Here is our roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines for Monday, 29 September, paired with our advocacy-driven demands for government action on issues affecting citizens.
1. Daily Trust: Dangote-PENGASSAN feud: Nigerians oppose service disruption
Daily Trust reports that many Nigerians have opposed the planned disruption of fuel supply nationwide following the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in protest against the dismissal of some employees at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Our Take: Once again, Nigerians are stuck in the middle of a heavyweight fight they never signed up for, Dangote on one side, PENGASSAN on the other, and fuel queues already rehearsing their comeback tour. While workers’ rights must be protected, holding the entire country hostage is not the way. We urge the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi to move beyond appeals and work out real solutions, and both parties should park their egos before we start buying petrol like luxury perfume.
2. The Guardian: Cardiovascular Disease Burden Worsens Amid Shortage of Specialists
The Guardian reports that Nigeria is facing a worsening cardiovascular crisis, with heart disease now a leading cause of death driven by hypertension, poor lifestyle choices, and weak healthcare systems.
As the country joins the global community to mark World Heart Day 2025, experts warn that without urgent policy action, investment in prevention, and stronger cardiac care, the country risks a major public health catastrophe.
Our Take: Nigeria can’t keep training heart specialists only to export them abroad, it is like a free talent dash. We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to create real incentives, better pay, equipped specialist hubs, and schools to keep experts at home, while embedding cardiovascular care in primary health centres. Otherwise, Nigerians will keep marking ‘awareness days’ while losing the very doctors meant to save their hearts.
3. ThisDayLive: FG Rubbishes International Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria
In other news, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, has dismissed fresh claims by international outlets and online influencers that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a coordinated genocide against Christians, describing the reports as false, misleading, and divisive, insisting that the country’s security challenges are being misrepresented as a one-sided religious attack.
Our Take: While it is fine for the government to clap back at online influencers, Nigerians would much prefer receipts in the form of transparency, solid data, and visible action against terrorism. Beyond rebuttals, the government must strengthen trust, guarantee equal protection for all citizens, and engage the media with facts, not just fiery press statements.
