TINUBU RULES OUT FUEL SUBSIDY RETURN AS NIGERIA GRAPPLES WITH ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, INSECURITY
Inside Agwa News | Tuesday, October 20, 2026
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
Nigeria's political, economic and security landscape features prominently in today's top national headlines, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming his administration's position on fuel subsidy, Catholic bishops announcing a nationwide prayer and fasting programme ahead of the 2027 elections, and the Rivers State House of Assembly recalling three suspended lawmakers. Other major developments include devastating floods in Nasarawa State, renewed labour concerns over the rising cost of living, and the rescue of eight kidnap victims in Benue State.
1. Tinubu Rules Out Return to Fuel Subsidy
President Bola Tinubu has again ruled out a return to fuel subsidy, describing his administration's decision to remove it as irreversible.
Tinubu compared the policy to the biblical account of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, arguing that those calling for the restoration of the subsidy were asking the country to reverse a decision it had already taken.
The President maintained his position amid continuing public concerns over petrol prices and the broader economic consequences of subsidy removal.
2. Catholic Bishops Declare Nationwide Prayer, Fasting Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has announced a nationwide prayer and fasting programme aimed at promoting free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2027.
The initiative, themed "Let Justice and Peace Flow," is drawn from Amos 5:24.
The bishops announced the programme in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday and signed by the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, and its Secretary, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo.
The initiative comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country.
3. Rivers Assembly Recalls Three Lawmakers Loyal to Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly has recalled three lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara who were suspended during the political crisis that rocked the state.
The Assembly rescinded its earlier decision to declare the seats of the three lawmakers vacant during plenary on Monday.
The development marks a fresh turn in the political situation in Rivers State, which has experienced prolonged tensions between the executive and legislative arms of government.
4. Shettima Says Nigeria's Economy Would Have Collapsed Without Tinubu's Intervention
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria's economy would have collapsed without the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima also criticised some of the President's opponents, suggesting that they would have been reporting the country's economic collapse from cities such as Dubai and New York if the administration had not intervened.
He made the remarks at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa during an event organised by the City Boy Movement, a political group working towards Tinubu's re-election.
His comments come amid continuing public debate over the administration's economic reforms and their impact on Nigerians.
5. Flooding Kills Two, Submerges 18 Communities in Nasarawa
At least two people have died, while 18 communities have been submerged by severe flooding in parts of Nasarawa State.
The affected communities include Kwatan Bala, Olegokeme, Obendo, Achepe, Olegokpa, Ijiwo, Olegabgulu, Otiya-Gekye, Otiya-Giso, Odagede, Anagoga and Otariga.
The affected settlements are located in Rukubi and Akpanaja wards of Doma Local Government Area.
The flooding has raised concerns over the safety of residents and the destruction of homes and other properties in the affected communities.
6. Yari Says Tinubu Cannot Be Blamed Solely for Insecurity
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has said President Bola Tinubu cannot be held solely responsible for the country's widespread insecurity.
Yari made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Kebbi State.
He argued that insecurity had persisted under previous administrations, noting that even former President Muhammadu Buhari, a retired military general, could not completely resolve the problem.
Yari's comments come amid continuing concerns over kidnappings, banditry and other security challenges across Nigeria.
7. Former Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Dies at 71
Former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has died at the age of 71, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
His family confirmed his death in a statement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the family.
According to the statement, the former governor died on Monday.
Uduaghan's death marks the passing of a former state chief executive who played a significant role in Delta State's political leadership.
8. NLC Warns Workers Still Under Economic Pressure Despite ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that Nigerian workers continue to face severe economic hardship despite the increase in the national minimum wage to ₦70,000.
The labour union also maintained that its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government over rising petrol prices and renewed wage negotiations remains in force.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated the union's position on Monday in Abuja, where he criticised the implementation of the 2024 minimum wage agreement.
Ajaero called for urgent measures to address the rising cost of living and ease the economic burden on workers.
The union's warning highlights continuing tensions between organised labour and the Federal Government over wages, fuel prices and workers' welfare.
9. NDC Faults FG's Warning on Possible N3,000-N4,000 Dollar Exchange Rate
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticised the Federal Government's warning that a return to petrol subsidy could push the naira's exchange rate to between ₦3,000 and ₦4,000 per dollar.
The party demanded explanations for the failure of Nigeria's refineries to operate effectively, questioning why the country continues to face challenges in refining its own crude oil.
The NDC also raised concerns over the use of a substantial portion of the country's crude oil to secure foreign loans.
The party's position adds to the ongoing national debate over fuel pricing, domestic refining capacity, foreign borrowing and the management of Nigeria's petroleum resources.
10. Police Rescue Catholic Priest, Seven Others from Kidnappers in Benue
The Benue State Police Command has rescued eight kidnap victims, including a Catholic priest, Reverend Father John Otache of the Otukpo Diocese.
The police also arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction.
The command's spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
The rescue represents a significant development in efforts to secure the release of kidnapped victims in the state, where kidnapping remains a major security concern.
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