Good morning, Nigeria — welcome to the Naturenex roundup of today’s most talked-about headlines from across the country.
1. Tinubu Addresses Tough Economic Realities On Workers’ Day
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday recognised the deepening economic hardships facing Nigerians, citing rising costs of living, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and pressure on families. Speaking at the national May Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja — represented by Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi — the President described the nation’s challenges as “real, critical, and requiring definite solutions.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to tackle these concerns through policies focused on job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic growth.
2. NLC Demands Uniform 65-Year Retirement Age For Civil Servants
During the same Workers’ Day event, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) renewed its call for a harmonised retirement age of 65 for all civil servants nationwide. NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the government to standardise the policy, reiterating a stance first made public in 2023. Currently, only government-employed teachers enjoy this extended retirement age.
3. ICPC Uncovers ₦71 Billion Diversion In Student Loan Scheme
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday revealed that only ₦28.8 billion out of ₦100 billion disbursed to tertiary institutions for student loans actually reached the students. Investigations uncovered that about ₦71.2 billion had been diverted by university managements.
Naturenex gathered that several top government officials, including the Budget Office Director-General, Accountant-General of the Federation, CBN executives, and heads of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have been summoned for questioning.
4. Wike’s Aide Accuses Dele Momodu Of Receiving Over ₦500 Million From Atiku
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has publicly claimed that PDP chieftain Dele Momodu collected over ₦500 million from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while serving as his campaign spokesperson in the 2023 elections.
Naturenex reports that Olayinka, in an interview with Arise Television, declared: “Dele Momodu was Atiku’s spokesperson, and he collected money, he cannot tell me that he did not collect money. He collected more than N500 million and I challenge him to say it to my face.”
5. Army Clarifies Maiduguri Barracks Explosion
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Wednesday’s explosion at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri was caused by intense heat and not a terrorist attack. Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, stated the blast occurred in an ammunition storage facility due to a regional heatwave.
Emergency teams quickly contained the situation with assistance from the Borno State Fire Service and other agencies.
6. TUC Leader Rejects New Tax Bills, Labels Them “Anti-Worker”
At the May Day celebration in Abuja, Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo condemned the Federal Government’s proposed tax bills, calling them “anti-worker.” He argued they unfairly burden the working class while protecting corporate elites.
Osifo criticised plans to set the minimum taxable income at ₦800,000 per year, noting it falls below the annual National Minimum Wage of ₦840,000.
7. Stylist Ejiro Breaks Silence Over Rumoured Disappearance
Nigerian stylist Ejiro has denied widespread rumours of being missing, hypnotized, or kidnapped. In a video posted to Instagram, she explained that her disappearance from social life was deliberate.
Earlier, entrepreneur Nkechi Harry-Ngonadi raised concerns, claiming Ejiro joined a prayer group, shut down her business, sold her belongings, and vanished. However, Ejiro insisted she was never in danger but intentionally cut off communication for personal space.
8. Falz Reveals Why He’s Never Been Heartbroken
Popular rapper Folarin Falana, famously known as Falz, disclosed that he has never experienced heartbreak because he’s never been in love. During the inaugural live edition of the ‘WithChude’ podcast, he stated: “I have never been heartbroken. If you don’t put your legs inside water, can you drown?”
He explained that while he’s expressed fondness, he has never told anyone “I love you.”
9. Bovi Opens Up On Difficult Relationship With Late Father
Nigerian comedian Bovi revealed during the ‘WithChude’ podcast that his relationship with his late father, who passed away in February 2025, was fraught with negativity. Bovi said the bond was “loveless,” adding that he forgave his father and cared for him before his death to break a generational pattern of toxic energy in his family.
10. Flying Eagles Triumph Over Tunisia In U-20 AFCON Opener
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Tunisia in Group B. Akwa United midfielder Auwal Ibrahim scored the match-winner in the 37th minute, earning the Man of the Match award.
Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo celebrated the victory, posting on 𝕏: “Congratulations to our Flying Eagles… always good to start the tournament with a win… unto the next.”
That’s it for today’s top headlines from Naturenex. Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow.
