- Minimum Wage: NLC rejects FG’s plan to delay review until 2027
- Nigeria warns UN against using international justice to target African leaders
- Akpabio stands by suicide remarks as psychiatrists demand apology
- Rivers gas pipeline explosion injures 20 and damages 50 houses
- Headies founder slams artists chasing Grammys while ignoring local awards
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Minimum Wage: NLC rejects FG’s plan to delay review until 2027
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to begin preparations for a new minimum wage review immediately, rejecting claims that the process would be premature.
The dispute followed an exchange of letters between Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and NLC President Joe Ajaero over the N70,000 minimum wage introduced in July 2024. Ajaero called for the inauguration of a tripartite committee involving government, labour and employers.
However, Dingyadi argued that the wage would become due for review on June 1, 2027, warning that an earlier process could disrupt industrial relations.
Nigeria warns UN against using international justice to target African leaders
Nigeria has urged the United Nations to prevent powerful countries from exploiting universal jurisdiction to target weaker nations, warning against the selective use of international criminal justice.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee in New York on Thursday, Nigerian representative Emmanuel Nweke said the legal principle should be used only as a last resort when countries directly linked to alleged crimes cannot prosecute the alleged perpetrators.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to fighting impunity but warned that politically motivated cases, particularly those involving African officials, could undermine trust in international justice and cooperation between sovereign states.
Akpabio stands by suicide remarks as psychiatrists demand apology
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his controversial remarks on a proposed suicide bill despite calls from psychiatrists for an apology, warning that his comments could increase stigma around mental health.
During a Senate debate on October 13, Akpabio reportedly said people who attempted suicide should succeed or face imprisonment. The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria criticised the statement, saying it could discourage vulnerable people from seeking professional help.
The association urged authorities to treat suicide survivors with compassion and provide urgent medical care, treatment, and follow-up support rather than punishment. It also backed efforts to decriminalise attempted suicide.
Rivers gas pipeline explosion injures 20 and damages 50 houses
At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses damaged following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday.
According to reports, the explosion occurred around 5pm along Old Bori Road after a Nigeria Gas Company pipeline ruptured. Victims were taken to hospitals, while nearby stalls and a mechanic workshop were also affected.
Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for three weeks despite reports to the company. Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, said he had petitioned the authorities but received no action. Police had yet to confirm the incident.
Headies founder slams artists chasing Grammys while ignoring local awards
Ayo Animashaun, founder of The Headies, has criticised Nigerian artistes for submitting their work for Grammy consideration while allegedly failing to enter their projects for the local awards.
In an Instagram post, Animashaun questioned why artistes, including Davido, Asake and Adekunle Gold, pursued foreign recognition but ignored The Headies, only to complain about missing nominations. He defended the organisers’ decisions, saying their long-term vision would become clearer with time.
The 18th Headies ceremony, initially scheduled for October 23, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, has been postponed to April 10 and 11, 2027.
