NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing
Verified reporting on Edo State, Nigeria and the world — with dedicated updates on business, sports and entertainment for September 27–28, 2026.
📊 At a Glance — September 27–28 Headlines
- Edo: The Edo State Government is discussing a public-private partnership with Chinese investors to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Benin City.
- Justice: Edo's Special Criminal Court is scheduled to deliver its first judgment in a kidnapping case on September 29.
- Business: Five Nigerian mid-sized banks reported combined first-half 2026 assets of ₦20.47 trillion and profit after tax of ₦338.4 billion.
- Finance: Nigeria's banking-system liquidity could rise to about ₦8.57 trillion this week as OMO bills mature and bond coupon payments enter the system.
- Sports: Nigeria's Flamingos won the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup after a perfect five-match campaign, while the Super Eagles travelled to Guinea-Bissau after beating Madagascar 2–1.
- Entertainment: Nollywood's Black Market was screened before more than 51,000 qualifying viewers at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest audience at a movie screening.
- World: Gold prices fell sharply amid expectations of higher US interest rates, while oil prices rose as Middle East tensions continued to influence global energy markets.
Edo State & Benin City
Edo Government in Talks With Chinese Investors Over Drug Manufacturing Plant
The Edo State Government is in discussions with Chinese investors over the establishment of a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the state.
According to officials of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, the proposed project would operate through a public-private partnership in which investors would establish and operate the manufacturing facility while the state provides an enabling policy and business environment.
Officials said the proposed facility could produce medicines not only for Edo but also for neighbouring states and other African markets. The investors have reportedly shown interest in an existing medical warehouse facility in Benin City, including machinery that could potentially be rehabilitated and put back into use.
Edo Special Criminal Court to Deliver First Kidnapping Verdict on September 29
The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City is scheduled to deliver its first judgment in a kidnapping case on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The case concerns the alleged abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City. The woman was reportedly abducted in broad daylight on June 14 before being released unharmed two days later.
The subsequent police investigation led to several arrests and the recovery of items allegedly connected with the operation, including a Lexus RX 350, a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, a motorcycle and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Edo Governor Promises ₦100 Million Grant for Uwelu Spare Parts Traders
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised a ₦100 million grant for traders at Uwelu Spare Parts Market in Benin City.
The governor made the commitment during a visit to the market, where he met traders and inspected the challenges affecting commercial activity in the area.
Traders were encouraged to organise themselves into a cooperative society to facilitate access to the proposed funding. The governor also promised action on the Uwasota-Uwelu Road, which traders say affects movement and commercial activities in the area.
Edo Government Assures DBS Pensioners of Refund of Personal Contributions
The Edo State Government has assured pensioners who were recently migrated from the Contributory Pension Scheme to the Defined Benefit Scheme that their eight per cent personal pension contributions will be refunded.
The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Washington Abbe, said the government was committed to ensuring that pensioners affected by the transition were not disadvantaged.
He explained that the state's matching contributions under the previous scheme would be returned to the government and redirected toward outstanding pension liabilities.
Edo Farmers Report Improved Access to Farms as Security Confidence Grows
Farmers' groups in Edo State have reported that more farmers are returning to their farms across the state's 18 local government areas following reported improvements in security.
The leadership of the Integrated Farmers Association of Nigeria and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria said improved security was helping farmers regain confidence to access their farms.
Farmers' groups said greater access to farms could support food production and strengthen agricultural activity across the state. They also highlighted the importance of farmer registration and extension support.
Nigeria
Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Shop in Abuja, Explosion Damages Nine Shops
An explosion occurred in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning after a vehicle crashed into a gas retail outlet near Liberty Junction.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 6:15 a.m. and caused flames to spread to nearby shops and structures. At least nine shops were affected and the vehicle involved was completely burnt.
Residents reportedly rescued the driver and a child from the vehicle and took them to hospital. No death was reported in the incident, according to the available report.
LASTMA Impounds 84 Vehicles in Lagos Traffic Enforcement
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting traffic violations across major traffic flashpoints in the state.
The operation covered areas including Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu. LASTMA cited offences including driving against traffic, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised places as vehicle garages.
The agency also reported resistance from some motorists and alleged miscreants, with some officers reportedly attacked and operational vehicles damaged.
Police Arrest Enugu Monarch, Former Lawmaker and Others Over Alleged Attack
Police in Enugu State have arrested a traditional ruler, a former lawmaker and other suspects over an alleged armed attack involving a Nigeria Development Commission facility.
The development has attracted attention because of the identities of some of those detained and the seriousness of the allegations. Police investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the roles, if any, of those arrested.
The suspects remain entitled to due process while investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings take place.
SERAP Demands CBN Explanation Over $6.23 Million Election Funding
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the Central Bank of Nigeria seven days to explain the handling of $6.23 million and more than ₦1.63 trillion in other public funds identified in an Auditor-General's report.
SERAP's demand refers to issues contained in Volume II of the Auditor-General of the Federation's 2023 Annual Report, which was published in August 2026.
The organisation also raised questions concerning intervention loans to state governments, loans involving distressed banks and funds disbursed under the Anchor Borrowers' Programme.
Nigeria Targets Fourfold Increase in Data-Centre Capacity
Nigeria is planning to increase its data-centre capacity from approximately 50 megawatts of IT load to about 200MW over the next five years.
The plan was discussed at the seventh Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum in Lagos and is linked to efforts to expand local cloud infrastructure, improve data sovereignty and support the country's growing digital economy.
Industry representatives said a significant amount of Nigerian data is currently hosted outside the country. The proposed expansion is intended to encourage more local hosting of critical information and develop Nigeria as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
Business & Economy
Five Nigerian Banks Record ₦20.47 Trillion Combined Assets
Five mid-sized Nigerian financial institutions reported combined total assets of approximately ₦20.47 trillion and profit after tax of ₦338.4 billion in the first half of 2026.
The institutions covered in the analysis are Wema Bank, FCMB Group, Sterling Financial Holdings, Jaiz Bank and Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank. Their combined gross earnings reached approximately ₦1.43 trillion for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
FCMB Group recorded the largest balance sheet among the five at about ₦8.36 trillion, followed by Wema Bank at ₦5.76 trillion and Sterling Financial Holdings at ₦4.67 trillion.
Banking-System Liquidity Could Rise to ₦8.57 Trillion This Week
Nigeria's banking system could see liquidity rise to approximately ₦8.57 trillion this week as Open Market Operations bills mature and government bond coupon payments enter the financial system.
CBN data showed system liquidity at ₦5.98 trillion at the end of the week of September 25, compared with ₦2.86 trillion the previous week. The increase followed the repayment of about ₦2.3 trillion in OMO bills on September 22.
A further ₦2.43 trillion in OMO bills was expected to mature, alongside approximately ₦164 billion in bond coupon payments. The increase could place additional pressure on the CBN to withdraw excess liquidity.
Nigeria Signs Three US Partnerships for Critical-Minerals Investment
Nigeria has secured three strategic partnerships with United States companies aimed at attracting investment, technology and employment into the country's critical-minerals sector.
The partnerships involve Promethean Resources, Vermeer Corporation, Renewvia Energy and Terra Industries, with areas of cooperation including modern mining technology, renewable energy and enhanced security.
The Federal Government says the partnerships are intended to support technology transfer, local value addition and job creation while strengthening economic relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Federal Government Approves Upgrade of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar Ports
The Federal Government has approved comprehensive modernisation and upgrading of Onne, Rivers, Delta and Calabar ports.
The approval follows an earlier plan to modernise Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos as part of a broader effort to develop a more balanced national port network.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy said the programme is intended to strengthen trade, investment, logistics and employment while improving Nigeria's competitiveness in maritime commerce.
Federal Government Opens Talks for $1.5 Billion in New World Bank Loans
The Federal Government is discussing three proposed World Bank loans worth a combined $1.5 billion.
The proposed facilities include $500 million for climate resilience, $500 million for social protection and $500 million for early childhood development.
The proposed borrowing comes as Nigeria's public debt reached ₦166.79 trillion at the end of June 2026, according to figures cited in the report.
Sports
Flamingos Win WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup After Perfect Campaign
Nigeria's Flamingos have won the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup after defeating Togo 4–0 in the final.
Captain Chidera Harmony scored twice from the penalty spot, while Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi added further goals as Nigeria completed a five-match winning campaign.
Nigeria had earlier defeated Niger Republic 5–0, Ghana 4–2, Burkina Faso 2–0 and hosts Côte d'Ivoire 2–0.
Super Eagles Travel to Guinea-Bissau After Madagascar Comeback
Nigeria's Super Eagles travelled to Guinea-Bissau on Sunday for their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match after opening the campaign with a 2–1 comeback win over Madagascar.
Madagascar took an early lead through Ehsan Kari before Nigeria's debutant George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time. Another debutant, Moses Usor, then scored in the second half to complete the comeback.
Guinea-Bissau also won their opening qualifier, defeating Tanzania 2–0. The two sides are therefore entering Tuesday's encounter with three points each.
Moses Usor Says He Wants to Emulate 100-Cap Moses Simon
Super Eagles forward Moses Usor says he wants to learn from Nigeria international Moses Simon after scoring on his debut against Madagascar.
Usor came off the bench and scored the winning goal in Nigeria's 2–1 comeback victory, needing only 14 minutes after entering the match to make his mark.
The match was also significant for Simon, who became only the fifth Nigerian to reach 100 senior international appearances when he came on against Madagascar.
Rivers Hoopers Complete Unbeaten NPBL Final Four Campaign
Rivers Hoopers completed their Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Four campaign with a 92–90 overtime victory over Maktown Flyers.
The KingsMen had already secured their seventh NPBL title after defeating Gboko City Chiefs 88–76, but they finished the campaign with another closely contested victory in Port Harcourt.
The final match was decided in overtime after neither side could establish a decisive advantage during regulation time.
Nigeria Finishes Chess Olympiad Outside Top 80 in Both Sections
Nigeria's teams finished outside the top 80 in both the Open and women's sections of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Nigeria's Open team placed 118th with 10 match points from five wins and six defeats. The team suffered a 4–0 loss to Vietnam in Round 6 and later defeated Tunisia 3½–½ before losing to North Macedonia and Hong Kong.
Nigeria's women's team finished 85th with 11 match points. Omuruyi was the team's leading individual performer with 6½ points.
Entertainment
Nollywood's Black Market Sets Guinness World Record With 51,000 Viewers
Nollywood film Black Market has set a Guinness World Record for the largest audience gathered for a movie screening at a single location after 51,000 qualifying viewers watched the film at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos.
The event took place on Saturday, September 26, and attracted a massive crowd to TBS. Guinness World Records recognised 51,000 viewers as the qualifying attendance, based on people who remained for the required duration of the screening.
The previous recognised record was 43,624 viewers, achieved during the 2015 screening of the Filipino film Felix Manalo.
BBNaija's Ricky, Tram and Temi Nkem Fake-Evicted as Top 10 Finalists Are Confirmed
Big Brother Naija Season 11 introduced another major twist during the ninth live show as Ricky, Tram and Temi Nkem were announced as evicted before later returning to the house.
The three housemates had actually been fake-evicted and placed in a secret room while the remaining contestants were left uncertain about their fate.
Biggie subsequently confirmed that the remaining 10 housemates were finalists. The season's winner is set to receive a ₦160 million grand prize, according to the show's organisers.
Nollywood Actor Rykardo Agbor Survives Car Crash in Ibadan
Nollywood actor Rykardo Agbor has survived a car crash in Ibadan, Oyo State, according to a video he shared on social media.
Images and video from the scene showed extensive damage to the front of the silver Lexus SUV. Agbor identified the location as being near the Cornerstone City billboard in Ibadan.
The actor thanked God for surviving the incident. Available reports did not establish the full circumstances that caused the crash or provide details about other possible vehicles involved.
Africa Magic Continues Broadcast of Special Documentary Honouring Olu Jacobs
Africa Magic is airing a special documentary celebrating the life and career of veteran Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs.
The documentary features reflections from actors and industry figures including Joke Silva, Afolabi Adesanya, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Patience Ozokwor, Kate Henshaw and Jahman Anikulapo.
The programme is designed to revisit Jacobs' contribution to Nigerian theatre, television and film, as well as the professional standards and influence associated with his long career.
Johnny Drille Leads 75-Voice Choir for Coca-Cola Nigeria Anniversary Anthem
Nigerian singer and songwriter Johnny Drille has joined a 75-member choir to create an anthem marking Coca-Cola Nigeria's 75th anniversary.
The campaign uses the voices of 75 choir members to represent the 75 years of Coca-Cola's presence in Nigeria since the company's arrival in the country in 1951.
The anniversary campaign also includes special packaging and consumer engagement activities designed around the company's long presence in Nigeria.
World News
Gold Falls More Than 2% as Oil Prices Raise US Rate-Hike Concerns
Gold prices fell more than 2% on Monday as rising oil prices increased concerns about inflation and strengthened expectations that US interest rates could remain higher.
Higher energy prices can increase inflationary pressure by raising transport, manufacturing and household energy costs. That can influence expectations about central-bank interest-rate decisions.
The movement in gold came as investors monitored developments in energy markets and geopolitical tensions affecting crude-oil supplies.
Middle East Oil Exports Rebound as Saudi Arabia Increases Shipments
Crude-oil exports from major Middle Eastern producers increased in September as Saudi Arabia boosted shipments, according to Reuters shipping data.
The rebound comes amid continuing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East and the security of major shipping routes.
Changes in Middle Eastern crude exports can influence global oil prices because the region remains central to international energy supply chains.
Thousands Take Shelter as Flooding Disrupts Bangkok
Thousands of residents in Bangkok sought shelter in evacuation centres on Monday as parts of the Thai capital remained flooded following heavy rainfall.
Flooding disrupted roads and transportation, with some areas reporting significant water levels and difficult journeys to airports and other parts of the city.
The flooding has also raised concerns about economic losses, particularly for businesses affected by disrupted transport, deliveries and consumer activity.
Hurricane Polo Approaches Mexico's Baja California Coast
Hurricane Polo was approaching Mexico's Pacific coast on Monday after strengthening before weakening to a Category 3 storm.
Forecasts indicated that the storm could make landfall around Baja California Sur, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and dangerous surf to affected areas.
Authorities had already restricted beach access in some locations, while evacuations, port closures and school cancellations were reported along parts of the Pacific coast.
China's Industrial Profit Growth Slows as Economic Imbalances Persist
China's industrial profit growth slowed further in August, according to data reported by Reuters, as weakness in parts of the economy continued to offset gains in technology manufacturing.
Technology-related manufacturing has remained an important source of industrial activity, particularly as investment in artificial intelligence and advanced technology continues to expand.
The data are being watched closely by global investors because China's industrial sector has significant links with international commodity markets, manufacturing supply chains and consumer demand.
At Least 27 People Killed in Two Separate Mass Shootings in South Africa
At least 27 people were killed in two separate mass shootings near Johannesburg and Cape Town, according to South African police.
Police said 17 people were killed when armed attackers opened fire at a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. At least 15 others were reportedly wounded.
In a separate incident near Cape Town, 10 people were killed at a store in Lwandle. Another 11 people were wounded, and police said suspects were being sought.
📰 That’s the NaijaWORLD Pulse Briefing for September 27–28, 2026.
From Edo State and Nigeria to business, sports, entertainment and major international developments, this edition brings together verified reports from the two-day news cycle. Stories may continue to develop as new information becomes available.