Top 10 Stories From Nigerian Newspapers Today — Thursday, September 18 2025

Good morning! Here are the top stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Thursday, September 18 2025.

Top 10 Stories from Nigerian Newspapers today — Thursday, September 18 2025

1. Tinubu Lifts Emergency Rule in Rivers State

President Bola Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from midnight on Wednesday. He has directed suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume office on Thursday, September 18. Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the state legislature have also been asked to return to their duties.

2. NECO Flags 38 Schools for Exam Malpractice

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has identified 38 schools across 13 states for engaging in widespread cheating during the 2025 Internal Senior School Certificate Examination. NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, revealed this during the release of the exam results. He added that nine supervisors have been recommended for blacklisting due to lapses in supervision.

3. FAAC Disburses Record N2.225 Trillion for August

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed N2.225 trillion in revenue for August 2025 — the highest allocation ever recorded. This marks the second consecutive month that disbursements have exceeded N2 trillion.

4. FIRS Loses Four Staff in Lagos Fire

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is mourning the loss of four senior staff members who died in a fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday. The victims were trapped while working on the sixth and seventh floors where FIRS offices are located.

5. Impostor Soldier, Bike Thief Arrested in Niger State

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a man for impersonating a soldier and attempting to rob motorcycle riders in Minna. In a separate incident, another suspect was nabbed in Bangi town for motorcycle theft. Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed both arrests on Wednesday.

6. Nigerian History Reintroduced in Schools

The Federal Government has reinstated Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the basic education curriculum. The Ministry of Education announced the move on Wednesday, stating that it aims to promote national identity, unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility.

7. Delta Police Arrest Notorious Church Robber

Delta State Police have apprehended Emmanuel Emiowor, described as the state’s most wanted armed robber. He allegedly specialised in robbing churches at night, stealing instruments and valuables. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed his arrest in Asaba on Wednesday.

8. Nigeria Imports Over 560,000 Tonnes of Fertiliser Raw Materials

The Ministry of Finance Incorporated revealed that Nigeria has imported more than 560,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials in 2025 so far. The move is part of efforts to sustain agricultural productivity under the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative.

9. Naira Weakens Further Against Dollar

The Naira continued to decline on Wednesday, falling to ₦1,537 per dollar in the parallel market, down from ₦1,535 the previous day. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), it also dropped to ₦1,498 per dollar.

10. Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerians Detained for Alleged Drug Trafficking

Three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking have been released by Saudi authorities. The suspects — Maryam Abdullahi, Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddieq — were held for four weeks. Investigations revealed they were victims of a drug syndicate operating out of Kano airport.