Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Thursday, 9th July, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 9th July, 2026.

1. Rowdy Session In House Of Reps Over Motion To Summon Tinubu

The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Wednesday as legislators disagreed over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News learnt that the lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency in Delta State, Benedict Etanabene, during plenary, raised a point of privilege to draw the House’s attention to a June 29 circular issued by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.

In the memo, Ogunjimi directed all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to immediately stop processing payments for constituency and zonal intervention projects (ZIPs) unless the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs has formally vetted them.

Etanabene urged the House to summon Tinubu to address lawmakers on the delay in implementing the 2025 budget, noting that the circular would further hamper the execution of the Appropriation Act.

Similarly, the lawmaker representing Abia State, Mascot Ikwechegh, raised concerns over the pace of budget execution and the impact of funding delays on government operations.

The proposal, however, sparked sharp divisions among lawmakers, with members opposed to the motion repeatedly chanting “sit down” at colleagues speaking in support of it.

The heated exchanges disrupted proceedings and led to a prolonged debate lasting about 30 minutes.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, overruled the motion at the end of the deliberations.

2. ‘We Will Treat You Like Bandits If You Refuse To Shoot Or Kill Them’ – Defence Minister Tells Soldiers

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has declared that any security operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them.

Naija News reports that Musa made this remark on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen security operations across the state.

Musa directed security personnel not to hesitate in confronting armed bandits and terrorists.

While praising Governor Ahmed Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment, Musa described the intervention as a demonstration of strategic leadership.

3. I May Not Be Alive To Contest 2027 Presidential Election – Peter Obi

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the challenges he claims to be facing ahead of the 2027 election.

Obi, who spoke in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, alleged that the current administration’s actions have made his daily activities difficult and affected his livelihood.

Naija News reports that the politician said he faces constant difficulties and questioned whether he would still be available to participate in the next presidential race due to the pressure he believes he is experiencing.

The former Anambra governor claimed that several aspects of his work have been deliberately made difficult, adding that he recently had an issue involving his vehicle at an airport.

4. Northern Governors Set Up Security Trust Fund Board, Pledge ₦1 Billion Monthly To Fight Insecurity

Governors of the Northern region of Nigeria have established a Security Trust Fund Board as part of efforts to curb the challenges of insecurity in the region.

The Governors also pledged ₦1 billion monthly to fight insecurity.

Naija News reports that the decision was taken on Wednesday at a strategic joint security meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the region, held in Kaduna State​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the Trust Fund is not intended to become another layer of bureaucracy but a practical, transparent, and results-oriented mechanism for improving security coordination across Northern Nigeria.

5. I Was A Victim Of PFIPC ‘Fake DG’ – Reps Deputy Speaker Recounts Encounter

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has recounted his encounter with the ‘fake Director General’ of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.

Naija News reports that Kalu, speaking on the floor of the green chamber during plenary on Wednesday, said he is a victim of Adeyemi’s activities.

According to Kalu, his pictures are all over the news, standing side by side with Adeyemi.

He said, “I was a victim, and I’m sure if you watch the news, you would see my picture all over the screen side by side with the purported DG of this organization.”

Recounting his experience, Kalu said information about the organisation was confusing and never looked credible to him.

6. Depot Owners, Marketers Increase Price Of Diesel In Nigeria Again

Depot owners and fuel marketers in Nigeria have increased the price of diesel per litre to ₦1,450, ending a brief respite in the rising cost of the product.

Naija News reports that the increase from ₦1,410 per litre on Tuesday to ₦1,450 per litre on Wednesday represents about 3% increase within 24 hours.

The dealers blame the price hike on changes within the global oil market.

According to reports, a sharp increase in global crude oil prices due to renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, led to a swift reaction by Nigerian depot owners and petroleum marketers in response to climbing international crude prices.

On Wednesday, Brent crude traded at $78.36 per barrel, up 5.66%, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to $74.30 per barrel, up 5.48%.

7. Alexx Ekubo’s Sister, Chioma Shares Grief Over Brother’s Demise

The sister of late Nollywood actor, Alexx Ekubo, Chioma, has expressed deep grief over the demise of her brother in a social media post.

Naija News reports that Chioma, via her Instagram page on Wednesday, cried out about her brother’s absence from the world.

Chioma said the demise of Alexx has left her shattered and hurt.

She also recalled some memories with Alexx, saying they always looked forward to getting old together.

8. ‘Entertainment Industry Predominantly Created For Satanism’ – Jim Iyke

Veteran Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, has claimed that the Nigerian entertainment industry is predominantly created for satanism.

Naija News reports that Iyke made this known during an interview with media personality, Joey Akan.

According to the movie star, most people in the entertainment industry serve themselves and extol themselves as demigods, which, according to him, is a virtue of satanism.

The movie star further explained that it takes conscious effort for people in the entertainment industry to remain connected to God, rather than engaging in self-worship or any form of satanism.

9. Egypt Want Refereeing Team Removed After Argentina World Cup Defeat

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has called on FIFA to remove the officials who oversaw Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup last 16, accusing the refereeing team of costly errors and demanding a formal investigation.

The complaint follows a controversial game in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 7, where Egypt believed a series of key decisions denied them a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Egypt looked to have strengthened its grip on the match when Mostafa Zico found the net in the second half with its side leading 1-0.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out because midfielder Marwan Attia was judged to have stepped on Lisandro Martinez’s foot earlier in the move.

The Pharaohs were left even more frustrated moments before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner.

Egypt appealed for a penalty after Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled inside the box, but play continued and Argentina launched the attack that sealed a 3-2 comeback win.

10. Portugal Confirm Roberto Martinez Exit After World Cup Elimination

The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed Roberto Martinez has officially stepped down as Portugal head coach following the country’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.

The announcement came on Wednesday, bringing an end to the Spaniard’s spell in charge after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the last 16.

Martinez had already revealed after the match that he would not remain in the role beyond the tournament.

“The Portuguese Football Federation announces that it officially ended its contractual relationship with the national team coach, Roberto Martinez, and his coaching staff this Wednesday,” the FPF said in a statement.

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