INSIDE AGWA NEWS – MAJOR NATIONAL HEADLINES
Friday, June 19, 2026
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
Good morning, Nigerians!
Here are ten of the top national stories making headlines across the country this Friday:
1. FG Assures Safe Return for Nigerians Seeking to Leave South Africa
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians residing in South Africa that every citizen who has expressed a desire to return home will receive the necessary support. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, reaffirmed the government's commitment in a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr. Magnus Eze, emphasizing that no interested Nigerian would be left behind.
2. Retired Military Officers Urge National Unity Against Insecurity
Retired military personnel and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar have called on Nigerians to avoid attributing the country's security challenges to any particular region. Addressing journalists in Kaduna, the group stressed that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping are nationwide threats requiring collective action and national unity rather than regional blame.
3. NEC Approves ₦83.21 Billion for Flood Prevention and Climate Resilience
The National Economic Council (NEC) has approved the release of ₦83.21 billion to strengthen flood preparedness and climate-related disaster mitigation efforts across Nigeria. The decision, reached during the Council's 158th meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reflects the government's renewed emphasis on preventive measures instead of emergency responses to recurring environmental disasters.
4. INEC Begins Distribution of Sensitive Materials for Ondo South By-Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials ahead of the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election scheduled for Saturday. The exercise is being conducted under the supervision of electoral officials, security agencies, and representatives of political parties to ensure transparency and readiness for the poll.
5. Governors Renew Call for Constitutionally Backed State Police
Governors from Nigeria's 36 states have reiterated their support for the establishment of state police, insisting that any new policing framework must be constitutionally grounded, respect fundamental human rights, and complement the country's federal system. The position was reaffirmed after the Nigeria Governors' Forum meeting held in Abuja.
6. Naira Records Fresh Decline Against the US Dollar
The Nigerian currency weakened further on Thursday, depreciating to ₦1,410 per US dollar in the parallel market from ₦1,405 recorded a day earlier. The naira also lost value in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it traded at ₦1,365.5 per dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the foreign exchange market.
7. APC Criticises Opposition Parties Over Tinubu Security Remarks
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and others, for supporting the House of Representatives Minority Caucus' "lead or leave" statement directed at President Bola Tinubu over insecurity. The ruling party described the position as politically motivated and lacking fairness.
8. Fire Contained at Polaris Bank Building in Lagos
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully extinguished a fire outbreak that occurred on the third floor of the Polaris Bank Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island. According to officials, the incident involved a stationary saloon car parked within the 17-storey building's parking facility, and prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the structure.
9. Katsina Governor Highlights Role of Traditional Institutions
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed the critical role of traditional rulers in promoting peace, security, and grassroots development. Speaking during a meeting with the Emir of Katsina, HRH Abdulmumini Usman, the Emir of Daura, HRH Umar Umar, and other district and village heads, the governor emphasized continued collaboration between government and traditional institutions.
10. ADC Leaders Criticise APC Administration in Ekiti Ahead of Governorship Election
African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola have criticised the performance of the All Progressives Congress-led government in Ekiti State, alleging that it has fallen short of public expectations over the past three and a half years. Speaking at a mega campaign rally in Ado Ekiti for the party's governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, the leaders presented the ADC as a credible alternative ahead of Saturday's election.
Thank you for reading Inside Agwa News. Stay informed for more credible and timely updates from across Nigeria.
Your Opinion Matters
Did this news report meet your expectations?
How can we improve our coverage and better serve you?
Leave your comments and suggestions below.
