Nigeria’s Leading Newspaper Headlines For Tuesday, 17th March, 2026

Good morning, Nigeria. Here are the top stories making headlines today, Tuesday, 17th March, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is set to depart Abuja for a state visit to the United Kingdom, where they will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from 18 to 19 March. According to Ireporter Online, this historic visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations while exploring cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.

In Maiduguri, Borno State, panic gripped residents on Monday evening following multiple explosions across the city. Reports indicate the blasts occurred between 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., affecting areas including Monday Market, Kaleri, the Post Office, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital vicinity. Witnesses described the explosions as sudden and loud, prompting many to flee to safety, as authorities work to ascertain the cause.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate recorded a slight decline to 15.06 per cent in February 2026, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This reflects a 0.04 percentage point drop from January’s 15.10 per cent figure and represents an 11.21 percentage point decrease compared to February 2025. Despite the annual easing, monthly prices of goods and services continued to rise.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed a train accident on Monday morning involving the Kaduna–Abuja service. According to the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, a rear locomotive collided with a passenger coach near Asham Train Station due to a coupling issue, injuring several passengers. Emergency response teams attended to the injured, who were transported to medical facilities, and a full investigation by the Safety Investigation Bureau is underway.

In political news, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed remarks by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, who claimed the opposition party is no longer functional. PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong described Morka’s statement as “unfortunate and delusional,” asserting that Nigerians have consistently rejected APC despite defections and political maneuvers. Meanwhile, ADC chieftain Ladan Salihu criticized governors defecting to APC, cautioning that aligning with the ruling party does not guarantee electoral success.

Nollywood actress Remi Surutu recounted past online backlash over her involvement in President Tinubu’s 2023 campaign and expressed her readiness to support him again. Popular singer Chike Ezekpeazu has also reported being defrauded of $20,000 by a social media user, urging caution in business dealings.

In sports, Chelsea FC has been fined £10.75 million and issued a suspended transfer ban by the English Football Association over financial breaches during Roman Abramovich’s ownership. Meanwhile, Joan Laporta was re-elected as president of FC Barcelona with 68 per cent of the vote, promising an “unstoppable” new term for the La Liga club.