Today’s Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines – Wednesday December 17 2025

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Several major developments across politics, business, entertainment, and international relations dominated Nigeria’s news landscape today. From corruption allegations in the oil sector to regulatory actions by the Central Bank and political revelations from a new biography of a former president, the day’s headlines reflect a wide range of issues shaping national discourse.

Below is a summary of the key stories drawing attention across the country.

Corruption Allegations Raised Against Petroleum Regulator

Industrialist Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has reportedly filed a petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) requesting an investigation into Ahmed Farouk, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The complaint accuses the regulatory chief of financial misconduct and living beyond what his official earnings would reasonably support. According to the petition, Farouk allegedly spent more than $7 million on the education of his four children in Switzerland, with the fees reportedly paid years in advance.

Dangote is said to have provided the anti-corruption agency with detailed information about the schools and payments to assist with verification. The petition also claims that the NMDPRA boss misused the authority of his office to divert public resources for private interests.

Central Bank Revokes Licenses of Two Mortgage Banks

In a separate development, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has withdrawn the operating licenses of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.

The announcement was made by the apex bank’s acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali.

The CBN explained that the decision followed persistent regulatory violations and financial challenges faced by the two institutions. The action, according to the regulator, aligns with provisions in the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 as well as revised guidelines governing mortgage banks.

Officials say the move is intended to strengthen regulatory discipline within the housing finance sector.

Buhari Biography Reveals Why Osinbajo Lacked Presidential Backing

A newly released biography about former President Muhammadu Buhari has shed light on the political dynamics that shaped the 2023 presidential race within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The book, titled From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, claims that Buhari declined to support the presidential ambition of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo largely because Bola Tinubu was also competing for the party’s ticket.

Author Dr. Charles Omole wrote that Buhari was surprised when Osinbajo joined the race, reportedly stating that he only became acquainted with the former vice president through Tinubu.

The biography also discusses alleged internal tensions within the APC, including claims of a powerful faction within the party working to oppose Tinubu’s candidacy at the time.

Regina Daniels Responds to Custody Dispute With Ned Nwoko

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has addressed an ongoing dispute with her estranged husband, Ned Nwoko, revealing that she intends to seek custody of their two sons.

Through several social media posts, Daniels accused the former senator of using the children for public attention by frequently sharing their images online.

She also alleged that the children’s caregivers were dismissed and pressured into making statements portraying her as abusive and struggling with alcohol problems—claims she strongly denied.

The actress insisted she would challenge any attempt to take full custody of the children.

Santiago Montiel Wins FIFA’s Prestigious Goal Award

Argentine footballer Santiago Montiel has been honored with the 2025 FIFA Puskás Award for scoring what many fans and analysts have described as one of the most remarkable goals of the year.

Montiel produced a stunning bicycle kick from long range during a league match for Independiente against Independiente Rivadavia earlier in the year.

The spectacular strike secured a 1–0 victory for his club and ultimately earned him recognition at FIFA’s The Best Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar.

Montiel defeated several strong nominees, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and Indonesian defender Rizky Ridho.

Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes Receive Unexpected Boost

Nigeria’s chances of returning to the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be revived following questions surrounding the eligibility of several players who represented DR Congo in the playoff round.

The Congolese side defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the intercontinental playoffs. However, reports now suggest that up to six players may have breached FIFA’s nationality rules.

The issue centers on whether the players formally renounced previous nationalities before switching allegiance, a requirement given that DR Congo does not recognize dual citizenship.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already filed an official protest with FIFA requesting a review of the matter.

TikTok Influencer Jarvis Announces Breakup With Peller

Social media personality Elizabeth Amadou, known online as Jarvis, has confirmed that her relationship with fellow TikTok content creator Hamzat Habeeb (Peller) has ended.

The announcement came during a live broadcast in which Jarvis also asked social media users to stop mocking Peller following a recent car accident on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

She expressed concern about the negative reactions circulating online and said that the criticism could worsen the emotional impact of the incident.

Jarvis explained that their separation was a personal decision and should not be interpreted as abandonment.

United States Expands Travel Restrictions, Nigeria Included

The United States government has introduced expanded travel limitations affecting several countries.

Under a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, partial restrictions will now apply to 15 additional nations, including Nigeria.

These measures involve suspensions of certain immigrant visas as well as limitations on specific non-immigrant visa categories such as B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas, which cover tourism, education, and exchange programs.

Officials said the policy aims to strengthen entry screening and immigration control.

Government Suspends Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban

The Federal Government has directed regulators to halt enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products.

The instruction was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) after the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control raised concerns about the policy.

Authorities stated that enforcement will remain suspended while consultations with stakeholders continue and a final decision is reached.

Senate Clears Fiscal Framework for 2026 Budget

Lawmakers have approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP), clearing the path for the federal government’s next budget proposal.

The document outlines key projections, including:

Total revenue: ₦34.33 trillion
Fiscal deficit: ₦20.13 trillion
Borrowing requirement: ₦17.88 trillion
Debt servicing: ₦15.52 trillion
Pensions and retiree benefits: ₦1.376 trillion

With the framework now approved, President Bola Tinubu is expected to formally present the 2026 budget proposal to the National Assembly within days.

Commentary and Analysis

Today’s headlines highlight the diverse issues shaping Nigeria’s political and economic environment.

Several stories point to ongoing concerns about governance and accountability, particularly the corruption allegations in the petroleum regulatory sector and regulatory enforcement in the banking industry.

At the same time, political developments—from internal party dynamics revealed in Buhari’s biography to fiscal planning for the next national budget—suggest that Nigeria’s political landscape remains highly active ahead of future electoral cycles.

Meanwhile, developments in entertainment, sports, and social media reflect the growing influence of digital culture and global events on public conversation in the country.

Together, these stories provide a snapshot of a nation navigating economic reform, political competition, and rapidly evolving media attention.