Today’s Leading Nigerian Newspaper Headlines: Friday, 24th April, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Below is a roundup of major Nigerian newspaper headlines making waves on Friday, 24th April, 2026.

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the approval of the Senate for a $516.3 million loan intended to partially finance the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project. According to Ireporter Online, the request was presented in a formal letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The proposed 1,000-kilometre highway is designed to connect the North-West to the South-West, stretching from Illela in Sokoto through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo and Ogun States, before terminating in Badagry, Lagos. The funding arrangement involves a syndicated loan facilitated by Deutsche Bank AG, supported by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, while the Federal Government is also expected to contribute over ₦265.5 billion for land acquisition and related compensations.
2. The Interim National Chairperson of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has stated that it may be impossible for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rejoin the party in the future. According to Ireporter Online, she made the remark during a television interview, explaining that party regulations and electoral guidelines would prevent late entries once the register is closed ahead of primaries. She, however, acknowledged Obi’s significant contribution to the party’s national visibility during the last election cycle.
3. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has pleaded not guilty to amended charges filed against him by the Department of State Services over alleged unlawful interception of communications. According to Ireporter Online, he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on national security breaches. The court proceedings saw the earlier charges struck out and replaced with amended counts, all of which the former governor denied.
4. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has stirred political reactions after describing himself as a “freelance politician” following a meeting with key political stakeholders including former presidential candidate Peter Obi. According to Ireporter Online, the governor made the remark during a gathering in Bauchi, stressing that discussions centred on political cooperation and possible realignments ahead of future elections, while declining to disclose further details.
5. The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared that its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is open to serving in any capacity, including as a vice-presidential candidate, in efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. According to Ireporter Online, the movement’s spokesperson said Kwankwaso’s priority is political change rather than personal ambition, insisting that he maintains significant national influence beyond Kano State.
6. President Bola Tinubu has reportedly rejected calls from some senators seeking automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Ireporter Online, the President made his position known during a strategic meeting with Senate leadership at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. While lawmakers described the meeting as critical, it was gathered that Tinubu insisted party structures and governors should remain central in determining candidacies.
7. Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze has opened up about his painful childhood experiences, revealing how he was repeatedly bullied due to his stunted growth. According to Ireporter Online, the actor recounted how the constant mockery affected his emotional wellbeing, even pushing him to moments of despair. He, however, credited his mother for her unwavering support and encouragement, which helped him focus on education and personal development.
8. Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Nigerian music star Burna Boy, has responded to criticisms describing her son as arrogant, stating that she cannot apologise for his personality or public image. According to Ireporter Online, she explained that confidence is often mistaken for arrogance, adding that societal expectations frequently influence how public figures are judged, while maintaining that self-assurance should not be misconstrued.
9. Spanish giants Barcelona have confirmed that young star Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury. According to Ireporter Online, medical tests revealed a muscle injury in his left leg, with the club confirming he will undergo conservative treatment. The setback rules him out of key fixtures, including El Clásico, although he is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
10. FIFA has dismissed proposals suggesting that Italy could replace Iran at the upcoming World Cup amid geopolitical tensions affecting Iran’s participation. According to Ireporter Online, the governing body reaffirmed that Iran remains part of the tournament, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously confirming the nation’s inclusion despite external speculation.

That’s the top news making headlines across Nigeria and beyond today.