• Air Peace opens ₦1 million fares for Abuja-London Heathrow flights
• Senators rally behind creation of Anioma State to balance Southeast representation
• Senate warns suspended Senator Natasha against premature resumption
• NMA threatens nationwide shutdown as ultimatum nears deadline
• Naira ends week slightly weaker despite midweek gains

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Air Peace opens ₦1 million fares for Abuja-London Heathrow flights

Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace Limited, has launched ticket sales for its highly anticipated Abuja-London Heathrow route, with fares starting at ₦1 million.

According to the airline’s spokesperson, Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, the new direct international flight services to both London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports will commence on October 26, 2025.

With this development, Air Peace became the first Nigerian carrier to offer direct flights from Abuja to both of London’s major international airports, strengthening its position in regional and global aviation.

Senators rally behind creation of Anioma State to balance Southeast representation

A major push for fair state creation in Nigeria is gaining momentum as over 90 senators in the 10th National Assembly reportedly support the proposed creation of Anioma State. The bill, Senate Bill 481, aims to make Anioma the sixth state in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

The initiative, led by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, has received cross-party and regional backing, exceeding the two-thirds constitutional requirement for state creation.

Introduced as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment, the bill seeks to correct the Southeast’s underrepresentation and promote national unity, federal balance, and inclusiveness.

Senate warns suspended Senator Natasha against premature resumption

The Senate has issued a warning to suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her not to forcefully resume legislative duties on Tuesday.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, stated on Sunday that no valid court order currently mandates her recall, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.

He reiterated that this was the third time the Senate was clarifying the matter, stating firmly that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in effect until its expiration.

NMA threatens nationwide shutdown as ultimatum nears deadline

With its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government expiring on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to shut down medical services across the country if its demands are not met.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, stated in an interview on Sunday that the association is ready to take decisive action in defense of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals.

The ultimatum, issued on July 2, followed a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers, a move the NMA condemned for breaching prior agreements.

Naira ends week slightly weaker despite midweek gains

The naira closed last week with a slight depreciation of 0.14% week-on-week, settling at ₦1,532.34/$ at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

Although the local currency started strong, reaching a four-month high of ₦1,518.88/$ on the first trading day, it soon lost momentum, falling to ₦1,530.25/$ and later to ₦1,533.11/$, before ending the week at ₦1,532.34/$.

Throughout the week, the naira traded within a range of ₦1,515/$ to ₦1,538/$ in the official market. In the parallel market, it hovered between ₦1,535/$ and ₦1,544/$.