Today's Headlines: Thursday 12th March, 2026

  Chikwesiri Michael

  GENERAL

Thursday, March 12, 2026   10:59 AM

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1. Monopoly Fears Rise as Dangote Controls N14.4tn Petrol Market

With the Dangote Refinery becoming the primary supplier of petrol in Nigeria, experts and stakeholders are expressing concerns over market monopoly. The refinery’s dominance over the N14.4 trillion annual petrol market has sparked debates regarding pricing transparency and the need for a competitive environment to prevent a single entity from dictating fuel costs for the entire nation.


2. PUNCH MD/Editor-in-Chief Joins World Editors Forum Board

The Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Adeyeye Joseph. Photo: Board of the World Editors Forum.


Adeyeye Joseph, the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, has been appointed to the board of the World Editors Forum (WEF). The WEF is a global network of editors within the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). This appointment recognizes his contributions to journalism and places a Nigerian voice in the leadership of global editorial standards.


3. 2027 Jitters: PDP Loses 107 NASS Members to Defections

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a significant crisis as 107 members of the National Assembly have reportedly defected to other parties, primarily the APC. Analysts suggest these moves are driven by "2027 jitters," as politicians reposition themselves ahead of the next general election cycle amidst internal friction within the PDP.


4. Defence Minister Orders Operational Overhaul After Base Attacks
Following recent security breaches and attacks on military installations, the Minister of Defence has directed a comprehensive overhaul of military operations. The order aims to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, and fortify bases against insurgents and bandits who have become increasingly bold in their assaults.


5. A’Court Fallout: Makinde, Bala Split Over Wike Peace Deal
The internal crisis in the PDP has deepened following a Court of Appeal ruling. Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) are reportedly at odds over a peace deal involving Nyesom Wike. The disagreement highlights the widening fracture between party leaders who support Wike’s influence and those who seek to move the party in a different direction.


6. Nigeria Spent $5.2bn Servicing External Debt in 2025

Governor of CBN: Olayemi Cardoso

Data reveals that the Nigerian government spent approximately $5.2 billion on external debt servicing in the year 2025. This significant expenditure underscores the country's growing fiscal burden, as a large portion of national revenue continues to be diverted toward debt repayment rather than infrastructure or social services.


7. Electoral Act: Reps Okay Jail for Dual Party Membership
The House of Representatives has moved to further sanitize the political process by proposing amendments to the Electoral Act. A key provision approved by the lawmakers includes jail terms for individuals found to hold membership in two or more political parties simultaneously, a move aimed at ending "political prostitution" and cross-carpeting confusion.


8. Osun Gov: Adeleke, Oyebamiji Dream Victory as Campaign Begins
As the governorship campaign kicks off in Osun State, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and his primary challenger, Gboyega Oyebamiji, have both expressed confidence in winning. The atmosphere is heating up with both camps mobilizing grassroots support for what is expected to be a tightly contested race.


9. Fear in Ondo Communities as Kidnappers Tighten Grip on Akure North
Residents of Akure North Local Government Area in Ondo State are living in fear as kidnapping incidents spike. Local communities have called on the state government and security agencies to intervene urgently, reporting that gunmen have made several routes in the area impassable and are increasingly targeting farmers and commuters.


10. Joshua’s Uncle Confirms Boxer’s Move to Dubai
Anthony Joshua’s uncle has confirmed that the former heavyweight champion is relocating his base to Dubai. The move is reportedly motivated by a desire for a fresh training environment and closer proximity to the major boxing hubs in the Middle East, which have become the new center for global heavyweight bouts.

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