- Public servants threaten strike over petrol prices and wage demands
- Atiku demands full disclosure of the Nigeria-US health deal
- RMD urges Nigerians to offer solutions instead of complaining
- Morocco names Fatima El Mansouri as first female prime minister
- Ana Brnabić becomes Serbia’s first openly gay acting president
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Public servants threaten strike over petrol prices and wage demands
Public sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have renewed their ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding cheaper petrol, a wage award and negotiations for a new national minimum wage by September 30, 2026.
The council has threatened a three-day warning strike from October 2 if the government fails to meet its demands, including reducing petrol prices to ₦500 per litre and introducing measures to ease economic hardship.
The JNPSNC comprises eight unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Atiku demands full disclosure of the Nigeria-US health deal
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to publish Nigeria’s health agreement with the United States following Ghana’s rejection of a proposed deal with Washington.
Nigeria signed a five-year health memorandum of understanding with the US on December 19, 2025. The agreement covers disease surveillance, health data systems and procedures involving pathogen samples.
Under the pact, the US is expected to provide nearly $2 billion in grants, while Nigeria has committed to health spending projected to mobilise about $3 billion. Ghana’s President John Mahama cited concerns over medical records, pathogen information, funding obligations, and medicine inspections when explaining his government’s rejection.
RMD urges Nigerians to offer solutions instead of complaining
Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has urged Nigerians to move beyond criticism and contribute practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
Speaking at the Pivot Nigeria Conference at the Muson Centre in Lagos on Tuesday, he encouraged citizens to hold leaders accountable while actively participating in governance. He also described Nigeria as a developing country and cautioned against expecting immediate change.
Conference convener Victoria Uwadoka echoed his call for civic participation, urging Nigerians to recognise their influence on the nation’s international image and share balanced stories that reflect both its challenges and achievements.
Morocco names Fatima El Mansouri as first female prime minister
Morocco has appointed Fatima El Mansouri as its first female prime minister after her party secured the most seats in parliamentary elections. King Mohammed VI announced her appointment on Tuesday and tasked her with forming a new government.
The 50-year-old lawyer previously served as mayor of Marrakech. She becomes the second woman to lead a government in the Arab world, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden. Morocco’s constitution requires the king to appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most parliamentary seats.
El Mansouri’s administration will oversee preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Portugal and Spain, backed by a $20 billion investment programme.
Ana Brnabić becomes Serbia’s first openly gay acting president
Ana Brnabić has become Serbia’s acting president following Aleksandar Vučić’s resignation, making her the first openly gay person to hold the position in Serbia and the Balkans. She assumed office on September 28 as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The country must elect a new president within 90 days, leaving Brnabić in the role temporarily. Her appointment has drawn attention to LGBTQ+ visibility in Serbia, where same-sex marriage remains illegal and same-sex couples cannot adopt children.
Although openly lesbian, Brnabić previously said she would not prioritise sexuality or LGBTQ+ legal reform during her political career.
