Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns, for Monday, 14 April, 2025.

1. Punch: Autonomy: 774 Local Governments Drag Federal Government, States to Court

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will on Tuesday hear a suit filed by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and others over the implementation of local government autonomy. ALG

Our Take: The Ministry of Finance, state Commissioners of Finance, and the CBN should respect the Supreme Court’s judgement by taking immediate, coordinated steps to support the full implementation of local government autonomy.

2. The Guardian: Presidency Dismisses U.S. Court on Tinubu’s Drug Case

Aso Villa has downplayed the United States court ruling ordering the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release investigative files connected to President Bola Tinubu, saying the documents in question are decades old and contain no incriminating findings.

Our Take: The Presidency must demonstrate unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability and engage the Nigerian people with clarity and openness. In doing so, it can help dispel speculation, build public trust, and reinforce the principles of democratic governance.

3. Vanguard: Wole Soyinka Slams NBC for Banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s Song

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka blasted the National Broadcasting Commission for banning Eedris Abdulkareem’s song against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Our Take: The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) should review its broadcast code and ensure that they are in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in ensuring commitment to freedom of speech. Rather than suppressing dissenting voices, the role of the NBC in a democratic society should be to regulate responsibly.

4. Daily Trust: Our Food Worse than Dogs – Inmates

Inmates at various correctional centres across the country have alleged that they are being poorly fed.

Our Take: The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, must urgently intervene to investigate and address the alarming reports of inhumane feeding conditions in correctional centres, ensure accountability for any misconduct uncovered, and uphold the dignity and rights of inmates.