Today, Friday, October 3, 2025, brings several important stories from across Nigeria. From politics and the economy to security, governance, Recruitment, and entertainment, the headlines reflect the major events happening around the country.
GoldenNewsNg has put together this roundup of the latest Nigerian news headlines to give readers a clear picture of the top stories making the news today.
Below are the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for Friday, October 3, 2025, curated from credible sources to keep you updated.
1. Nigeria Customs Confirms Batch A Online Recruitment Test Was Successful
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) confirmed that the Superintendent Cadre test for Batch A was successfully conducted. While many candidates completed the exam, some reported being locked out due to technical issues. NCS clarified that submissions were automatically recorded for affected candidates.
2. Nigeria Boosts Oil Output as Reforms Attract Investment
Nigeria’s daily crude output has risen to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, supported by new drilling activity and fresh investor confidence under the “Project One Million Barrels” initiative.
3. Oil Production Plunges 16% During Brief PENGASSAN Strike
A short but impactful strike by oil workers caused a 16% drop in oil output. The strike halted key production facilities and disrupted power generation.
4. At Least 26 Drown in Kogi Boat Accident
Tragedy struck in Kogi State as a boat carrying traders capsized on the River Niger. Officials confirmed at least 26 deaths, with rescue operations ongoing.
5. Edo NSCDC Commandant Dies Suddenly at Public Event
Shock in Edo State as the NSCDC Commandant, Agun Gbenga, collapsed and died shortly after delivering a speech at a public function in Benin.
6. U.S. Report Criticizes Nigeria’s Protection of Trafficking Victims
The U.S. State Department’s 2025 TIP report highlighted Nigeria’s shortcomings in protecting trafficking victims, particularly those linked to Boko Haram and domestic servitude.
7. Nigeria’s Health System Performing at Only 45% Capacity
A new report reveals that despite ongoing reforms, the nation’s healthcare system is operating at less than half of its potential. Lassa fever alone has claimed 166 lives this year.
8. Zulum Visits Niger’s Diffa Region to Strengthen Security Cooperation
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited Niger Republic’s Diffa region to reinforce joint security operations aimed at curbing insurgency around the Lake Chad basin.
9. Forensic Experts Urge FG to Break Oil & Gas Sector Cabals
The Chartered Institute of Forensics has called on the federal government to dismantle entrenched interests in the petroleum sector, describing them as obstacles to reform.
10. JAC Motors & Elizade Expand Partnership in Nigeria
JAC Motors International and Elizade JAC Autoland are strengthening their partnership to expand market share, unveiling plans for more vehicle models and improved after-sales service in Nigeria.
11. Waste-to-Wealth Innovation Gains Ground in Infrastructure
Dr. Akinleye’s research on converting waste into asphalt additives is gaining recognition as a pathway toward sustainable infrastructure in Nigeria.
12. Naira Could Strengthen in Coming Days — Africa FX Outlook
Currency analysts forecast that the naira may appreciate slightly in the week ahead, supported by central bank measures and lower demand for the dollar.
13. Dangote Refinery Halts Naira Petrol Sales Over Crude Constraints
The Dangote Refinery has suspended petrol sales in naira, citing crude supply shortages and market pressure in Nigeria’s downstream sector.
14. Court Orders Nnamdi Kanu to Face Terrorism Charges
A Nigerian court has rejected IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu’s request to dismiss terrorism charges, ruling that he must face trial.
15. Nigeria Approves $510m Shell & Agip Buyout of Bonga Stake
The federal government has cleared Shell and Agip’s $510 million acquisition of TotalEnergies’ stake in the Bonga offshore oil field.
16. Local Firms Drive Growth in Nigeria’s Oil Sector
Indigenous oil companies are playing a more significant role in upstream production, revitalizing old fields and boosting local participation.
17. Electric Mobility Firm Spiro to Launch in Nigeria
Clean transportation firm Spiro has announced plans to introduce electric bikes and charging infrastructure across key Nigerian cities.
18. Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary Deepens National Debate
Two days after Independence Day celebrations, Nigerians remain divided over the nation’s future. Opposition parties criticized the government’s message as out of touch with citizens’ struggles.
19. Tinubu: “The Worst Is Over” Amid Economic Hardship
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assured Nigerians that reforms are beginning to yield results, citing GDP growth and reduced inflation, though critics say hardship persists.
20. African Markets to Watch: Nigeria’s Currency in Focus
Ahead of October 3 trading, financial analysts spotlight Nigeria’s naira as one of the key currencies to watch across Africa.
21. Court Dismisses Suit Against Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency Rule
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
The emergency rule, declared by Tinubu, had led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, while an administrator was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
22. INEC Makes Demand Ahead Of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has requested an urgent review of the nation’s electoral laws as part of its efforts to conduct free and fair elections in 2027.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who made the call on Thursday when he hosted the European Union Follow-up Mission delegation, led by Barry Andrews, asked the National Assembly to review the existing Electoral Act.
He submitted that the operations of INEC are guided by legal frameworks, and the uncertainties regarding some existing laws may serve as a big encumbrance for INEC.
Prof. Yakubu, therefore, requested the quick legislative intervention of the National Assembly on proposed electoral reforms.
23. 2027: I Won’t step down for any presidential aspirant — Atiku
Atiku Abubakar has declared that he has no plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general election.
Atiku, a key contender in the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress, was reported to have disclosed his readiness to step aside for a younger and acceptable presidential candidate in the 2027 election, provided that the candidate emerges under the ADC.
However, the former vice president debunked the reports via a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
25. U.S. Report Criticizes Nigeria’s Protection of Trafficking Victims
The U.S. State Department’s 2025 TIP report states Nigeria falls short in protecting victims of trafficking, especially those linked to Boko Haram and domestic servitude.
