Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025
1. Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21 Billion Foreign Loan
The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s external borrowing plan of over $21 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal period, clearing the way for the complete implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Naija News reports that the comprehensive package includes $21.19 billion in direct foreign loans, €4 billion, ¥15 billion, a $65 million grant, and ₦757 billion in domestic borrowing through government bonds.
The plan also provides for raising $2 billion through foreign-currency-denominated instruments within the domestic market.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Aliyu Wamako, explained that the proposal, first submitted to the National Assembly on May 27, experienced delays due to the legislative recess and incomplete documentation from the Debt Management Office.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, stressed that the borrowing request had already been factored into the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2025 budget.
2. Governor Adeleke Remains In PDP, Endorses President Tinubu For Second Term
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be re-elected in 2027.
The Governor made the revelation in a statement on Tuesday, in which he noted that the endorsement followed his meeting with leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.
Governor Adeleke said the endorsement follows their recognition of President Tinubu as a distinguished son of the state.
Naija News reports he also debunked any defection rumours, insisting that he remains a committed member of the PDP, adding that the people of Osun have also endorsed him for a second term in 2026.
3. Why Are They Crying, I Repeat, You Must Inform Me Before Coming – Okpebholo Mocks Peter Obi
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has insisted that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, must inform him before visiting the South-South State.
Naija News recalls that Governor Okpebholo had on Friday, July 18, 2025, while speaking during the defection of Hon Marcus Onobun, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben federal constituency at the National Assembly, directed Peter Obi to always notify him when coming to the state.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commissioning of modern transportation in Edo State, Okpebholo said he has no regret telling Obi to seek his permission before visiting the state.
Okpebholo noted that his directive was only advice and not a threat, recalling how he failed to adhere to such a directive by a Commissioner of Police during the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, which led to the death of his Police orderly, Inspector Akor Onu, at the Benin Airport.
4. CBN Retains Monetary Interest Rates At 27.5%
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has resolved to maintain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.5 per cent, as part of its strategy to consolidate gains in the fight against inflation and stabilise the economy.
Naija News reports that the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the end of the 301st Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Abuja.
According to him, the committee voted unanimously to retain the MPR at 27.5 per cent, while also maintaining the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for Deposit Money Banks at 50 per cent and for Merchant Banks at 16 per cent. The Liquidity Ratio was also left unchanged at 30 per cent.
Cardoso explained that the decision to hold all key monetary parameters steady was informed by the committee’s cautious approach to managing monetary pressures and ensuring price stability.
Speaking on the ongoing recapitalisation exercise for Nigerian banks, the CBN Governor revealed that eight financial institutions have already met the new capital requirements set by the regulator.
5. Senator Natasha Reveals Next Plan After NASS Blockage
Suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to escalate her legal battle to the Court of Appeal following her denial of entry into the National Assembly on Tuesday, despite a valid Federal High Court ruling ordering her reinstatement.
Naija News reports that the senator, who had earlier declared her intention to resume plenary based on the judgment of Justice Binta Nyako, was stopped at the gates of the National Assembly by security operatives, sparking outrage among her supporters and other observers.
Speaking to journalists shortly after being turned back, an enraged Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senate leadership of acting in contempt of court.
The senator maintained that the Senate’s refusal to comply with the Federal High Court’s ruling was a blatant violation of the rule of law and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Determined to challenge what she described as a “constitutional crisis,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said she would be meeting with her legal team to initiate further legal proceedings.
6. You Are Fundamentally Misinformed – FG Fires Back At ADC Over Appointment Of Ambassadors
The federal government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of raising false political alarms regarding the delays by President Bola Tinubu in appointing ambassadors for the country.
A statement on Tuesday, released by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Alkasim Abdulkadir, noted that the government would not be pressurized by misinformed political actors into making knee-jerk reactions on ambassadorial appointments.
Naija News reports that the statement comes as a direct reaction to the earlier statement by the ADC called out the administration of President Bola Tinubu over its failure to appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions.
The ADC, in a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development is “embarrassing.”
However, the Foreign Affairs Ministry says, contrary to the ADC claims, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions remain fully operational and effectively represented by seasoned foreign service officers, including experienced chargés d’affaires.
It added that the ADC is misinformed about Nigeria’s international diplomacy, noting that the appointment of ambassadors will not be rushed for political expediency.
7. Why I Dumped Islam For Christianity – Peller
Tiktok sensation, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has revealed that his decision to convert to Christianity was shaped by painful experiences from his childhood.
Naija News reports that the content creator, who shared his story during a live chat with fans, said he grew up attending a Quranic school, also called Ile Kewu, where he faced harsh punishments.
According to him, those difficult moments left lasting emotional wounds and gradually made him distance himself from Islam.
Peller explained that the beatings he received as a child while learning the Quran turned him away from religious schooling and eventually led him to seek a new spiritual path.
He now openly identifies as a Christian and attends church.
8. Wizkid Helped Me Open My Instagram Account – Daddy Showkey
Veteran singer, Daddy Showkey, has revealed that his younger colleague, Wizkid, was the one who helped him open an Instagram account.
He disclosed this in a video call with music producer Maleek Berry.
Daddy Showkey recounted how a visit to Wizkid’s home a few years ago led to his introduction to the social media platform.
He disclosed that he found out he was trending after Wizkid made a post about him, which sparked his curiosity about how Instagram worked.
According to him, Wizkid not only explained the platform but also helped him create an account. He added that fellow artist KCee later guided him on how to effectively navigate and use the app.
Daddy Showkey expressed appreciation to both artists for their support, crediting them for helping him connect with a broader audience.
9. Viktor Gyökeres Set For Arsenal Move As Sporting Accept €73.5 Million Deal
Arsenal are closing in on their most significant signing of the summer, Viktor Gyökeres, with a deal in place to bring the Swedish striker to the Emirates from Sporting Lisbon.
According to transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, all parties have reached a full verbal agreement.
“Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties involved,” Romano posted on 𝕏 on Tuesday.
Sporting Lisbon have accepted Arsenal’s final offer worth €63.5 million upfront, with an additional €10 million in performance-related add-ons. The player’s agent is also believed to have lowered his commission demands to help push the deal over the line.
Gyökeres, 27, is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Gunners. “He only wanted Arsenal,” Romano revealed.
His standout season in the Portuguese league drew attention from several European clubs, but the Swede was reportedly set on a move to North London.
The signing is seen as a major statement of intent from Arsenal, who are bolstering their squad in a bid to go one better in the Premier League after narrowly missing out on the title last season.
10. Alozie’s Late Strike Against South Africa Sends Super Falcons To WAFCON Final
Nigeria’s Super Falcons edged past South Africa’s Banyana Banyana with a dramatic 2-1 victory on Tuesday to seal a place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The semi-final clash saw Nigeria strike first through Rasheedat Ajibade, who calmly converted a penalty to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead at halftime.
South Africa responded early in the second half, with Linda Motlhalo levelling the score from the spot in the 59th minute.
The goal seemed to shift the momentum in favour of the reigning champions as the Super Falcons briefly lost their rhythm, struggling to regain control.
As the game edged towards extra time, Michelle Alozie produced a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time. Her long-range effort, in the 90+4th minute, caught the South African defence off guard and nestled into the back of the net.
The match was not without concern. Jennifer Echegini and South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado both had to be taken off due to injuries.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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