Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. The Guardian: More Nigerians Losing Faith in Tinubu Government, Public Institutions, Poll Reveals
Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey 2025 report, conducted by the Africa Polling Institute (API), has revealed growing citizens’ distrust and low public confidence in government and public institutions.
In comparison with previous editions (2019, 2021, and 2022), the data reveal that citizens’ trust and public confidence were at their lowest ebb.
Our Take: The growing distrust in Nigeria’s government and public institutions, as revealed by the 2025 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, demands urgent and concrete action from the leadership at all levels. President Bola Tinubu and key public officials must prioritise rebuilding citizens’ confidence by promoting transparency, delivering on campaign promises, engaging in inclusive governance, and ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
2. ThisDayLive: World Bank: Nigeria Stuck in Lower Middle Income Economy Below Libya, Gabon
For the umpteenth time, the World Bank has classified Nigeria among Lower-Middle Income Economies (LMIEs) in its 2025/2026 country income classification, below war-torn Libya as well as Gabon.
While Nigeria retained its position in the LMIEs, some African countries like Algeria, Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Mauritius and South Africa are placed higher among the Upper Middle Income Economies (UMIEs).
Our Take: The continued classification of Nigeria as a lower-middle income economy by the World Bank, below countries like Libya and Gabon should serve as a wake-up call to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Governor of the Central Bank, Olayemi Cardoso. It is important that they take decisive steps to stimulate economic growth through sound fiscal policies, targeted investments in critical sectors like education, infrastructure, and job creation, and by fostering a more enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
3. Punch: 10 States Borrow N417 Billion Despite Higher Allocations
Punch reports that a review of official data has shown that at least 10 Nigerian states collectively increased their domestic debt by N417.7bn year-on-year, despite a significant rise in revenue allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
Our Take: The alarming rise in domestic debt by 10 Nigerian states, despite increased allocations from the Federation Account, calls for immediate intervention from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committees, and state Houses of Assembly. Governors of Rivers, Enugu, Niger, Taraba, Bauchi, Benue, Gombe, Edo, Kwara, and Nasarawa must provide transparent justifications for their borrowing and present clear repayment strategies. It is critical that both federal and state oversight institutions enforce fiscal discipline, demand accountability, and ensure that borrowed funds are directed toward sustainable development projects that truly benefit citizens.