Morning recap: CNG: States race to cut transport fares, 8,000 communities, 4,500 schools at risk over flood, other top stories

Good morning. Here is your morning news recap, bringing you the latest and most important stories across politics, business, security, the economy, and sports.

Catch up on the major developments making headlines and stay informed on the stories shaping Nigeria and beyond.

1. CNG: States race to cut transport fares

As the Federal Government moves to deliver measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1, states are adopting different approaches to the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, with some already operating subsidised transport services while commercial operators in several others complain about inadequate refuelling infrastructure, high conversion costs and long queues at existing stations.

The uneven rollout has raised questions about the ability of transport operators and state governments to deliver cheaper fares across the country within the timeline set by President Bola Tinubu.

The President, after meeting the 36 state governors on August 27, announced an implementation committee for the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, chaired by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In an update on Saturday, Tinubu urged states to work with transport unions and commercial operators, support vehicle conversion and fleet deployment, and ensure that savings from cheaper energy were passed on to commuters through lower fares. The Presidency said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted, with over 400 certified conversion centres and more than 90 CNG refuelling stations across the country.

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2. Flood: 8,000 communities, 4,500 schools at risk – FG

More than 8,000 communities and 4,500 schools across 15 states are at risk of flooding between September 19 and 25, according to the latest National Flood Advisory issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency.

The agency warned that rising river levels could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities, exposing schools, healthcare facilities, markets, religious buildings and farmlands to possible inundation.

The warning was contained in the agency’s National Flood Advisory issued on Saturday by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Umar Mohammed.

The affected states include Imo, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Benue, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Enugu, Bayelsa, Kogi, Abia, Taraba, Rivers and Lagos.

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3. NSCDC arrests three more officers over Niger miners’ deaths

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested and detained three more personnel in connection with the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, bringing the number of officers in custody to 24.

NSCDC Spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The NSCDC had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners, who died while in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.

4. OK movement demands apology from NDC, rejects intimidation

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, popularly known as the OK Movement, has demanded an immediate apology from the Nigeria Democratic Congress over statements by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, concerning its recently unveiled 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.

The movement also warned that it would not be intimidated or surrender its independence, insisting that it remained an independent political organisation with its own leadership, structure and internal processes.

The movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

Read full story here

5. Awoniyi gets first Eagles call-up since 2024

Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi will return to the Super Eagles for the first time in two years after being handed a call-up to replace injured Victor Osimhen in the 24-man squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, The PUNCH reports.

Awoniyi’s inclusion was announced via the Super Eagles’ official social media accounts on Sunday after Osimhen’s withdrawal was confirmed by the team doctors.

The last time Awoniyi played for Nigeria was during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya in Uyo, where the Super Eagles won 1-0. He featured for 16 minutes in the game.