Here’s a roundup of major Nigerian newspaper headlines, bringing you the top stories shaping conversations nationwide.

1. ‘Lawmakers push for 31 new states amid N11.47 trillion debt by existing ones’ – The Guardian

Amid the burgeoning weight of the present confederacy on the 36 states in Nigeria, groaning under the heavy burden of debts and inability to perform their fiscal responsibilities, the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee yesterday proposed 31 additional ones to push the states in the country to 67.

Our Take: Perhaps we should first ensure the 36 existing states aren’t drowning in debt before adding 31 more to the list? We urge the House of Representatives to reject this proposal and focus on making the current ones actually work.

2. ‘Port charges to go up 15 percent as NPA pushes for efficiency’ – Vanguard

In a move to enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said it has secured approval for a 15 percent tariff increase, the first adjustment since 1993.

Our Take: While a shakeup is welcome after 30 years, ‘efficiency’ must not always mean higher costs. Manufacturers are already struggling, and a 15 percent tariff hike would worsen the economic situation of ordinary Nigerians. We call on the Managing Director (MD) and CEO of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho to reconsider the increase, and  focus on fixing port delays, bottlenecks and ensuring our ports deliver better. services.