Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija Blog roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 4th September, 2025

1. President Tinubu Orders Compulsory Health Insurance For Workers
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a service-wide circular to all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of mandatory health insurance in line with the National Health Insurance Act, 2022.

However, the President urged further constructive engagement with the private sector to ensure businesses are not unduly constrained, Naija Blog reports.

The directive covers five key areas, including compulsory enrolment of MDA staff in the NHIA plan, supplementary private coverage where needed, and a requirement for health insurance certificates in public procurement processes.

2. Sirika Reveals Those Responsible For The Failure Of Nigeria Air
Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has blamed the failure of Nigeria Air on domestic operators under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

Speaking on Channels TV, Sirika said Air Peace, Azman, and United Nigeria Airlines opposed the national carrier, despite transparency in the approval process. He clarified that only ₦3 billion was released for the project, not ₦100 billion as speculated.

According to him, the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines was necessary as local airlines lacked the capacity to compete with global carriers.

3. ‘No Man’s Land’: Don’t Misinterpret Me – Bwala Clarifies Statement On Status Of Lagos State
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, has clarified his statement describing Lagos as a “no-man’s land.”

Bwala explained on 𝕏 that his comments during an Arise TV interview were not to deny Lagos’ Yoruba heritage but to highlight its economic significance as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

Naija Blog reports that he emphasized Lagos deserves sustained federal investment to manage its unique economic and social responsibilities.

4. Peter Obi Tackles Tinubu On Revenue Target Declaration
Labour Party’s Peter Obi has questioned President Tinubu’s claim that Nigeria achieved its 2025 revenue target by August.

Obi argued that citizens feel no impact despite the announcement, pointing to rising debt, unpaid contractor bills, and underfunded projects.

He said if the revenue target was truly achieved, it should translate to better living conditions for Nigerians, not just government statements.

5. Tinubu Confirms Plan To Establish State Police
President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that the creation of state police is now unavoidable in addressing insecurity.

Speaking while hosting Katsina indigenes, the President disclosed plans to deploy more advanced surveillance technologies and train forest guards.

“I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically,” he declared.

6. Eid-ul-Mawlid: FG Declares Public Holiday
The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Interior, the government urged Nigerians to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s virtues of peace, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

7. Davido Threatening My Life, Says Wizkid Associate
Tufab, an associate of Wizkid, has accused Davido of threatening his life.

He alleged on 𝕏 that Davido called himself a member of the Aye fraternity and warned him after a dispute over being called “Osakpolo.” Tufab urged the public to hold Davido accountable if anything happens to him.

8. Tiwa Savage Calls For Tems To Be Ranked Among Afrobeats ‘Big 3’
Tiwa Savage has called for Tems to be recognized alongside Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy in Afrobeats’ “Big 3” conversation.

She cited Tems’ Grammy win, Billboard Hot 100 entry, and global collaborations as proof of her significant contribution to the genre.

Naija Blog reports that Savage emphasized the need to acknowledge female artistes in Afrobeats’ global success story.

9. AFN President Says Favour Ofili’s Switch To Turkey Was Motivated By Money
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) president, Tonobok Okowa, has dismissed Favour Ofili’s claims that her switch to represent Turkey was due to neglect.

Okowa insisted that the move was financially motivated, despite Ofili’s explanation that frustrations with Nigeria’s sports system led to her decision.

10. Asisat Oshoala Completes Transfer To Al Hilal
Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala, has joined Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Hilal on a two-year contract after leaving Bay FC in the U.S.

The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year was unveiled in Riyadh on Tuesday. She joins compatriots Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega in the Saudi league.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija Blog. See you again tomorrow.