Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of the top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
1. Tinubu Approves Policy To Prioritize Local Goods And Services
President Bola Tinubu has given his approval to the “Renewed Hope Nigeria First” policy — a directive requiring all federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to prioritize Nigerian-made goods, services, and expertise in their expenditures.
Naturenex gathered that this new policy aims to redirect government patronage towards domestic industries, thereby reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this following Monday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
According to Idris, “This puts Nigeria at the centre of every kobo the government spends.” He also mentioned that an Executive Order would soon be issued to provide the policy with full legal backing.
The initiative has been likened to the “America First” approach adopted under former US President Donald Trump, placing a premium on local content while promoting economic growth within Nigeria.
The policy stipulates that unless no local option exists, government bodies are expected to avoid patronizing foreign products or services.
2. 2027: Your Political Ending May Not Be Palatable, Submit Your Ideas To Tinubu Before It Is Too Late – Bwala Tells Atiku
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to shelve his presidential ambitions.
Bwala stated during an interview with TVC that it appears God never destined Atiku to lead the country.
He advised the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate to submit whatever developmental ideas he has to President Tinubu for possible adoption, so it would be documented that he contributed positively.
Bwala warned that insisting on contesting in the 2027 election could further damage Atiku’s political career, as many of his one-time supporters have already distanced themselves.
Naturenex notes that Bwala also remarked that with Nigerians increasingly favouring younger presidential candidates, Atiku might no longer represent what voters seek.
3. Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200 In 2025 UTME As JAMB Releases Detailed Statistics
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published a detailed breakdown of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, revealing that over 1.5 million candidates scored below the 200-point threshold generally required by universities.
Out of 1,955,069 processed results, only 420,415 candidates surpassed the 200 mark. Even fewer — precisely 12,414 candidates, or 0.63% — scored 300 and above.
Of that elite group, 4,756 candidates attained 320 and above, while 7,658 scored between 300 and 319.
JAMB also noted the participation and performance of underage candidates, accommodated under special permissions. A press briefing has been scheduled to address related issues, and candidates can access their results via official portals afterward.
4. “Those Who Say President Tinubu Has No Achievements Are Either Blind, Deaf, Or Dumb” – Bwala
Daniel Bwala has dismissed claims suggesting President Tinubu has achieved little since assuming office in May 2023.
Speaking to TVC, Bwala said: “Those who say President Tinubu has no achievements are either blind, deaf, or dumb.”
He emphasized that even opposition governors have acknowledged increased allocations to their states under Tinubu’s leadership, enabling improved governance.
Naturenex reports Bwala listed other achievements such as a boost in foreign reserves, the creation of student loans through NELFUND, ongoing road and infrastructure projects, and the removal of fuel subsidies to free up government funds.
5. FG Mulls Electricity Tariff Increase, Says Economy Can’t Sustain Subsidies
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has indicated that Nigeria’s economy can no longer bear the burden of electricity subsidies, hinting at upcoming cost-reflective tariff adjustments.
During a meeting with the heads of power generation firms (GenCos) in Abuja, Adelabu also disclosed plans to partially clear a ₦4 trillion debt owed to these companies.
Nevertheless, he assured that the government would still offer targeted subsidies to protect “economically disadvantaged Nigerians,” though no clear criteria for qualification have been disclosed.
According to the latest figures from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), while the actual cost per kilowatt-hour stands at ₦116.18, Nigerians currently pay ₦88.21 — leaving the government to cover the shortfall.
Currently, only about 15% of consumers, mostly in Band A, pay the full, unsubsidized rate.
6. VeryDarkMan: Your Crackdown On Opposition Voices Disgraceful – Atiku Slams Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
Naturenex earlier reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) picked up the activist last Friday.
In a statement on Monday, Atiku criticized what he described as a growing pattern under President Tinubu’s administration of targeting opposition voices.
He expressed concerns that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
7. Lizzy Gold Calls Out Father On Social Media
Nollywood actress Lizzy Gold has voiced her frustration with her father’s attitude towards a recent monetary gift.
As reported by Naturenex, the actress shared on social media that she enjoys surprising her father with early morning transfers, expecting prayers in return, which motivate her.
However, after transferring a large sum during Easter, her father simply replied “thanks,” without his usual blessings.
Disappointed by what she described as an entitlement mindset, Lizzy said she would stop surprising him.
8. Trent Alexander-Arnold Says Goodbye To Liverpool, Set To Join Real Madrid
English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially bid farewell to Premier League champions Liverpool, marking the end of his 20-year association with the club.
The defender, whose contract expires on June 30, 2025, joined Liverpool at age six and debuted for the senior team in 2016.
Since then, he made 352 appearances, scored 23 goals, and helped Liverpool claim eight major trophies, including this season’s Premier League title.
In an emotional message to fans, Alexander-Arnold urged them to continue supporting the club and not allow his departure to overshadow a successful campaign.
9. Chiamaka Nnadozie Celebrates As She Wins Coupe de France Féminine
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has celebrated her team’s triumph in the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine final.
Naturenex reports that Nnadozie played a decisive role in Paris FC’s penalty shootout victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The final, held at Stade Gaston-Gérard in Dijon, ended goalless, before Paris FC edged the shootout 5-4. Nnadozie’s two crucial saves proved vital to securing only the club’s second-ever Coupe de France title.
Expressing her joy, the 24-year-old Nigerian international posted her gratitude and excitement on social media platform 𝕏.
10. Mikel Arteta Urged To Sign Kevin De Bruyne For Arsenal This Summer
Football pundit Jamie O’Hara has advised Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to make a move for Kevin De Bruyne.
The 33-year-old midfielder confirmed last month that he would leave Manchester City at the end of the current campaign after the club decided against extending his contract.
While De Bruyne has drawn interest from American clubs, he remains open to continuing his career in England, fuelling speculation about a possible move to North London.
O’Hara stressed that signing a player of De Bruyne’s calibre could transform Arsenal’s fortunes after falling short of a Premier League title for three straight seasons.
That’s it for today’s Nigerian newspaper headlines. Stay updated with more news on Naturenex. See you tomorrow.
