🇳🇬 The Punch
Nigeria · EN · https://punchng.com
About The Punch
The Punch was founded in 1970 by James Aboderin and Sam Amuka, and is owned by PUNCH (Nigeria) Limited, a family-owned business. The company operates as a profit-oriented corporate body that promotes democratic values and economic development.
Media Bias/Fact Check and Biasly rate The Punch as having a center-left bias and mixed to average factual reporting, citing poor sourcing techniques and some failed fact checks. The outlet has faced accusations of bias against the former Buhari administration, including a controversial decision to refer to the president by his military rank due to alleged disregard for the rule of law. The Punch has also been criticized for poor sourcing, such as reportedly relying on WhatsApp groups for information during the EndSARS crisis. Despite these issues, it is considered a leading independent media organization in Nigeria and launched a fact-checking initiative, 'Punchcheck,' in 2019. The media environment in Nigeria is challenging, with journalists facing harassment and arrests, and The Punch itself has experienced shutdowns and staff detentions under past military regimes.
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Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
World Cup: English FA backs Tuchel despite semi-final loss
- The English Football Association reaffirmed its support for head coach Thomas Tuchel after England's 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. - Despite criticism over substitutions, the …
World Cup: Argentina face FIFA sanction over Falklands banner display
- Argentina faces potential FIFA sanctions after players displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory following their World Cup semi-final win over England. - The banner, re…
Tuchel defends tactics after England World Cup semi final loss
- England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactics after the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. - Tuchel admitted the team became "too passive" after scoring the opening goal…
Tinubu intentionally rebuilding South-East, says Soludo
- Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo stated that President Bola Tinubu is actively rebuilding the South-East region through significant infrastructure projects. - Soludo highlighted the Federal Go…
Retired judge backs NIN verification for NBA elections, calls for reforms
- A retired Nigerian judge, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, supports using the National Identification Number (NIN) for verifying voters in Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections. - He believes NIN verificatio…
Nigeria's Police Service Commission unveils 50,000 successful constable recruits
- The Police Service Commission has announced the release of successful candidates for the recruitment of 50,000 police constables in Nigeria. - The recruitment followed a transparent exercise involvi…
Lagos monarch rallies residents against sexual, domestic violence
- The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, urged residents to report sexual and domestic violence. - He assured that perpetrators would not be shielded and that reports to the palace wo…
Man arrested for illegal firearm possession, wife says he terrorized family
- Police in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, arrested a man named Edet George for illegal possession of a firearm. - His wife reported that he used the weapon to terrorize his family and community. - Investi…
30-50% of offenses don’t warrant incarceration, says Nigeria’s Interior Minister
- Nigeria's Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that 30-50% of offenses leading to incarceration in African correctional centers do not warrant imprisonment. - He highlighted that 93% of inm…
NBBofC makes Boxrec request amid investigations
- The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has formally requested information from BoxRec. - This request is part of an investigation into a petition that led to the suspension of NBBofC's sancti…
CSOs seek probe of SCID over Lagos prince’s murder case
- Civil society groups are calling for an investigation into police misconduct in the murder case of Prince Ademola Akinloye. - They allege that officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department…
Enekwechi, Onwuzurike build Games momentum with podium finishes
- Nigerian athletes Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and Udodi Onwuzurike secured third-place finishes at the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix. - Enekwechi achieved this in the men's shot put with a throw of 21.48…
Ajayi ready for London Diamond League showdown
- Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi will compete in the London Diamond League, aiming for a second consecutive 100m win. - Ajayi recently equaled the Nigerian 100m record of 9.84 seconds at the Prefon…
Nnadozie anticipates WAFCON surprises
- Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie believes there will be no easy matches at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. - She stated that the era of "minnows" in African women's football is ove…
13 suspected kidnappers, others face trial in Osun
- The Osun State Police Command will prosecute 13 suspects arrested for alleged kidnapping, cultism, ritual-related offenses, and other crimes. - Police rescued a kidnapped herder and recovered N2.2 m…
Six Killed in Gas Truck Explosion at Kogi Army Checkpoint
- A gas truck exploded at an army checkpoint on the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State, Nigeria, on Tuesday night. - The blast killed at least six people, including the truck driver, his assis…
Five-year-old rescued as police arrest two suspected kidnappers in Oyo
- Police in Oyo State, Nigeria, rescued a five-year-old girl who had been kidnapped and arrested two suspects. - The suspects allegedly demanded a N10 million ransom from the victim's family. - The gi…
75-year-old jailed 10 years for defiling minor in Rivers
- A 75-year-old man in Rivers State, Nigeria, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for defiling an 11-year-old girl. - The court also ordered the convict to pay N1 million in compensation to the …
Kebbi approves N75m dowries for 300 mass wedding couples
- The Kebbi State Government has approved 75 million Naira for dowries for 300 couples participating in a mass wedding. - This initiative aims to foster stable homes and provide employment opportuniti…
Wildlife expert seeks snake protection laws to curb Lassa fever
- A wildlife expert urges the Nigerian government to enact and enforce laws protecting snakes and other wildlife to curb zoonotic diseases like Lassa fever. - Dr. Mark Ofua explains that indiscriminat…
Activist demands probe of Umahi physiotherapist’s death
- A human rights activist is demanding a thorough investigation into the death of a physiotherapist, Mary Habila, at the residence of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. - Habila, reportedly Umahi's pe…
Foreign fleets maintain dominance in Nigeria’s maritime support industry
- Foreign fleets continue to dominate Nigeria's maritime support industry, despite the country being Africa's largest oil and gas producer. - A significant portion of revenues from logistics, charter …
Oloja stool: Court orders parties to maintain status quo
- A Lagos court has ordered all parties involved in the dispute over the Oloja of Lagos chieftaincy stool to maintain the status quo. - The court dismissed a preliminary objection challenging its juri…
Akpabio, A’Ibom gov pledge sustained partnership for development
- Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed their commitment to a collaborative partnership for the state's development. - The commitment was reiterated at a summit c…
Bishop rejects alleged Islamisation, sharia policy
- The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Prof. Nneoyi Egbe, has rejected alleged attempts to Islamize Nigeria and integrate Sharia laws into the country's financial system. - Egbe criticized the c…
Engineers urge FG to fund modern learning facilities
- Nigerian engineering students and academics are urging the Federal Government to invest more in technology infrastructure and practical education. - This call follows a 20-day hands-on training prog…
Adamawa PDP Insists APC Won't Win 2027 Governorship Election
- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State insists the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not win the 2027 governorship election. - PDP Chairman Belmont Dogo challenged the APC candidate …
Oyo abduction: LAUTECH holds interfaith thanksgiving service
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) held an interfaith thanksgiving service for the safe rescue of abducted staff spouses and other victims. - The incident involved 44 schoolchildren …
Ajiran double murder: Setting the record straight
- Official police records contradict allegations of corruption against Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh in the Ajiran double murder case. - Records indicate Jimoh acted on directive…
Nigeria’s credit rating upgrade: The road to ‘A’ remains long
- Standard & Poor's upgraded Nigeria's sovereign credit rating from B- to B, signaling confidence in the country's economic reforms. - The upgrade acknowledges the positive impact of difficult economi…
Court to rule on Olawepo-Hashim’s Accord presidential ticket suit
- Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is suing the Accord Party, seeking recognition as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. - The suit challenges the authenticity of documents presented by the…
CDS seeks stronger alliances to tackle insecurity
- Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called for enhanced trust and alliances among government institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to combat insecurity. - Speak…
Agents seek Maritime Fund support for fleet renewal
- Nigerian customs agents are requesting a revolving loan from the Maritime Fund to replace aging trucks and barges. - They argue that the current rickety fleet endangers lives and property and hinder…
SEREC decries delay in NPERA Bill assent
- The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) expressed concern over the delayed presidential assent to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Authority Bill. - SEREC warned that the bill could la…
Blackouts: Group urges urgent national grid overhaul
- A Nigerian advocacy group urges the government to overhaul the national electricity grid, citing persistent blackouts that harm the economy. - Manufacturers are increasingly abandoning the grid for …
Customs bust syndicate smuggling petrol to neighbouring countries
- Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 20,500 liters of petrol and five vehicles valued at N38 million, intended for smuggling to neighboring countries. - The operation, codenamed 'Operation Whirlwind,…
NDC candidate seeks balanced representation
- A Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for the Edo State House of Assembly has urged party leadership to ensure equitable representation. - The candidate highlighted the importance of balancing ele…
Eno’s aide hails Oron jetty investment in A’Íbom
- Akwa Ibom State's Governor's aide lauded the redevelopment of Oron Marine Jetty and the introduction of luxury ferries. - The initiative aims to boost tourism and investment by integrating air, land…
Ex-LP gov aspirant calls for better military welfare
- A former Labour Party governorship aspirant in Edo State called for enhanced military welfare beyond just salary increases. - She welcomed a recent salary hike for soldiers but stressed the need for…
Pipeline surveillance gains lift crude output
- Improved pipeline surveillance has significantly boosted Nigeria's crude oil production and curbed theft. - Operations by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, in collaboration with security agenci…
Kano’s health insurance: A practical lesson for other states
- Kano State has significantly increased health insurance coverage, enrolling over one million residents in three years. - The state achieved this through decentralized registration, innovative rapid …
Plan to relocate Ibaka Deep Seaport from its natural harbour
- Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State has a naturally deep harbor at Ibaka Bay, identified as ideal for a deep seaport. - Despite studies and initial approvals in 2012-2013 for a USD2bn project, plans were late…
Inflation still high despite latest decline, OPS warns
- Nigeria's headline inflation rate slightly decreased to 15.91% in June 2026 from 15.93% in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. - Despite the marginal decline, inflation remains in d…
PIA permits Dangote’s dollar fuel sales – Regulator
- The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is permitted to sell fuel in dollars, according to the midstream and downstream petroleum sector regulator. - The regulator stated that the refinery can recover costs …
Wema Bank deepens fintech partnerships to drive digital finance
- Wema Bank hosted a strategic engagement event for its fintech partners to foster collaboration in digital finance. - The bank reaffirmed its commitment to providing infrastructure and support for fi…
Lasaco secures N19.3bn in oversubscribed rights issue
- Lasaco Assurance Plc successfully raised N19.30 billion in an oversubscribed rights issue, exceeding its target by 4.5 percent. - The capital raise reinforces the company's commitment to meeting the…
5,000 applicants scramble for 50 OOU nursing slots – VC
- Olabisi Onabanjo University received 5,000 applications for 50 nursing slots and 4,000 for Mass Communication, with only 120 slots available. - The university is introducing Nursing Science, Mass Co…
Lagos deluge: Flood alert is not a prophecy of doom
- Lagos State residents are urged not to panic but to prepare for potential flash flooding, as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). - NiMet has warned that 27 states, including Lag…
FAAC shares N2.55tn as June revenue jumps
- The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) distributed N2.55tn from June 2026 revenue, an increase of N250bn from the previous month. - This represents a 10.9% month-on-month rise, continuin…
‘CBN may hike rates as election spending pressures rise’
- A capital market economist warns the Central Bank of Nigeria may hike interest rates in the latter half of 2026 due to increased liquidity pressures ahead of the 2027 general elections. - Historical…
Strengthening NELFUND: Future of education financing in Nigeria
- Nigeria's Student Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed N161.97 billion to 864,798 students across 263 institutions as of January 2026, aiming to address financial barriers to higher education. - The fu…
Understanding Nigeria’s power challenge
- The phrase "Up NEPA!" remains a common expression in Nigeria, signifying the return of electricity after an outage, despite the National Electric Power Authority's dissolution. - Understanding the j…
Oloyede’s transformative legacy at JAMB
- Is-haq Oloyede is stepping down as Registrar and Chief Executive of Nigeria's Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after six years of significant reforms. - During his tenure, JAMB transf…
Xenophobia: Leave MTN, DStv alone
- South African authorities are criticized for allowing street gangs to engage in xenophobic attacks against fellow Black Africans, including looting and violence. - Some Nigerians have called for ret…
NDDC unveils $500m fund to boost agriculture
- The Nigerian government and the Niger Delta Development Commission launched a $500 million fund to boost agriculture and diversify the economy in the Niger Delta region. - The Niger Delta Agricultur…
FG completes ICAO integration to ease passport checks
- Nigeria has integrated its Country Signing Certificate Authorities into the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Public Key Directory to resolve passport verification issues abroad. - Th…
How we’ll stop governors from hijacking state police — Senate leader
- The Nigerian Senate is proposing constitutional amendments to ensure state police forces are financially independent and insulated from political interference. - Funding for state police would be a …
Shops close early after Lagos NURTW official’s killing, police deploy patrol
- Panic spread through parts of Lagos State on Tuesday evening after the alleged assassination of a National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) official. - Businesses closed early and streets emp…
Nigeria, Morocco to seal partnership on agric intelligence, food security
- Nigeria and Morocco are formalizing a partnership to develop Nigeria's first National Agro-Productivity System, aiming to enhance food security. - A high-level delegation is in Morocco to sign a Mem…
Oyo State Honours Victims of Oriire Abduction
- The Oyo State Government honored civilians and security personnel killed during the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. - The government expressed gratitude for the saf…
NIMC Ready to Support INEC in Delivering Free, Fair Elections
- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) are strengthening collaboration to enhance electoral integrity. - The recent enactment of …
Lagos State Promotes Healthy Living Through Sports Partnerships
- The Lagos State Government is promoting healthy living through sports and expanding partnerships to encourage active lifestyles. - The initiative aims to reduce lifestyle-related diseases through ph…
Argentina stun England 2-1 with late comeback to reach W’Cup final
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a dramatic comeback to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. - Lionel Messi provided two assists, including the game-winning cross in stoppage time. - Argentina will…
Abducted NECO candidates wrote exams at ‘miracle centre’ - Kogi
- Kogi State authorities confirmed two abducted NECO candidates are taking exams at a "miracle centre." - A multi-agency security operation is underway to rescue the four remaining captives, including…
Air Peace completes South Africa evacuation, returns final 308 Nigerians
- Air Peace completed the Nigerian government's evacuation of citizens from South Africa, returning the final 308 evacuees. - A total of 1,393 Nigerians were repatriated across five flights. - The ope…
Nigeria, UN to Boost West Africa Border Security
- Nigeria and the United Nations will enhance collaboration on border policing across West Africa to address transnational security threats. - President Bola Tinubu has directed immediate engagement w…
Senate Demands Account Reconciliation from NAFDAC, Orders Agencies to Remit Funds or Face Sanctions
- The Nigerian Senate Committee on Finance is investigating revenue-generating agencies for discrepancies in their financial accounts. - Agencies like NAFDAC, the Office of the Accountant-General, and…
Explain ₦210tn NNPC discrepancy in one week, Senate tells auditors
- The Senate Public Accounts Committee has given NNPC external auditors one week to explain over ₦210tn in unexplained figures in the company's financial statements. - Lawmakers are scrutinizing appro…
Nigeria, UN to boost West Africa border security — Jimoh Ibrahim
- Nigeria and the UN will collaborate to enhance border security across West Africa, following directives from President Bola Tinubu. - Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim stated that the UN will support Nigeria…
Osun pays second phase of compensation for Iwo road dualisation
- The Osun State Government has disbursed the second phase of compensation for property owners affected by the Iwo township road dualization project. - Sixty-seven claimants, including religious insti…
Otti to pay entitlements of workers disengaged in 2011, 2012
- Abia State Governor Alex Otti will pay entitlements to workers disengaged in 2011 and 2012, rather than recalling them. - Otti cited the elapsed time and the advanced age of many former employees as…
Terrorists beat rescued Oyo pupils for asking about family, fed them only garri
- Rescued pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire, Oyo State, have recounted their ordeal after 56 days in captivity. - Relatives reported that the children were beaten for asking about their familie…
5,000 candidates jostle for 50 nursing science slots at OOU — VC
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) received over 5,000 applications for just 50 nursing science slots for the 2026/2027 academic session. - The university attributes the high demand to reforms and st…
FG, states, LGs get higher revenue as June allocation hits N2.55tn
- The Federation Account Allocation Committee shared N2.55 trillion from June 2026 revenue, an increase of N250 billion from the previous month. - This marks a continued rise in federation revenue thr…
FG, Lagos approved Makoko waterfront reclamation, Commissioner
- Lagos State Government confirmed the Makoko waterfront reclamation project received approval from both federal and state authorities. - The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development sta…
US urges Nigeria to strengthen protection for christians, IDPs
- The United States urged Nigeria to enhance protection for Christian communities and ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). - US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affai…
Kano gov unveils grassroots push for 2027 polls
- Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf launched a grassroots political engagement initiative to bolster his party's structure for the 2027 general elections. - The initiative targets the APC Polling Unit Su…
Full list of 48 Malami-linked property forfeited to FG
- A Nigerian court ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami to the Federal Government. - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) esta…
US to require testosterone testing for troops over 30
- The U.S. Defense Secretary announced that troops over 30 will be tested for testosterone deficiency annually. - The initiative aims to optimize natural capabilities and ensure troops have the biolog…
FG to conduct nationwide survey of out-of-school children
- Nigeria's Federal Government will conduct a nationwide household survey to establish an accurate number of out-of-school children, as current estimates are outdated. - The survey, a collaboration wi…
30-50% of offences don’t warrant incarceration, says Tunji-Ojo
- Nigeria's Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that 30-50% of offenses by inmates do not warrant incarceration, highlighting overcrowding in African correctional centers. - He noted that 93…
Tinubu to attend UN General Assembly in September
- President Bola Tinubu has confirmed his attendance at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September. - Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahi…
Police rescue five-year-old kidnap victim, arrest two suspects in Oyo
- Police in Oyo State, Nigeria, rescued a five-year-old girl, Fikayo Gbemiga, who had been kidnapped and held for a N10 million ransom. - Two suspects, Seyi Adegboye and Adefemi Adegboye, were arreste…
Up to 45% of dementia cases preventable, WHO says
- The World Health Organization stated that up to 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing lifestyle and environmental factors. - Updated guidelines released by the WHO aim to…
Sanwo-Olu visits flooded Lagos communities
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited flood-hit communities in Eti-Osa Local Government Area to assess damage and speak with residents. - The governor and his team waded through knee-deep …
Soldiers rescue 13 kidnap victims, foil terrorist operations in Zamfara
- Nigerian troops rescued 13 kidnap victims during separate operations in Zamfara State, foiling planned terrorist activities. - In Anka Local Government Area, troops pursued terrorists, leading to th…
Flooding: Akwa Ibom gov orders demolition of buildings on drainage channels
- Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has ordered the demolition of buildings obstructing drainage channels to combat recurring flooding. - The governor warned that structures on drainage routes would be…
BUA to expand production after N504bn dividend
- BUA Foods Plc plans to expand its production capacity for flour milling and pasta, and launch a noodles business, aiming to become Nigeria's largest indigenous food manufacturer. - The expansion fol…
Govt has abandoned education, Atiku reacts to Kogi school kidnappings
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the Tinubu-led government for abandoning education and failing to protect students following a school kidnapping in Kogi State. - Abubakar stated that…
Ronaldo fans behind FIFA-Messi conspiracy claims — Mikel Obi
- Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi dismissed conspiracy theories alleging FIFA favors Lionel Messi and Argentina in the World Cup. - Mikel attributed these claims to Cristiano Ronaldo's supp…
World Cup: Argentine VP calls English ‘pirates’ ahead of semi-final
- Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel referred to England as "usurping pirates" ahead of the World Cup semi-final, invoking the Falklands War. - Villarruel stated the match was "always some…
State police won't be governors' private armies, Speaker Abbas assures
- Nigeria's House of Representatives Speaker assures proposed state police will have safeguards against misuse by governors. - The reform aims to strengthen community policing by addressing localized …
NIMC, IT firms push for secure digital government services
- Nigeria's National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and tech firms advocate for accelerated digitization of government services. - They emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity and a trusted…
Court reserves judgment in Olawepo-Hashim’s Accord Party presidential candidacy suit
- A Nigerian politician, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, is suing the Accord Party to be recognized as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election. - He alleges the party wrongly cancelled its presidentia…
NPC launches online birth and death registration platform
- Nigeria's National Population Commission launched an online platform for birth and death registration. - The VitalReg platform aims to modernize civil registration, improve data accuracy, and increa…
Oyo abduction: APM defends Makinde’s call for UN probe
- The Allied People’s Movement (APM) defended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's call for a UN probe into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers. - APM stated that Makinde's call aims to establis…
Reps demand breakdown of ₦34tn Customs waivers, query revenue reporting
- Nigeria's House of Representatives Committee on Finance has demanded a detailed breakdown of ₦34 trillion in import duty waivers granted in 2025. - Lawmakers want to know the beneficiaries, legal ba…
PFIPC scandal: Again, Senate rejects probe request
- The Nigerian Senate rejected a request to investigate the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) due to ongoing court proceedings and an ICPC investigation. - The contro…
Zambia’s Scott, once Africa’s only white leader, dies at 82
- Guy Scott, Zambia's former vice president and briefly Africa's only white head of state since apartheid, has died at 82. - Scott served as acting president in 2014 after the death of President Micha…
FG, IFAD equip 1,918 Nasarawa farmers with inputs, tricycles
- The Federal Government and IFAD have distributed farm inputs and 22 tricycles to 1,918 farmers in Nasarawa State to boost rice and cassava production. - The intervention targets farmers in five loca…