Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns, for Tuesday, 15 April, 2025.

1. Punch: ALGON calls out AGF on LG autonomy stalemate

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has accused the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation of frustrating the implementation of local government autonomy, despite a Supreme Court ruling in favour of direct funding for all 774 local councils.

Our Take: The continued delay in implementing direct funding undermines grassroots governance and development, and it is imperative that the AGF takes immediate steps to enforce the judgement and hold state governments accountable for constitutional breaches.

2. Vanguard: GenCos Warn of Imminent Shutdown /Plateau, Benue killings: Gov Alia Threatens; Tinubu gives Mutfwang Marching Orders 

Power generation companies, GenCos, on Monday, warned that power plants across the country were facing imminent shutdown over a huge N4 trillion debt owed by the Federal Government. Also, President Bola Tinubu has given marching orders to Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis in the state and establish enduring peace.

Our Take: The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, must urgently address the debt owed to GenCos to prevent a nationwide power crisis.

President Tinubu must also take concrete action in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government. He must demonstrate federal leadership by deploying necessary resources, ensuring justice for victims, and coordinating a national response that addresses the root causes of the violence to foster genuine and lasting peace in Plateau State.

3. The Guardian: JAMB Warns New, Upgraded Institutions against Illegal Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned newly established, upgraded, and adopted tertiary institutions against conducting illegal admissions, emphasising that there will be no leniency or regularisation for non-compliance.

Our Take: While JAMB’s caution is commendable, the Board must go beyond warnings by putting in place proactive monitoring mechanisms and enforcing stricter sanctions for defaulters.