Top 5 Stories Of The Day | Lagos E-Hailing Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Prices

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss. 

Lagos e-hailing drivers are set to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday over disputes involving fares, commissions, deductions, and welfare.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, announced the action in a notice on Saturday. The union said the strike would continue until further notice or satisfactory progress was made in resolving drivers’ complaints about earnings, safety, security, and working conditions.

AUATON also appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance obligations and operational targets, noting that drivers would lose their usual income during the industrial action.

Nigeria’s federal government spent ₦7.7 trillion on interest payments between January and June 2026, exceeding its ₦6.2 trillion revenue by ₦1.5 trillion, according to the World Bank.

The figures appeared in the bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities. Interest payments rose by ₦2.1 trillion, or 37.5%, from ₦5.6 trillion recorded in the first half of 2025, largely due to high domestic borrowing costs.

Although the interest-to-revenue ratio improved from 155.6% to 124.2%, debt obligations continue to limit funds available for infrastructure and public services.

A deadly strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has killed 12 people and injured 309, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to promise a decisive response against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The coalition blamed the Iran-backed group for the attack, describing it as a “full-fledged war crime”. The strike reportedly hit the airport’s domestic terminal, leaving passengers fleeing for safety and several victims in serious condition.

Airport operations were suspended as authorities assessed the damage. Health officials also called up additional doctors to handle the emergency. The attack comes amid escalating Houthi strikes, raising fears of a wider conflict involving the United States.

Nigerian model and medical laboratory scientist Oma Osele has emerged as the winner of Miss Continental World 2026, defeating contestants from over 20 countries at the grand finale in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on October 9.

India’s Shreeya Panda finished first runner-up, while Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju came third. Osele also claimed the Queen of Africa and Best National Costume titles, following her September victory in Eventista’s global fan vote.

Nigeria also celebrated success in the male category, as Unwana Sambo Essien finished third runner-up at Mister Continental World 2026. He won the King of Kings and Best National Attire awards.

Disney is developing an animated series based on Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy novels, Artemis Fowl, as the first book celebrates its 25th anniversary. The announcement was made at a panel at New York Comic-Con.

Although the project remains in its early stages, Colfer expressed excitement about bringing the magical world to screens, praising the talented team behind the adaptation. Further details, including the release date and cast, have yet to be announced.

The project adds to Disney’s growing fantasy line-up, following its continued investment in Percy Jackson and the Olympians and plans to adapt The Kane Chronicles.

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