Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly condemned the recent attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village in Kaduna State, describing them as barbaric and cowardly. According to Ireporter Online, the President emphasized that such acts, including the killings and abductions of wedding guests, affront the values Nigeria stands for. He has directed security agencies to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and cautioned against spreading misinformation that could heighten tensions. Tinubu also urged the public to comply with safety and evacuation guidelines while commending the safe return of two Kaduna victims.

In legislative news, the Nigerian Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, approved a ₦68 trillion national budget for 2026, representing a ₦9 trillion increase over the initial proposal. According to Ireporter Online, the budget allocates ₦4.8 trillion for statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.3 trillion for capital projects via the development fund.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has signaled his intent to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following unsuccessful reconciliation efforts with the PDP faction led by Minister Nyesom Wike. According to Ireporter Online, Mohammed described the ADC as a more sustainable political platform and promised a formal announcement after consulting stakeholders.

The Senate also granted approval for President Tinubu’s $6 billion loan request, with $5 billion to be sourced from Abu Dhabi Bank to support government projects and cover budgetary gaps. Ireporter Online reports that the Senate considered the request after reviewing the report presented by the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

Economic developments have seen the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) raise the domestic gas price to $2.18 per MMBtu, effective April 1. Experts warn that this increase may trigger higher electricity tariffs and elevate the cost of living.

In security clarifications, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) denied reports suggesting that de-radicalized terrorists are being recruited into the military, reiterating that such individuals are strictly restricted from re-entering criminal networks.

On the entertainment front, Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has recounted her past involvement in dark spiritual practices, sharing that she has since embraced Christianity. Meanwhile, relationship expert Blessing Okoro revealed that domestic abuse ended her marriage, with assaults occurring even on her wedding day.

Sports news saw the Super Eagles of Nigeria held to a 2-2 draw by Jordan in an international friendly in Turkey. Emmanuel Fernandez marked his debut with a goal, while Nigeria’s goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was injured during the second half.

Finally, in football management, Tottenham Hotspur has appointed Roberto De Zerbi as head coach on a five-year deal, a decision that has sparked backlash from supporters as the club battles to avoid relegation.