Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Saturday, March 21, 2026

According to Ireporter Online, major developments across Nigeria on Saturday, March 21, 2026, are dominated by economic adjustments, political realignments, security concerns, and entertainment updates shaping national discourse.

The Dangote Refinery has increased the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by ₦70 per litre, raising it from ₦1,175 to ₦1,245, with the new rate taking effect from midnight, March 21, 2026. The revised pricing also applies to all pending and undelivered orders. In addition, the refinery adjusted its coastal supply price to ₦1,606,518 per metric tonne from ₦1,512,648, citing ongoing global geopolitical tensions impacting crude oil prices and supply chains. Customers operating under valid bank guarantees are, however, permitted to continue transactions under existing agreements.

In the political space, indications have emerged that no fewer than seven ministers and several presidential appointees may step down following a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu. The order mandates all appointees with political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026, in compliance with the Electoral Act and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Reports suggest that several cabinet members are already positioning for governorship contests across states including Oyo, Ogun, Gombe, and Bauchi.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has refuted claims that Nigeria has agreed to accept foreign deportees under a new migration arrangement with the United Kingdom. Clarifying the agreement, presidential spokesman Temitope Ajayi stated that it strictly applies to Nigerian nationals residing illegally in the UK, stressing that the country will not accept non-citizens. The agreement, signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to the UK, also includes provisions to ensure humane treatment of returnees.

On the energy front, the Federal Government has intensified discussions around a proposed $20 billion transcontinental gas pipeline project aimed at supplying Nigerian gas to Europe. The initiative, described as a strategic economic corridor, is expected to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually through Chad and Libya before extending to Italy and the broader European market. Officials say the project is designed to boost energy security and attract foreign investment into Nigeria’s gas sector.

A leadership crisis has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a faction led by Nafiu Bala petitioned the United States Embassy in Abuja, accusing rival members of orchestrating an unconstitutional takeover of the party. The group is calling for sanctions, including visa restrictions, against those allegedly involved, insisting that due process was not followed in the leadership transition.

In the judiciary, the Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted into evidence statements made by Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and his co-defendant Dauda Sulaiman in an ongoing ₦10.2 billion money laundering trial. The court ruled that the statements were voluntarily made and complied with legal provisions after conducting a trial-within-trial to address allegations of coercion.

On security matters, former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai maintained that insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, is not overwhelming military forces. While acknowledging challenges such as manpower shortages and the need for more advanced equipment, he noted that the deployment of modern tools like drones has improved operational effectiveness, although vast terrain continues to pose difficulties.

In the entertainment industry, Afrobeats star Asake has dismissed rumours of a fallout with his former label boss, Olamide, affirming that his respect and loyalty remain intact despite pursuing an independent career path. His comments come amid speculation following his exit from YBNL and the launch of his own record label.

Elsewhere, Nollywood actor Lege Miami has appealed to Nigerians to stop criticising Aremu Afolayan over his political stance, revealing that the actor is no longer affiliated with the EKO57 support group. He urged critics to redirect their grievances elsewhere, noting that Afolayan has already withdrawn from political involvement.

In sports, Niger Tornadoes received a ₦2 million reward after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League fixture. The win lifts the Minna-based side to 10th position on the table, while Rivers United remain at the top despite the setback as the title race intensifies.