TWN NEWS
Weekly news from around Nigeria · Week ending 18 October 2026
NGX ASI 247,707.13 ▲0.01% | Market cap ₦160.83trn | Inflation 14.63% | Petrol ≈₦1,355/L (Lagos) | Lassa fever deaths 268 in 2026
SPECIAL REPORT
The Plastic Pollution Crisis: Nigeria Must Find Alternatives
Nigeria produces about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste a year, and an estimated 81% is handled improperly. Lagos alone is put at around 870,000 tonnes. NESREA's 2026 regulations make producers responsible for end-of-life products and require PET packaging to contain at least 25% recycled content by January 2028. Recycling helps, but Africa must also invest in real alternatives: refillables, paper and plant-fibre packaging, and reusable bags made at home.
Economy
1
Economy
Inflation eases to 14.63% in September
The National Bureau of Statistics says headline inflation slowed to 14.63% in September from 15.39% in August. Food inflation stood at 19.59% year on year. Central Bank governor Cardoso credits reforms for restoring investor confidence.
2
Economy
Petrol price and a 30-day NNPC discount
NNPC pumps listed petrol at about ₦1,355 per litre in Lagos on 8 October, and the Federal Government has launched a 30-day discount at NNPC stations. Presidential adviser Oyedele said Nigeria will not return to fuel subsidy or multiple exchange rates, warning that a reversal could trigger investor flight.
3
Economy
FAAC shares ₦2.428trn; World Bank says growth hit 4.2%
The three tiers of government shared ₦2.428 trillion from September revenues. The World Bank's October Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse, reports growth of 4.2% in the first half of 2026.
Politics
4
Politics
NLC rejects minimum wage delay, issues ultimatum
Labour has rejected the government's plan to postpone new minimum wage talks until June 2027. A two-week NLC ultimatum over fuel prices and wages runs out around 23 October.
5
Politics
Oyebanji sworn in for second term in Ekiti
Governor Biodun Oyebanji took the oath for a second term as Ekiti State governor.
6
Politics
Tinubu nominates four INEC commissioners and two RECs
The nominations, sent ahead of the 2027 elections, include the reappointment of Dr Bala Bila for the North East. Separately, INEC gave Pantami, Gwarzo and Adebutu a 14-day window over omissions in its records.
7
Politics
Makinde alleges NLNG dividends withheld
Oyo governor Seyi Makinde accuses the Federal Government of holding back ₦250 billion in NLNG dividends owed to states until after the 2027 elections. This is an allegation by Governor Makinde; the Federal Government's response was not available at press time.
Security
8
Security
Five arrested over abduction of 20 NYSC members
The DSS, military and police arrested five suspects over the 1 October kidnapping of 20 prospective corps members on the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo State. Meanwhile, Goodluck Jonathan and Aliko Dangote urged the government to pair security action with jobs and social development.
Health
9
Health
Lassa fever: 268 deaths in 2026
The NCDC reports 1,138 confirmed cases across 24 states and 119 local government areas this year. The ICRC also reports an 18% rise in malnutrition cases at facilities it supports, with young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women hit hardest.
Sports & Entertainment
10
Sports
Nigeria set to miss a fourth straight men's U-17 World Cup
Football fans are reflecting on the setback for the country's youth pipeline.
11
Entertainment
Burna Boy meets US consul general on creative economy
The Grammy-winning star met the US Consul General in Lagos to discuss expanding the US-Nigeria creative economy, while the EWA grant pool opened for African creative businesses.
MARKET WATCH · NGX
All-Share Index:
247,707.13 (Thursday 15 Oct close)
Market cap:
₦160.833 trillionBreadth: 26 gainers, 24 decliners
Latest verified close; Friday's figures were not yet confirmed.QUICK BITES
• Ambassador Patrick Cole dies at 86
• Nigeria to miss fourth straight U-17 World Cup
• Anglican Primate suspends Archbishop Ibezim over alleged ₦2bn land sale (reported by Sahara Reporters)
• Shettima: northern support for Tinubu in 2027 is not a blank cheque
ONE AFRICA
Africa must unite or perish. Colonial thinking and outside influence divide us and hold back our economy, peace and development. TWN stands for full economic independence for Congo, Sudan and all of Africa.
JSDSA
JS Darinho Sports Academy: building the next generation of Ijebu football talent. Follow TWN for match day Dr. Obi Adigwe's appointment by President Tinubu to lead the NHTDAO.
TWN News · Reporting by TWN · Figures from NBS, NCDC, NGX and Nigerian media reports; they may be revised.
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