Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NOP NIGERIA roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 6th April, 2026.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive payment plan aimed at settling longstanding debts in Nigeria’s power sector under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme.
The decision follows a final review of legacy liabilities that have weighed down the sector for over a decade.
The debts, accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, have now been verified, with ₦3.3 trillion agreed upon as a full and final settlement.
According to a statement made available to NOP NIGERIA on Sunday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, implementation of the repayment plan is already underway.
So far, 15 power generation companies have signed settlement agreements valued at ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion to kick-start the process, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, with additional payments in progress.
The move is expected to have a direct impact on electricity supply across the country. By clearing debts owed across the power value chain, the government says generation capacity will stabilise, leading to improved reliability of electricity for homes and businesses.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed reports which claimed that Senator David Mark has resigned as the party’s National Chairman.
In a statement issued by the Media Office of the National Chairman, the party described the claim as “an insidious fabrication” orchestrated by individuals it termed as “puerile, weak, and inconsiderate propagandists.”
The statement categorically affirmed that Senator Mark remains the substantive National Chairman of the party, stressing that there is no contemplation whatsoever of his resignation either by him or the leadership of the ADC.
NOP NIGERIA understands that reports had emerged on social media claiming David Mark has bowed out as the ADC National Chairman, and Ralph Nwosu is set to lead the party to its convention.
However, the party has dismissed the report and described it as false and malicious.
A luxury bus powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) was severely damaged on Saturday following a sudden explosion at the Lagos Garage Terminus in the Mando area of Kaduna State.
The incident, which occurred without warning, caused panic among commuters and traders at the busy motor park as debris from the vehicle was scattered across the area.
According to Channels Television, eyewitnesses said the explosion happened abruptly, leaving the bus badly wrecked and drawing immediate attention from people within and around the terminus.
The loud blast reportedly sent shockwaves through the area, forcing passengers and residents to flee to safety.
Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties were reported as of the time of filing this report, a development many described as remarkable given the severity of the explosion.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the current economic and security challenges facing the country are temporary, expressing optimism that better days lie ahead.
Shettima gave the assurance in his Easter message issued on Sunday through his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, in Abuja.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the Vice-President reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Bola Tinubu to peace, economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
He noted that while Nigerians have endured significant hardship, the nation has never been defined by adversity.
Shettima urged citizens to remain united and continue to support the ongoing reforms under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that achieving national progress requires patience, endurance and a shared sense of purpose among Nigerians.
Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, has declared that he is not afraid and would never be intimidated following comments by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who said he had the urge to shoot the popular journalist.
Speaking on Sunday, Okinbaloye said he is only doing his job and won’t shy away from the truth and holding those in power accountable.
He insisted that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger if a one-party system is encouraged.
The journalist further stated that he had received a call from the Minister to clarify that his intention was not as stated, but insisted that a threat should never be a response to dissenting voices in a democratic society.
According to him, he has also received backing from his employers and assurances on his safety from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a major drug trafficking syndicate following a three-week intelligence-led operation that led to the interception of cocaine consignments hidden in tins of palm kernel extract and the arrest of the cartel’s kingpin.
The agency said the illicit consignments were destined for the United Kingdom, with the syndicate employing sophisticated concealment methods to evade detection.
The breakthrough began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command in Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine at the export shed.
The drugs were carefully concealed inside tins of palm kernel extract prepared for shipment abroad.
According to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, two suspects linked to the shipment—Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin, were immediately arrested.
Babafemi said a follow-up sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, identified as Ezemuwo Joel, who allegedly operated under a false identity, Ajayi.
Nigerian music star Davido has shared that he is no longer as interested in politics as he once was.
NOP NIGERIA reports that the Unavailable singer said he made the decision after reflecting on the realities of the space and how it has worked out for other celebrities.
The Afrobeats singer made this known on April 5, 2026, during a livestream session on Twitch with streamer Davrel, where he spoke about his past desire to go into partisan politics and how his thinking has changed over time.
Davido explained that he used to seriously consider a future in politics, but his view has shifted as he watched the experiences of entertainers who made similar moves. He said many of them did not achieve the kind of success expected, which has made him more careful about taking that path.
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor, widely known as Mama G, has shared details about her early marriage and the challenges she faced as a young bride.
NOP NIGERIA reports that she revealed that she was married at the age of 19, a time when she was not ready for the responsibilities that came with marriage.
In an interview with media personality Isbae U, she described those early years as difficult, but said that her children eventually became a source of happiness and purpose in her life.
Mama G also spoke about how life does not always go according to plan, and how people sometimes discover meaning in experiences that were once painful.
She reflected on the changes in her perspective over the years, noting that focusing on the positive aspects of her journey helped her find fulfilment.
She also expressed gratitude for her current life, highlighting the role her children and family play in shaping her happiness.
The draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup was conducted on Sunday evening, setting up two exciting fixtures as teams battle for a place in the final.
In the first semi-final, Chelsea FC will take on Leeds United. Chelsea booked their spot in emphatic fashion, thrashing Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge. Leeds, on the other hand, had to dig deep, overcoming Premier League rivals West Ham United via a penalty shootout.
The second semi-final will see defending champions Manchester City go head-to-head with Southampton FC at Wembley. City head into the clash in dominant form after a resounding 4-0 victory over Liverpool FC, and will be aiming to secure their eighth FA Cup title.
Southampton, however, will be no pushovers, having knocked out Arsenal FC to reach this stage of the competition.
NOP NIGERIA reports that both semi-final matches are scheduled to take place on April 25 and 26, promising a thrilling weekend of cup football as the race to lift one of England’s most prestigious trophies heats up.
10. Scotland: Iheanacho Grabs Winner In Celtic Win Over Dundee
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning goal as Celtic defeated Dundee in their Scottish Premiership clash at the Dens Park on Sunday.
The striker had previously gone 182 days without finding the back of the net.
After a bright start, Benjamin Nygren gave Celtic the lead in the ninth minute.
Dundee levelled in the 57th minute, with Simon Murray converting from the penalty spot.
Iheanacho replaced Tomás Cvancara shortly after the equaliser.
The Nigeria international controlled a pass from Marcelo Saracchi in the 82nd minute, before firing home the winner.
Celtic reduced the gap on league leaders Hearts to three points with six matches remaining.
