Top Nigerian News Headlines – Saturday, 14 March 2026

A Nigerian journalist and publisher, Segun Olawoye, has sounded the alarm over a possible threat to his life, stating that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, should be held responsible should any harm come to him. Olawoye, founder of ObjecTV Media, claimed during a press briefing that he received a cryptic WhatsApp message from a number later identified as the minister’s. The dispute reportedly arose from a secret recording of a meeting connected to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The meeting, which took place in August 2025 following protests against the highway realignment in Lagos, was discreetly recorded by Olawoye over safety concerns. He alleges that the message accused him of publicizing the recording.

In a separate development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted the ex-depot price of petrol back to ₦1,175 per litre shortly after reducing it to ₦1,075 per litre on March 10, 2026. Depot operators nationwide temporarily paused sales to reconcile stocks and align with the new pricing, which follows a rise in global Brent crude prices from $91 to $100 per barrel.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio appeared to mock the state of opposition parties during a plenary session, commenting on the defection of former Sokoto Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Akpabio noted the disarray within parties such as the PDP and Labour Party, attributing the turmoil to leadership failures rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, highlighting that Nigeria’s poverty rate reportedly rose to 63 per cent following the removal of the fuel subsidy. In a statement, the party argued that the increase demonstrates the severe impact of higher fuel and transportation costs on ordinary Nigerians and described the development as a “damning verdict” on the administration.

President Tinubu has also approved the formation of a seven-member Presidential Petroleum Reform & Value Optimisation Taskforce to guide petroleum sector reforms. Chaired by Fola Adeola, the task force includes industry experts and will report directly to the President with monthly progress updates, aiming to strengthen the sector and boost Nigeria’s position in global energy markets.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu warned that election manipulation would not be tolerated in Abia State during the 2027 elections, referring to alleged irregularities in the 2024 local government polls. Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Peter Obi dismissed claims that he sought the support of President Tinubu’s adviser, Daniel Bwala, during the 2023 elections, emphasizing his stance against transactional politics.

In entertainment news, veteran Yoruba actor and broadcaster Timothy Agboola, popularly known as Ereke Ni Shop, has died in Lagos after a prolonged illness. Social media tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans. Additionally, comedian Samuel Perry, known as Broda Shaggi, was reportedly shot while filming a skit in Ogun State and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

In sports, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola warned that failing to beat West Ham United on Saturday could jeopardize their Premier League title ambitions. Despite a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League midweek, Guardiola stressed the importance of refocusing on domestic competition.