Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Wednesday, 18th March, 2026
Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Wednesday, 18th March, 2026.
by Oladipo Abiola · Naija News1. ‘We Will Not Succumb To Fear’ – Tinubu Orders Security Chiefs To Maiduguri After Deadly Bombings
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, describing the incident as painful while assuring residents of Borno State that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to defeat insurgents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, the President sympathised with families who lost loved ones in the attacks and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” Tinubu said.
The President described the attacks as the “final desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists who are increasingly under pressure from Nigerian security forces.
Tinubu emphasised that security forces would continue to intensify operations against criminal and terrorist groups across the country.
The President also praised members of the armed forces and security agencies for their efforts in repelling coordinated terrorist attacks on military positions in the state.
2. Tinubu’s Govt Declares Public Holiday
The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has declared Thursday, 19th March and Friday, 20th March 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Naija News reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.
The Minister also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation’s continued peace, unity, and prosperity.
3. Ramadan: Sultan Makes Fresh Announcement Ahead Of Eid al-Fitr Celebrations
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has announced the beginning of the search for the Shawwal crescent, marking the end of Ramadan 1447AH and the commencement of Eid celebrations.
Naija News reports that the Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, made the call in a statement issued by the Sultanate Council, Sokoto.
The statement, signed by the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, announced that Wednesday, March 18, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Ramadan 1447AH, has been set aside for the nationwide moon sighting.
Muslims were urged to look out for the new crescent on that day and report any credible sighting promptly.
4. Soludo Sworn In For Second Term In Anambra Amid High-Profile Attendance
The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has been sworn in for a second term in office.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday at the newly renovated Alex Ekwueme Square in the state capital.
Soludo took the oath of office alongside his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim.
Naija News reports that the event attracted several high-profile personalities, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Also in attendance were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku and the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside other governors and dignitaries.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier declared Soludo the winner of the November 8, 2025, governorship election in the state.
5. Labour Party Sacks Nenadi Usman-Led Caretaker Committee
The National Executive Council of the Labour Party has dissolved the caretaker committee led by Esther Nenadi Usman following an internal review of the party’s affairs.
Naija News reports that the decision was taken during a virtual NEC meeting held on March 17, 2026, where members assessed the activities of the committee and its impact on the party.
The resolutions were confirmed in a statement signed by Abdulrahim Imam Chindo, who serves as secretary of the NEC forum.
The council, made up of elected state chairmen and their secretaries, said the committee’s actions had harmed the party since it began operating.
At the same meeting, the council restated its support for the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, confirming him as the recognized national chairman.
The leadership under Abure was earlier produced at the party’s national convention in March 2024 and later affirmed by another NEC meeting in November 2025 under the watch of the electoral body.
6. We Are Already Feeling The Effect – Ajaero Raises Alarm Over Global Crisis
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has warned that the Federal government must ensure that both public and private refineries are fully operational to support local refining of crude oil.
He stated this during an interview on Arise News on Monday night, while reacting to the conflicts in the Middle East.
He lamented that the conflict has shown that Nigeria lacks a shock absorber, stressing that it has exposed how little protection the country has against economic problems caused by global events.
Ajaero noted that within days of the crisis involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Nigeria had already started experiencing effects, particularly in the oil sector.
The labour leader said the situation shows how easily the country can be affected by changes in the global oil market.
7. Benin Traditional Council Suspends Chief, Queen For Allowing Peller Into Palace
The Benin Traditional Council has taken disciplinary action against a palace chief, a queen, and other individuals after social media influencer, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, entered the Oba of Benin’s palace without permission.
Naija News reports that the council described the visit as a breach of palace protocol and a disruption of the palace’s order.
The council explained that Adelaja and his team accessed the palace without following the required procedures, causing embarrassment and unrest within the palace grounds.
A preliminary investigation led to the suspension of a palace chief involved, while a staff member named Mr. Omuemu has been arrested and charged with aiding the unauthorized entry.
The queen implicated is currently under review and may face removal.
The council has asked Adelaja to appear for questioning and submit a written apology to the palace. Failure to comply could lead to legal consequences.
8. Bovi, Basketmouth, Far Richer Than Wizkid, Asake, Burna Boy – Says Shank Comic
Nigerian skit maker and streamer, Shank Comics, has stirred controversy on social media after claiming that comedians in the country earn more than music artists.
Naija News reports that the content creator made the assertion during a recent livestream, where he challenged the widely held belief that musicians are wealthier than their counterparts in the comedy industry.
According to Shank, the perception that music stars are richer stems largely from their tendency to display luxury lifestyles publicly.
He argued that many comedians deliberately avoid extravagant spending and instead prioritise long-term investments.
Citing examples, Shank claimed that popular Nigerian comedians such as Bovi and Basketmouth are significantly wealthier than leading Afrobeats artists.
He specifically mentioned music stars like Asake, Wizkid and Burna Boy as examples.
9. 2026 World Cup: NFF Appeals FIFA Ruling On DR Congo Eligibility Dispute
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun the process of challenging a ruling by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee over its protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo national football team.
Naija News reports that Nigeria had raised concerns about the eligibility of several DR Congo players used in their 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off clash in Rabat last November.
The Super Eagles lost the tie 4-3 on penalties, but the NFF questioned the legitimacy of documents used to qualify some members of the Congolese squad, pointing to alleged irregularities in passport issuance.
After months of waiting, the Nigerian federation confirmed it has now received FIFA’s verdict, which dismissed the petition. The NFF, however, is pushing back.
10. Not Worried About No Club Status, Stanley Nwabali Insists
Former Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is keeping a positive outlook as he hunts for a new club following his recent contract termination.
Stanley Nwabali, 29, now a free agent, faces uncertainty that could affect his place in the Super Eagles, but Nwabali insists he is ready to return to the pitch without delay.
“I’m not worried, yeah. I’m not worried… So, I don’t really have, like, you know, a particular place or a particular country I want to play for, you see? So, anywhere that welcomes me well, I can play. So, that’s it,” Nwabali told Soccerladuma.
Naija News reports that Nwabali has been linked with a move to South African heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs and has reportedly attracted attention from clubs in Libya.