Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 20th March, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the NaijaChoice News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 20th March, 2026.

1. Nigeria and UK Sign £746m Deal to Transform Apapa and Tin Can Ports

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have finalised a £746 million export finance package to overhaul and modernise two of the country’s busiest seaports.

NaijaChoice News reports that the landmark agreement, backed by UK Export Finance and arranged by Citibank, targets the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex. These facilities manage over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s imports and exports and serve as the main arteries for the nation’s trade.

The deal was formally signed in London during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit, where he held bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer between March 18 and 19, 2026.

2. Zenith Bank Commissions Manchester Branch, Deepens Nigeria-UK Economic Ties

Zenith Bank Plc has officially commissioned its new Manchester Branch under Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, taking its international footprint to another level.

The high-profile event on March 17, 2026, drew senior Nigerian government officials, state governors, and top business leaders alongside UK counterparts. It underscores the bank’s push to bridge African markets with global finance.

3. Eid-El-Fitr: Fayemi Urges Peace, Unity And Reflection Among Nigerians

Dr Kayode Fayemi, immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, has extended warm greetings to Muslims across Nigeria on the successful end of Ramadan.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Fayemi Media Office and made available to NaijaChoice News, the former governor praised the devotion, discipline and spiritual renewal shown by the faithful during the month of fasting, prayer and charity.

4. Dangote Refinery’s $3.74bn Crude Imports Expose Nigeria’s Oil Supply Paradox

Dangote Petroleum Refinery imported crude oil worth $3.74 billion in 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Balance of Payments report has revealed.

The figure, specifically listed as “Crude oil imports of $3.74bn by Dangote Refinery,” highlights a major shift in the country’s external trade even as Nigeria remains Africa’s top crude producer.

5. Court Strikes Out Cybercrime Charges Against Sowore

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out cybercrime charges filed against human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore by the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

NaijaChoice News reports that Justice Musa Liman delivered the ruling on Tuesday after Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, applied for dismissal on grounds of lack of diligent prosecution. The court agreed that the police had allowed the matter to stall since Sowore’s arraignment in January 2025.

5. Bala Mohammed Dismisses Defection Rumours, Reaffirms PDP Membership

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has strongly dismissed widespread speculation that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

NaijaChoice News reports that the governor made the position clear shortly after swearing in 17 newly appointed permanent secretaries at the Government House on Wednesday.

When journalists confronted him on the rumours, Mohammed declined an on-the-spot interview but briefly reacted.

6. Makinde Renames Nyesom Wike Road In Olorunda To Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu Road

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has officially renamed the 8.3-kilometre Akobo-Olorunda Abaa road in Ibadan to Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu Road.

NaijaChoice News can confirm the change took place during the commissioning of the newly dualised section of the road last year.

The governor made the announcement at Nathaniel Idowu Comprehensive High School in Olorunda Abaa, Lagelu Local Government Area, describing the project as a fulfilment of his campaign promise to residents.

7. K1 De Ultimate’s Daughter Eye Lagos Assembly Seat

Barrister Damilola Ayinde Marshal has declared her ambition to contest the Surulere Constituency 2 seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism made the announcement on her Instagram page on Tuesday, positioning herself as a fresh voice for the constituency.

“I am excited to share that I, Barr. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she wrote.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on NaijaChoice News. See you again tomorrow.