NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
Verified reporting on Edo State, Nigeria and the world — covering the major developments of September 25, 2026.
📊 At a Glance — Today's Headlines
- Edo: Emergency repairs begin on the Benin-Asaba Road, while Edo Refinery starts repairs on damaged sections of the Benin-Sapele highway.
- Electricity: Youths from communities in Akoko-Edo protest an eight-month power outage and demand urgent action.
- Healthcare: Edo says it is discussing investment with Chinese and other investors to revive a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Benin City.
- Nigeria: Nigeria and the United States sign a framework aimed at unlocking investment in the country's mineral resources.
- UN Diplomacy: Vice President Kashim Shettima delivers Nigeria's statement at the 81st UN General Assembly and renews the country's demand for permanent African representation on the Security Council.
- Sports: Nigeria's Super Eagles host Madagascar in Uyo in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
- World: The UN General Assembly remains focused on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, while the Trump-Xi meeting in Washington draws international attention.
Edo State & Benin City
Federal Government Begins Emergency Repairs on Benin-Asaba Road
The Federal Government has commenced emergency rehabilitation of the deteriorating 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road following worsening road conditions, severe gridlock and prolonged delays for motorists and businesses using the corridor.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the emergency intervention, with the inauguration taking place in Benin. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo represented the President during the exercise.
Works Minister David Umahi said the Federal Ministry of Works had deployed more than 50 pieces of equipment and directed work on three sections of the road to restore failed portions and ease traffic. The entire corridor is expected to undergo a later redesign for permanent reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement.
Edo Youths Protest Eight-Month Power Outage in Akoko-Edo Communities
Youths from Ososo, Ojah, Ijiranmi and other communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area have protested what they said was an eight-month electricity blackout affecting businesses and economic activities.
The protesters took their complaints to the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Power in Benin City. They called for urgent intervention and raised concerns about the prolonged failure to restore electricity.
The Chief Executive Officer of Edo SEBCO said a technical team was already on site and that efforts were underway to restore power. The commission also said it was working to resolve the situation.
Edo in Talks With Chinese Investors to Revive Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The Edo State Government says it is in discussions with Chinese investors and other prospective investors over plans to establish drug manufacturing companies in the state.
Kenny Okojie, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, said the proposal includes the revitalisation of the Edo Pharmaceutical Company located on Medical Store Road in Benin City.
The proposed facility is expected to serve Edo and neighbouring states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Ondo and Kogi, with the possibility of supplying other African markets.
Edo Refinery Begins Repairs on Damaged Benin-Sapele Road Sections
Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited has commenced emergency repairs on failed sections of the Benin-Sapele highway as part of an intervention intended to improve movement along the route.
Repair activities were reported at locations including Iyanomo, Ekosa, Obayantor, Ologbo and Koko Junction in Delta State. The intervention follows concerns over accidents and the difficulty faced by motorists and heavy-duty vehicles.
The refinery said the poor condition of the road was also affecting access for tankers travelling to its facility.
Nigeria
Nigeria and US Sign Framework for Mineral Investment
Nigeria and the United States have signed a framework intended to attract investment into Nigeria's critical minerals and broader mining value chain.
The agreement was signed in New York by Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
Nigerian officials described the framework as an opportunity to deepen cooperation and encourage US-backed investment and business partnerships in the country's mining sector.
Nigeria Renews Demand for Permanent African Seats on UN Security Council
Nigeria has renewed its call for Africa to receive at least two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, with veto powers for as long as that privilege exists.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria's national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria also called for five non-permanent seats for Africa. The position follows the African Union's longstanding Common African Position on reform of the Security Council.
NDLEA Arrests Two Over Alleged Nigerian-Mexican Methamphetamine Laboratory
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested two Nigerian men over an alleged transnational drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State.
The NDLEA said its Special Operations Unit uncovered the facility in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area, following intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The suspects, identified as Chukwu Christopher and Chukwu Monday, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Enugu on charges including conspiracy, organisation and financing of a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.
Treasury Bill Rates Fall Following CBN Interest Rate Cut
Treasury bill stop rates declined across the three maturities at Wednesday's primary market auction following the Central Bank of Nigeria's decision to cut its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 percent to 23 percent.
The 91-day Treasury bill recorded the largest decline, with its stop rate falling to 15.50 percent from 16.30 percent. The 182-day bill fell to 15.80 percent, while the 364-day bill declined to 15.89 percent.
The movement represents an early repricing of short-term government securities following the central bank's major monetary-policy adjustment.
Banking System Liquidity Rises to N7.45 Trillion as Money Market Rates Ease
Liquidity in Nigeria's banking system rose to N7.45 trillion, according to market data reported on Friday, as short-term money-market rates declined following the recent CBN policy-rate reduction.
The increase followed a N2.27 trillion inflow from matured Open Market Operation bills, while utilisation of the Standing Deposit Facility also remained high.
The overnight policy rate reportedly fell to 21 percent, while the overnight lending rate declined to 21.76 percent.
Sports
Super Eagles Begin 2027 AFCON Qualifying Campaign Against Madagascar
Nigeria's Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The match is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time and is the opening Group L fixture for Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania, which is co-hosting the 2027 tournament, already has a place at the finals.
Nigeria will travel to Bissau for its second qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
World News
World Leaders Continue UN General Assembly Talks Amid Middle East and Ukraine Conflicts
The 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York remains focused on major international conflicts, particularly the continuing war involving the United States and Iran, the Gaza conflict and Russia's war in Ukraine.
The gathering has also highlighted concerns about global energy security, food security, artificial intelligence and the future role of international institutions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for greater international cooperation and warned that military power alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.
Trump and Xi Jinping Hold High-Level US-China Talks in Washington
Chinese President Xi Jinping's September 23–25 visit to the United States has placed US-China relations at the centre of international diplomatic attention.
Xi travelled to the United States at the invitation of President Donald Trump. China's Foreign Ministry said the two leaders would discuss China-US relations as well as broader issues concerning peace and development.
The meeting comes amid continuing competition between the two countries over trade, technology and strategic interests.
Middle East Conflict Dominates UN Discussions as Regional Tensions Continue
The conflicts involving Iran, Israel, Hamas and other regional actors remain major issues at the United Nations General Assembly, with governments discussing diplomacy, security and humanitarian concerns.
The wider conflict has also affected international energy markets, shipping routes and diplomatic relations. Gulf countries have called for secure navigation through important maritime routes.
The continuing uncertainty around the Middle East is being closely watched because disruption to energy supplies and shipping can have consequences for economies far beyond the region.
Trump’s UN Address Puts Iran, Ukraine and AI Among Key Global Issues
US President Donald Trump used his September 22 address to the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the war involving Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, artificial intelligence and the future of the United Nations.
Reuters reported that Trump defended US foreign-policy actions and said he expected diplomatic progress on Iran and Ukraine. He also used the term “super intelligence” when discussing artificial intelligence and emphasised continued US leadership in the technology sector.
The speech also included criticism of the International Criminal Court and calls for changes to the way the United Nations operates.
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NaijaWORLD Pulse brings together verified developments from Edo State, Nigeria and around the world. News reports are presented with attribution, context and links to original sources.