Today’s Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines – Thursday, 29 January 2026

According to Ireporter Online, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that the new tax laws signed by President Bola Tinubu differ from the version passed by the National Assembly. Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio emphasized that the gazetted laws faithfully reflect the decisions made by lawmakers. He noted that only documents issued and certified by the National Assembly, including those validated by the Clerk, are official, adding that any other versions in circulation do not represent legislative outcomes.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged President Tinubu to prioritize domestic challenges over frequent foreign trips. Obi, writing on his account on Wednesday, criticized the persistent instability of the national electricity grid, contrasting it with Tinubu’s campaign promise to deliver stable power within his first four years. He called on the President to focus on governance and national issues rather than prematurely campaigning for 2027.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara over claims that former Governor Nyesom Wike controls the state’s House of Assembly. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Olayinka said such allegations reflect poorly on Fubara, asserting that no external political figure should influence his administration.

The Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claims that Nigeria is under a dictatorship. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Tinubu, accused Atiku of “sliding into senile dementia,” saying the former Vice President is unable to distinguish democratic governance from military rule. Dare added that Atiku’s attacks stem from personal frustration over repeated electoral defeats.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has increased the pump price of petrol to ₦835 per litre in Lagos and ₦839 per litre in Abuja. According to industry reports, the adjustment follows a rise in refinery gantry prices after the end of festive-period price support, signaling higher costs for consumers nationwide.

Residents of Makoko and other low-income Lagos communities staged protests on Wednesday against ongoing demolitions and forced evictions. Demonstrators at the Ikeja Under-Bridge carried placards condemning the actions, demanding resettlement plans, and highlighting the human impact of government urban renewal projects.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko has been officially selected as the Oloja of Lagos elect by the King Kosoko Royal Family. The formal announcement was made at King Kosoko Palace, where family leaders confirmed that the selection followed established customs and legal procedures.

Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has reportedly been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre in connection with a case involving fellow actress Mercy Johnson. According to reports, Okorie was taken to Yaba Panti and subsequently flown to Abuja to face charges, marking the latest development in a longstanding public dispute between the actresses.

FIFA has reported a record-breaking year for international football transfers in 2025, with 24,558 deals totaling $13.08 billion. English Premier League clubs were the biggest spenders, and Liverpool’s acquisition of Isak for $172 million set a new British transfer record, underscoring the sport’s escalating financial scale.

Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent, ending his three-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Sterling, one of the club’s top earners, departs after 81 appearances and 19 goals. Chelsea thanked the forward for his contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.