Good morning, Nigeria. Below is the Naija News summary in Gossip News Now of today’s top stories.
1. Petrol Price Falls As NNPCL, Independent Marketers Reduce Pump Rates
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and several independent marketers have implemented another round of pump price reductions for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across Abuja.
As reported by the Daily Post, NNPCL stations in the capital have adjusted petrol prices to ₦915 per litre, down from ₦920. Independent marketers such as BOVAS and MRS have also lowered their rates, with some now selling at ₦910 per litre, compared to earlier prices reaching ₦945.
Other stations, including AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Optima, Mobil, Ranoil, and Empire, now dispense PMS at prices between ₦920 and ₦937 per litre, depending on station location and depot supply factors.
This latest reduction marks the third consecutive price cut within two weeks, bringing NNPCL’s pump price down to ₦945 per litre—₦30 lower than the previous ₦975 per litre.
2. Tinubu Mandates Ministers to Seek Presidential Approval Before Using Police Escorts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that the recent directive to withdraw police officers from VIP, VVIP, and ministerial security duties remains firm and must be fully implemented.
Speaking at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, the President warned ministers against ignoring the order and advised them to seek proper clearance if their responsibilities require additional security.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said.
He instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure strict enforcement of the directive.
Tinubu emphasised that the primary duty of police officers is to protect citizens—especially the vulnerable—and not to serve as personal security for VIPs. He added that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will oversee the deployment of Civil Defence Corps personnel to replace withdrawn police escorts where necessary.
3. ‘Buhari Will Answer on Judgement Day’ — El-Zakzaky Speaks on 10th Anniversary of Zaria Massacre
A decade after the deadly 2015 confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, the group’s leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has declared that former President Muhammadu Buhari will “give account on the Day of Judgement.”
The incident—triggered by a roadblock set up by IMN followers that obstructed the convoy of then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai—quickly escalated into a violent military crackdown. It remains one of the most contentious security operations in Nigeria’s recent history and eventually led to the proscription of the IMN.
Human Rights Watch reported that about 300 IMN members were killed and buried secretly, while a state-backed judicial panel later estimated over 1,000 civilian deaths, mostly IMN adherents.
El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were arrested after the clash and remained in custody until a Kaduna High Court acquitted them in 2021.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the 10-year anniversary, El-Zakzaky criticised the Buhari government—and subsequent administrations—for failing to act on the judicial commission’s report, which was submitted on September 7, 2016.
When asked whether he had forgiven Buhari, the cleric responded bluntly:
“As for Buhari, it’s simple. He has passed away. We will meet on the Day of Judgement.”
4. Newly Elected AGN President Abubakar Yakubu Arrested After Fatal Car Crash
Abubakar Yakubu, the newly elected President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has reportedly been arrested following a fatal car accident in Surulere, Lagos.
Yakubu had just emerged president after narrowly defeating Rita Daniels — Regina Daniels’ mother — with 116 votes against her 113, while three votes were voided.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crash resulted in at least one fatality.
According to Sahara Reporters, Yakubu is currently in police custody at the Barracks Police Station in Surulere, where investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the crash or findings from the ongoing investigation.
5. Alex Iwobi Named Fifth Most Creative Player in the Premier League This Season
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has been ranked the fifth most creative player in the Premier League this season, according to a new assessment by analytics platform WhoScored.
The Fulham midfielder has produced 23 key chances so far, making him the club’s standout creator in attacking areas. Only four players in the entire league have better numbers.
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes tops the creativity chart with 40 key passes, followed by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai (28), Arsenal’s Declan Rice (27), and Nottingham Forest prospect Elliot Anderson (25).
Iwobi’s inventive play has also translated into end-product: he has scored twice and registered two assists in 15 league appearances this season. Since joining Fulham from Everton for €25.7 million, he has increasingly become a central figure in Marco Silva’s setup.
His best Premier League campaign came last season, where he recorded nine goals and six assists. With his confidence surging, Iwobi is expected to be one of Nigeria’s key players at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
6. Babangida Cautions Chelle Against Over-Reliance on Osimhen Ahead of AFCON 2025
Former Super Eagles winger Tijani Babangida has advised head coach Eric Chelle to reduce what he calls the team’s “dangerous” over-dependence on star striker Victor Osimhen as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Tribal Football, Babangida warned that banking on a single player poses a major risk, especially with AFCON fast approaching.
Osimhen remains Nigeria’s talisman, having scored 31 goals in 43 appearances—just six behind all-time top scorer Rashidi Yekini. However, Babangida pointed to the team’s contrasting results with and without the Galatasaray forward. With Osimhen available, Nigeria have lost only five of their last 40 matches; without him, they have suffered 11 defeats in 29 games and recorded just nine wins.
He urged Chelle to build a more balanced, less predictable team capable of delivering results even when the star striker is unavailable.
7. ‘I’m Traumatized By Marriage’ – Regina Daniels Says She Will Never Remarry
Nollywood star Regina Daniels has disclosed that she has no intention of remarrying following her painful split from billionaire politician Ned Nwoko.
Responding to a fan’s question about whether she might consider marrying someone closer to her age, the actress said her past experience left her emotionally scarred and unwilling to enter another union.
The fan asked: “Will you consider marrying another man who is your age?”
Regina replied: “Nopeee, traumatized with that institution.”
Daniels married Nwoko in 2019, and the pair share two children. Their marriage was often in the public spotlight, attracting widespread attention and controversies over the years.
8. Tinubu Assigns Shettima to Lead National Ranch Development Initiative
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima with leading a national effort, through the National Economic Council (NEC), to identify and rehabilitate grazing reserves across the country for conversion into modern ranches.
Tinubu said the initiative is essential to ending persistent herder–farmer conflicts and harnessing the full economic potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja, the President directed the NEC to work with states to assess viable grazing reserves that can be transformed into livestock settlements.
He stressed the need for practical, long-term solutions that promote peace and also create economic value.
“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn livestock reform into a source of economic development. The opportunity is there—let’s utilise it,” Tinubu said.
He added that as land belongs to the states, the NEC must operate within constitutional limits and collaborate with willing states to advance the ranching programme.
9. Tinubu Meets Osun APC Leaders, Governorship Aspirants, Calls for Unity Ahead of Primary
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held a crucial meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and governorship aspirants from Osun State, urging them to embrace unity and support consensus efforts ahead of the party’s December 13 primary election.
The meeting, held Monday night at the State House in Abuja, was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Aspirants present included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh, and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Also in attendance were APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Tinubu praised the aspirants for their long-standing commitment to the party but cautioned them against the internal divisions that contributed to the APC’s defeat in the last Osun governorship election. He urged them to rally behind the party’s eventual consensus candidate, emphasising the importance of party unity and supremacy in securing electoral victory.
10. Tinubu Sets Up Committee To Address ₦4 Trillion Debt Owed to Federal Contractors
President Bola Tinubu has constituted a high-level committee to tackle the federal government’s outstanding debt estimated at about ₦4 trillion owed to contractors.
The President, who expressed strong displeasure over the mounting liabilities, made his position known through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
According to Onanuga, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, revealed that nearly 2,000 contractors are currently awaiting payment—an update that left the President “very, very upset.”
Tinubu has mandated the newly formed committee to review the situation and recommend actionable steps for settling the debts.
That wraps up today’s top Nigerian newspaper headlines. For more updates on Naija News on Gossip News Now , Join us again tomorrow.
