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: FG Under Pressure as DMO Blames FX, Global Shocks for Rising Debt
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) pushes back on debt sustainability concerns, the Debt Management Office (DMO), Labour Party (LP) and other stakeholders have demanded a more transparent borrowing and documentation culture. Whereas data in the public space peg the public debt stock as at the end of the first quarter at N149.39 trillion, the DMO, which oversees the management of the public debt, casts doubt on the transparency of the accumulation. On its part, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) said it is auditing the figure that is currently in the public.
Our Take: We call on the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office (DMO), the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF), and state governors to stop treating Nigeria’s debt figures like a magician’s disappearing act. Nigerians deserve transparent, up-to-date records of public borrowing and a borrowing framework clearly tied to development gains, not an ever-expanding IOU to the next generation. If loans must be taken, then Madam Patience Oniha’s DMO should ensure every kobo is accounted for, Wale Edun’s Finance Ministry should publish the receipts, and governors should stop hiding behind outdated figures, because even auditors can’t balance books that look like riddles.
2. Punch: Doctors to Decide on Nationwide Strike Today
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council meeting to determine its next line of action on a pending ultimatum to the federal government.
The association had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must stop treating doctors like volunteers in a charity drive and start honouring their contractual and welfare obligations. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ demands, ranging from unpaid arrears to allowances older than some medical interns are not luxuries but the bare minimum for a functioning health system. If the government continues to gamble with healthcare, patients may soon need miracle centres instead of hospitals, because even the stethoscopes will join the exodus.
3. ThisDayLive: Natasha: Citing Pending Appeal Court Case, NASS Blocks Senator’s Resumption Despite Suspension Expiration
The National Assembly has formally declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume her legislative duties in the senate, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension on 04 September, 2025.
Our Take: Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria, and the National Assembly leadership must remember that Kogi Central voters elected a senator, not a ghost representative. Hiding behind an appeal while ignoring both the Federal High Court ruling and the expiry of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension only makes the Senate look less like a law-making body and more like a club of rule-benders. If the red chamber truly respects democracy, it should stop playing ‘musical chairs with justice’ and allow the senator to resume her duties.
