he is unbothered about the allegation of infidelity, stressing that as a theatre practitioner, he believes anything can happen, and he is still expecting more.
9. There Will Be No Arrogance – Troost-Ekong Speaks On Super Eagles’ Plans For South Africa
The Captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, says the team would be going for a win against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the much-anticipated tie, Ekong said South Africa is a good team, but the Nigerians are focused on grabbing all three points from the match.
He said that the Eagles will play with a level head and without arrogance, adding that they will also not be thinking of their penalty shootout defeat of the Bafana at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.
Also, Coach Eric Chelle said he would select a team capable of getting all three points in the game against South Africa so the Eagles can stand a better chance of qualification.
10. ‘Nigeria Only Paid For One Tournament Out Of 12 Events I Featured In’ – Aruna Drags FG
Nigeria’s table tennis star, Aruna Quadri, has expressed frustration over what he described as years of neglect by the Federal Government despite his consistent international exploits.
In a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday, Aruna traced his 15-year journey as a professional player, saying that his success had been primarily funded by private sponsors and individuals rather than government support.
Aruna recalled how he left Nigeria for Portugal 15 years ago to play in the Portuguese Super League, competing almost every weekend.
The world number 19 lamented that he had played 99 per cent of his tournaments without a coach because the government failed to provide one.
According to him, while he typically featured in 12 tournaments annually, the Nigerian government only funded participation in one, usually within Africa, leaving him to self-sponsor the rest through support from his German equipment sponsor, GEWO.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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