Welcome to today’s roundup of Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-focused calls for government action on pressing issues that impact citizens.
1. Daily Trust: Misinformation Behind US-Nigeria Tension – Expert
Daily Trust reports that experts across the country have said that misinformation is largely responsible for the recent designation of Nigeria as a country of particular interest and the threat of an attack by the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Our Take: It is now on the relevant agencies to step up — the Federal Ministry of Information, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Security Advisor’s office all need to take coordinated action to counter false narratives before they spiral. Media regulators like the NBC and fact-checking platforms can also play a big role in educating citizens on verifying news. And for citizens? Let’s not wait for official statements before using common sense; before you share that ‘breaking news’, pause and check. The truth might just save Nigeria another diplomatic headache.
2. The Guardian: Senate Probes Rail Derailment as New Loans, Contract Debts Cause Stir
The Guardian reports that at the Senate, lawmakers resolved to launch a comprehensive probe into the repeated derailments on the country’s rail lines and the multi-trillion-naira Chinese loans secured for railway development – a decision that reflects deepening concerns over transparency in the utilisation of debt incurred by the previous administration to finance the rail rehabilitation programme.
Our Take: As senators roll up their sleeves to investigate why our trains keep falling off the tracks, both literally and financially, Nigerians should keep their eyes on the tunnel, not the smoke. The National Assembly, Budget Office, and Debt Management Office owe citizens clear answers on how trillions in loans turned into potholes on rail lines.
3. Vanguard: Budget Deficit: Tinubu Seeks Fresh N1.15trn Domestic Loan as Debt Hits N152trn
President Bola Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve a new N1.15 trillion loan from the domestic market to cover part of the deficit in the 2025 national budget.
The request, contained in a letter from the President, was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
Our Take: President Bola Tinubu must ensure that his administration’s love affair with loans comes with accountability, not just another signature and seal. Before the Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, nods in approval, Nigerians deserve to see a transparent debt management plan from the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Debt Management Office.
