Nigerian newspapers review: [Maiduguri explosions] Survivors recount ordeals; service chiefs relocate to Borno

2026-03-18 - 09:45

In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with survivors of Monday night’s bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, who recounted their ordeals, describing the multiple explosions as reminiscent of a war situation. Another headline features Joe Kent, head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Centre and adviser to President Donald Trump and the Director of National Intelligence, who has stepped down in protest over the Iran war. Vanguard also reports that President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees serving in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026. Moving to the next paper, The Guardian leads with fresh crisis emerging in Nigeria’s effort to address its long-standing electricity shortages through decentralisation, as over 16 states that have taken on regulatory powers are struggling to create effective systems. Next paper, The Punch reports that Nigeria has secured a £746m UK-backed deal to modernise its seaports, a move set to upgrade key maritime gateways and boost global competitiveness. Lastly, The Nation has reports on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still lists Ambassador Umar Damagun as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Vanguard News