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Good morning — here is what's making headlines today, Saturday, September 19, 2026:
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‎Nigeria 🇳🇬 — Top story today
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‎1. INEC by-elections today: The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed today, September 19, for five by-elections across four states. The polls are in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta. If you're in Dawakin Kudu (Kano) and Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye, expect heightened security and movement restrictions.
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‎2. Niger mining deaths crisis: This is the biggest national story. President Bola Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
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‎It follows reports that 37 detainees died in custody, which triggered protests in Minna. Witnesses said security forces opened fire as people took to the streets in a city in central Nigeria on Friday to protest against the deaths of 37 detainees. The Federal Government says it won't shield anyone and has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant.
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‎Other Nigerian headlines in today's roundup:
‎Presidency vs Atiku — Presidency accuses Atiku Abubakar of "taking Nigerians for buffoons"
‎Court of Appeal upholds NDC registration as a political party
‎FG begins preparations for Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary on Oct 1, with a low-key celebration planned ee8d
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‎Lagos — For you
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‎Small business boost: The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of N1.933 billion in loans and grants to micro, small and medium enterprises across the state. It was announced at the Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa — N1.91bn in loans to 4,036 MSMEs and N23.6m in grants to 65 businesses.
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‎What else is happening in Lagos:
‎Invest Lagos 2026 summit wrapped up in VI — state pitching as Africa's gateway for capital
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‎GITEX Nigeria Lagos edition opened yesterday — focus on AI and innovation
‎FG announced repair works on Kara Bridge section of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway starting earlier this month
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‎World 🌏 — Today
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‎WFP new chief: The UN's World Food Programme on Friday named U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee, Luke Lindberg, as its next executive director.
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‎Global cleanup day: The International Coastal Cleanup is set to take place on Saturday, 19 September, across 100 countries, marking the world's largest single-day beach and waterway cleanup.
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‎Breaking from Washington: US media reporting Trump banned CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House press — still developing.
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