NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
Verified reporting on Edo State, Nigeria and the world — covering the major developments of September 26, 2026.
📊 At a Glance — Today's Headlines
- Edo: Emergency repairs have started on the Benin-Asaba and Benin-Sapele highways, while NAFDAC carries out enforcement against sachet alcoholic drinks and alcohol products below 200ml.
- Justice & Consumer Protection: The EFCC's Benin Zonal Directorate has returned ₦84 million recovered from an alleged land transaction fraud to an Edo businessman.
- Nigeria: Nigeria and the United States are deepening cooperation in the mining sector, while investigations continue into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
- Sports: Nigeria's Super Eagles opened their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
- World: The United States and China agreed to tariff recommendations covering $30 billion of goods in each direction and agreed to continue dialogue on artificial intelligence.
- Middle East: President Donald Trump said he rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending fighting.
Edo State & Benin City
Emergency Repairs Begin on Benin-Asaba and Benin-Sapele Roads
Emergency repair work has commenced on the deteriorating Benin-Asaba and Benin-Sapele highways as authorities seek to ease prolonged traffic delays, accidents and difficulties faced by motorists.
The Federal Government has begun intervention work on the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road following worsening road conditions and severe gridlock. More than 50 pieces of equipment have reportedly been deployed for the immediate palliative works.
Separately, Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Limited has started repairs on failed portions of the Benin-Sapele Road, including areas around Iyanomo, Ekosa, Obayantor, Ologbo and Koko Junction.
NAFDAC Begins Mop-Up of Sachet Alcohol and Small Alcoholic Drinks in Edo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has commenced a mop-up operation targeting sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages below 200ml in Edo State.
The enforcement exercise was carried out in Benin City on Friday, with NAFDAC officials visiting areas including Mission Road and New Benin Market and seizing affected products.
The agency said the operation followed credible intelligence regarding the sale of the products and warned traders that the sale of such products would no longer be tolerated under the applicable regulations.
EFCC Returns ₦84 Million to Edo Businessman in Land Fraud Case
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has returned a draft worth ₦84 million to an Edo businessman, Ekhahon Abraham.
According to the EFCC, the money was recovered from Anita Eborome following an investigation into a disputed land transaction. The businessman had reportedly paid the money for a parcel of land but later sought a refund after another person claimed ownership of the property.
The commission said its investigation found that the money had been transferred to Eborome but was allegedly diverted for personal use.
Edo Student Wins Second Prize in National Academic Competition
Agaga-Oamen Dave-Wisdom, a student from The Oasis Schools in Ekpoma, Edo State, won the second prize in the 2026 Accessible Summer Competition.
The competition involved students from across Nigeria and was organised around Mathematics, English and Science, with questions drawn from the national BECE question bank.
The competition recorded 5,226 participants. The Edo student received a prize of ₦500,000, while the overall first prize went to a student from Akwa Ibom State.
Hammerboi Says Benin-Language Music Is Taking Edo Culture to Global Audiences
Edo-born Afrobeats artiste Osasike Uwuigbe, popularly known as Hammerboi, says his Benin-language music is attracting listeners outside Edo State and introducing new audiences to Benin culture.
The artiste said his decision to use his indigenous language was influenced by his desire to preserve and promote Edo culture. He also said listeners from other parts of Nigeria and overseas have shown interest in his songs.
According to the artiste, some international listeners have become curious about Benin culture after discovering his music, while some fans have requested translations of his songs and videos.
Nigeria
Nigeria and United States Sign Framework to Boost Mining Investment
Nigeria and the United States have signed a framework agreement aimed at increasing US investment in Nigeria's mining sector.
The agreement covers geological data, mineral exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure and technical capacity building.
Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy beyond oil and develop greater value from its solid mineral resources. The agreement also fits into wider US efforts to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals used in technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable-energy infrastructure.
Inquiry Committee Begins Investigation into Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody
An independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has commenced its work.
The victims were arrested during enforcement operations around mining areas in Minna, Niger State, on September 15 and 16. The exact cause of the deaths has not yet been officially established.
The committee says it will visit relevant locations, interview survivors and other witnesses, obtain documents and work with medical experts to establish the cause, mechanism and manner of death.
TCN Announces Planned Maintenance Power Interruption Around Suleja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria has scheduled preventive maintenance on transmission infrastructure serving parts of Suleja and surrounding communities.
The planned exercise affects areas supplied by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, including Suleja Township, FCT College of Education, Field Base, Zuba and Sabon Wuse.
TCN said the maintenance is scheduled between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, September 26, although the actual interruption in electricity supply is expected to last for approximately 20 minutes.
Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifiers With 2–1 Win Over Madagascar
Nigeria's Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria, with both players finding the net on their international debuts as the Eagles recovered from an early deficit.
Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina also returned to the national team after prolonged absences, while Ilenikhena started in attack following Victor Osimhen's injury-related absence.
Nigeria's States and FCT Generated ₦5.15 Trillion in IGR in 2025
Data reported by TheCable indicate that Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory generated a combined ₦5.15 trillion in internally generated revenue during 2025.
Pay-As-You-Earn tax reportedly accounted for about 51 percent of the total, highlighting the role of personal income taxation in state-level internally generated revenue.
The figures provide an indication of the changing revenue profile of subnational governments as states seek to improve their ability to finance public services and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
World News
US and China Agree on Tariff Recommendations and New AI Dialogue
The United States and China have agreed on recommendations for more favourable tariff treatment covering about $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction following Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington.
The two countries also agreed to continue formal discussions on artificial intelligence, including the technology's risks and benefits, with another round expected in November.
Washington and Beijing also agreed to establish a communication channel for AI-related incidents, reflecting growing international concern over the security implications of increasingly capable artificial-intelligence systems.
Trump Says He Rejected Iranian Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending fighting in the Middle East.
According to Reuters, Iran's proposal was transmitted through Qatari mediators and called for reopening the strategic waterway and ending hostilities within seven days.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments, meaning prolonged disruption can have consequences for oil, fuel prices, shipping and the wider global economy.
China Calls for Respect for Gulf Sovereignty During UN General Assembly
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday to call for respect for the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf states.
Han also called for an end to threats of force against Cuba and urged the lifting of sanctions and the blockade on the Caribbean country.
His comments came shortly after the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, where the two countries discussed trade, technology and other international issues.
Hundreds of Thousands Attend Pope Leo's Outdoor Mass in Paris
An estimated 800,000 people gathered in Paris on Saturday for an outdoor Mass led by Pope Leo during his four-day visit to France.
Large crowds lined the Champs-Élysées as the Pope travelled through the city in an open-top vehicle before the Mass. The event was reported as the largest gathering of his French tour.
During his visit, Pope Leo has also spoken about the challenges facing international institutions and has raised concerns about the development and governance of artificial intelligence.
Powerful Nor'easter Disrupts Travel and Electricity in US Northeast
A strong nor'easter affecting the US East Coast on Saturday caused widespread travel disruption and power outages from Washington, D.C., to Maine.
More than 400 flights were cancelled and more than 100,000 homes and businesses lost electricity at one point during the storm, according to Reuters.
The storm brought another major weather-related disruption to the northeastern United States as authorities and transport operators dealt with difficult conditions.
📰 That’s the NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing for Saturday, September 26, 2026.
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