Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 15th January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 15th January, 2026

1. FG Signs New Agreement With ASUU

The federal government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement after weeks of negotiations and discussions between the two parties on the 2009 agreement.

Naija News reports that the new agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by top government officials and other dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, as well as ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna.

The new agreement is aimed at improving the quality of the university education system and ensuring stability in the sector.

According to the Minister of Education, the signed agreement is expected to end decades of disruptions in federal universities following strikes by lecturers.

Describing the signed agreement as a turning point in the education system of the country, Alausa commended President Bola Tinubu for the political will to face the challenges in the university sector and proffer solutions.

2. ‘Few Changes Won’t Hurt Nigerians’ – FG Drops Fresh Details On New Tax Laws

The Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has said that the few changes made to Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws would not have any major impact on their core provisions.

Oyedele made this assertion amid the controversy trailing the four tax reform laws that took effect on January 1, 2026, following allegations that the versions gazetted differed from those passed by the National Assembly.

However, the Federal Government maintained that the implementation timeline must stand.

Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday, Oyedele sought to allay public fears, stressing that the reported changes did not affect the substance of the laws.

“What I’ll say to you is, the explanation we have provided about the law, because all this issue of they’ve altered, they’ve not altered, it’s not even a lot.

“There are few items that shouldn’t affect the main thing that people need to know nothing about the tax rate, about the tax burden, the filing deadline,” Oyedele added.

He spoke shortly after delivering a keynote address at the 2026 Economic Outlook organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria as part of activities marking the institute’s 60th anniversary.

Oyedele also revealed that uncertainty surrounding the tax laws had been worsened by the unavailability of official printed copies, alleging that the National Assembly had taken custody of all printed versions.

According to him, his team was unable to purchase copies from the government printer after being informed that lawmakers had directed that the documents should not be sold or made available to the public pending the conclusion of their review.

While acknowledging that legislative review was a normal process, he warned that restricting access to the laws had reintroduced uncertainty into the tax reform programme.

3. Kwankwaso Gives Fresh Conditions To Dump NNPP For APC

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has said any consideration to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) must come with clear assurances on the future of the Kano State government and the welfare of his supporters.

Naija News reports that Kwankwaso spoke on Wednesday at his Miller Road residence in Kano while addressing leaders and supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Areas, as well as other members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who reaffirmed their loyalty to him and the party.

“I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC,” Kwankwaso said.

“What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?”

The former governor recalled past political experiences in which his faction contributed significantly to forming governments but was later sidelined.

4. ‘Scandalous, Indefensible’ – ADC Knocks Tinubu Over $9 Million US Lobbying Deal

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government over reports that it approved a $9 million contract for lobbying services in the United States, describing the move as scandalous, indefensible and a reflection of misplaced priorities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the Tinubu administration was more concerned with polishing its international image than addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

The party said the expenditure was particularly troubling at a time when thousands of Nigerians have been killed by insecurity and millions are struggling to afford basic necessities.

The ADC argued that no African government had ever committed such a huge sum to a short-term public relations effort, insisting that the money would have been better spent on protecting lives and easing the suffering of citizens.

The opposition party also described the move as an admission of diplomatic failure, noting that several ambassadorial positions remain vacant while the government allegedly resorted to hiring lobbyists.

5. Two More Rivers Lawmakers Withdraw From Move To Impeach Fubara

Two additional members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have called on their colleagues to halt the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu.

Naija News reports that the appeal, made by Barile Nwakoh, representing Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi of Obio/Akpor Constituency II, comes just 24 hours after two other lawmakers made similar calls for a peaceful resolution.

While maintaining that the governor and deputy allegedly breached constitutional provisions, the lawmakers stated that their position shift was influenced by interventions from well-meaning leaders within the state.

This latest development brings the number of lawmakers who initially signed the impeachment notice but are now calling for a peaceful resolution to four out of the 26 original signatories. The political impasse continues to evolve, with signs that some members of the assembly are seeking an alternative to the ongoing impeachment process.

Rivers State House of Assembly is expected to reconvene on January 15, 2026, to further discuss the matter.

6. TUC Issues Seven-Day Ultimatum To Ministry Of Health Over “No Work, No Pay” Circular

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to withdraw its “No Work, No Pay” circular and restore the salaries of members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

Naija News reports that the TUC has warned that failure to comply will lead to mass industrial resistance across the country.

In a joint statement signed by the President-General of the TUC, Festus Osifo, and the Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, the “No Work, No Pay” directive was described as “reckless, authoritarian, and confrontational”.

The circular, which was issued by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, and instructs the stoppage of JOHESU salaries via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) from January 2026, was sharply criticised.

TUC emphasised that the circular amounted to a direct declaration of hostility against Nigerian workers, particularly health workers, who have been carrying the burden of the country’s failing healthcare system under difficult conditions.

The TUC also accused the Ministry of being contradictory, stating that while it engages in negotiations with workers, it simultaneously imposes sanctions on them.

7. Negative People Should Avoid Me Going Forward – Obi Cubana Gives His Life To Christ

Popular businessman and socialite Obi Cubana has announced that he has given his life to Christ.

Naija News reports that he made this known during a conversation with Pastor Jerry Eze, where it was confirmed that he has decided to fully embrace the Christian faith and begin a new journey with God.

According to the discussion, Obi Cubana described himself as a new person in Christ and expressed his desire to grow spiritually.

It was also revealed that he will now attend church regularly and remain committed to his decision.

Pastor Jerry Eze assured that Obi Cubana will receive proper spiritual guidance and discipleship to help him stay firm in his faith.

He added that arrangements have already been made to support his growth and understanding of God’s word.

The businessman also made it clear that the decision was personal and not influenced by anyone.

He chose to publicly share the news himself to let people know about his commitment to Christ.

8. I Live In Fear Everyday – Qdot Says He’s Still Haunted By Home Robbery

Nigerian singer Qudus Oluwadamilare, popularly known as Qdot, has opened up on the deep fear and emotional pain he has continued to battle months after a robbery at his home in Lagos.

Naija News reports that the incident happened in the early hours of September 28, 2025, but the singer said the experience has refused to leave his mind.

He explained that since that night, he has struggled with sleep and now wakes up daily in fear at the same time the attack occurred.

Qdot revealed that he wakes up around 2:30 a.m. every night, gripped by panic, as memories of the robbery return.

According to him, his heart is rarely calm, and he constantly feels unsafe, as though the attackers could return at any moment.

The fear, he said, has taken over his peace and affected his daily life.

The singer also shared that the trauma has left him emotionally unstable, with sleep no longer coming easily.

9. Senegal Edge Past Egypt To Reach AFCON 2025 Final

Senegal booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in a tense semi-final clash on Wednesday night.

A moment of quality from Sadio Mané proved decisive in the 78th minute, as the forward struck from the edge of the penalty area and watched the ball nestle inside the left post, beyond the reach of the Egyptian goalkeeper. It was a goal that reflected Senegal’s growing control and patience after a closely contested first hour.

The win sends Senegal through to the final of the 2025 AFCON, where they will face either the Super Eagles or hosts Morocco on Sunday.

Egypt started the match with confidence, moving the ball neatly in midfield and looking to spring quick attacks through Mohamed Salah. However, clear chances were few and far between, with Senegal’s defence standing firm whenever danger threatened.

The first half was disrupted by fouls and bookings, including yellow cards for Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra, both of whom will miss the final should Senegal progress further. Despite spells of Egyptian possession, Senegal gradually imposed themselves, enjoying more of the ball and pushing Egypt deeper into their own half.

10. AFCON 2025: Morocco Beat Nigeria On Penalties After Goalless Draw

Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after knocking Nigeria out 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw that stretched into extra time.

The semi-final match, officiated by Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was a battle of patience and defensive discipline, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes.

Nigeria, driven by the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had spells of possession but could not find a breakthrough against a well-organised Moroccan back line.

Morocco, marshalled by captain Achraf Hakimi, carried the greater goal threat in open play. Stanley Nwabali was called into action several times, notably denying Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Bono remained alert at the other end to keep out Lookman’s first-half effort.

Extra time followed a similar pattern, with substitutions on both sides aimed at injecting energy rather than caution. Osimhen was withdrawn late on, making way for Paul Onuachu, but chances remained scarce as fatigue set in.

The shoot-out proved decisive. Morocco converted through Nabil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri. Nigeria stayed in the contest via Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but missed efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi swung the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.

In the end, Hakimi’s calm finish and En Nesyri’s successful kick sealed a hard-fought victory for the Atlas Lions, bringing a heartbreaking end to Nigeria’s AFCON journey after a night of fine margins and unrelenting tension.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.