NGOwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
Premium Times is a Nigerian online newspaper launched in 2011 and owned/operated by Premium Times Services Limited, co-founded by veteran investigative journalist Dapo Olorunyomi, who serves as publisher and CEO. It is closely linked to its affiliated non-profit, the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism / Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (PTCIJ/CJID).
Funding
Funded through advertising, subscriptions and, significantly, grants from international foundations and press-freedom donors. Its non-profit arm has received support from bodies such as the MacArthur Foundation and Luminate to fund investigative and accountability reporting.
Affiliation & stance
An investigative, accountability-focused outlet with no party or government ownership; its reporting has repeatedly exposed corruption and drawn pressure from Nigerian authorities. As a privately owned, donor- and commercially-funded paper free of party/state control, it is INDEPENDENT (CENTER tags are reasonable).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 703
82/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
839
Articles
839
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Ondo plane crash: No survivors yet, only wreckage, IDs – Gov Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed there are no survivors from a military aircraft crash that occurred in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area. The aircraft, carrying 32 people, crashed into a swamp after losing contact at around 9:15 a.m. Rescue efforts have been hindered due to the difficult terrain, and only parts of the wreckage, including wings, ID cards, and uniforms, have been recovered. The Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are conducting an investigation and plan to retrieve the black box to determine the cause of the crash. Additionally, the governor discussed a recent security operation that led to the elimination of a top ISWAP coordinator in Ondo forest, involving collaboration between the DSS, Nigerian Army, British intelligence, and Amotekun. The operation followed months of surveillance and resulted in no casualties among security forces.
FACT-CHECK: Did UNICEF predict Niger State will not have boys in Grade 7/JSS1 by 2027?
The article reports that Premium Times Nigeria contacted UNICEF to verify a claim made by Governor Bago regarding the absence of boys in Grade 7/JSS1 in Niger State by 2027. The headline suggests a fact-checking effort around a potential prediction by UNICEF. However, the article does not provide any confirmation or denial from UNICEF, nor does it present further details on the claim itself.
Family members, military men among 32 killed in NAF plane crash in Ondo
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 plane crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing at least 32 people, including military personnel, their families, and civilians. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a logistics mission from Benin to Lagos. Among the deceased were children returning to school and family members visiting service members stationed in Edo and Delta states. Military authorities faced challenges in identifying all victims due to the presence of civilian passengers. President Bola Tinubu ordered a national investigation and declared three days of mourning, while local officials confirmed the crash and attributed it to poor weather conditions affecting the pilot’s ability to maneuver. The Nigerian Air Force has launched a search and rescue operation, and authorities urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
Gombe tutors lament poor welfare on World Teachers’ Day
On World Teachers' Day, teachers in Gombe State, Nigeria, expressed concerns over poor welfare, low wages, and rising living costs, stating their incomes are insufficient to cover basic needs. Teachers such as Malam Muhammadu Sanusi and Malam Lamido Dantiti highlighted the financial strain caused by increased expenses on food, transportation, and housing, emphasizing that their work remains undervalued despite their critical role in education. They called for improved salaries, better working conditions, and timely promotions, arguing that their contributions deserve tangible rewards during their careers, not just posthumous recognition. While the governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, praised educators for their role in national development, the teachers' demands reflect broader systemic issues affecting public sector workers.
Tinubu arrives Abuja after Lagos engagements
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Abuja on Monday evening after completing a brief stay in Lagos, where he engaged in various official and political activities following a working vacation in Europe. His plane landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and he was greeted by senior officials including the National Security Adviser and the Director of Protocol. Tinubu addressed journalists in Lagos, dismissing health rumors and expressing readiness to resume his duties. During his time in Lagos, he participated in events commemorating Nigeria's 66th Independence Day, including the premiere of a documentary on former leader Moshood Abiola. He also met with senior officials like Vice President Kashim Shettima, who praised the administration's economic policies. The President's return to Abuja signals the start of his re-election campaign across the nation.
EFCC hands over N107m recovered from property fraud to Lagos victim
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria has returned N107 million to a Lagos resident who was involved in a disputed land transaction. The money was recovered from a property fraud case involving Adeola Ibrahim, Bolanle Bamgbose, and others. The petitioner initially paid N167.575 million in various forms, including to a law firm, an agent, and a surveyor, but was unable to take possession of the land. After filing a complaint with the EFCC, the commission investigated and recovered approximately two-thirds of the amount, returning it to the petitioner via his lawyer on 30 September. The remaining N60.575 million is still unrecovered. This incident follows recent actions by the EFCC, including the arraignment of individuals for alleged property and land fraud in different parts of the country.
Sokoto govt debunks report of 18 students’ abduction
The Sokoto State Government has denied allegations that 18 students from Gamji College of Health Technology were abducted by suspected terrorists. In a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the government called the report false and warned against spreading unverified information that could cause panic. The claim originated from Sahara Reporters, which alleged that the students were traveling in a chartered bus when they were intercepted and abducted. The government clarified that the individual involved was Halima Sokeni, a former student who had graduated in September 2026 and was traveling home when she was allegedly abducted in Niger State. The statement emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and urged journalists to verify information before publication.
NPFL: Inter Lagos hit with ₦5 million fine, three-point deduction over officials’ assault
Inter Lagos, a Nigerian football club, has received disciplinary action from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following incidents during their Matchday 7 game against Katsina United on 4 October. The club was penalized for inadequate security measures, which allowed unauthorized individuals to enter restricted areas, leading to an attack on match officials. Officials and supporters of Inter Lagos were found to have harassed, intimidated, and verbally abused the referees, with some even physically assaulting them. As a result, the club faces fines totaling ₦5 million and a three-point deduction from their league standings. They also have 48 hours to appeal the decision.
Olympic Qualifier: Oshoala, Plumptre pull out as Falcons begin preparations for Comoros clash
Nigeria's women's national football team, the Super Falcons, started preparing for their 2028 Olympic qualification matches against Comoros, though several key players are absent. Defender Ashley Plumptre and forward Asisat Oshoala were excused due to injury and personal reasons, respectively. Two other players, Oluwatosin Demehin and Flourish Sabastine, could not join due to permit issues. Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen adjusted the squad by calling up Blessing Okpe and releasing two players to join the U17 team. The team currently has 14 players in camp, with additional players expected to arrive soon. Nigeria aims to qualify for consecutive Olympics after returning to the tournament in Paris 2024.
ACAMB @ 30: Communications professionals urged to embrace innovation, AI, data
The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) celebrated its 30th anniversary in Lagos on September 30, 2026, highlighting its role in shaping narratives and building trust within Nigeria's banking industry. The event brought together regulators, bank executives, and communication professionals, including representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and various financial institutions. ACAMB's president, Jide Sipe, emphasized the organization's longstanding commitment to maintaining credibility, managing crises, and protecting institutional reputations. Looking ahead, ACAMB plans to focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital media while continuing to prioritize ethical standards. CIBN's chairman, Dele Alabi, praised ACAMB's contributions to the financial sector and encouraged communication professionals to innovate responsibly.
Seven-Up Bottling Company advances community wellbeing
Seven-Up Bottling Company Ltd. (SBC) collaborated with the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to rehabilitate the Sari-Iganmu Primary Health Centre, enhancing healthcare facilities with a renovated maternity ward, a new laboratory, and solar power infrastructure. The event was attended by SBC's managing director, local leaders, government officials, and healthcare professionals. The initiative reflects SBC's ongoing investment in community development and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Adeleke signs Osun park Management Bill into law amid opposition from APC
Nigerian Governor Abimbola Adeleke has signed the Osun Park Management Bill into law, aiming to address longstanding issues in the state's transport park system and modernize the sector. The bill was passed despite opposition from the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is part of the ruling coalition. The signing took place at the Government House in Osogbo. The legislation reflects efforts to improve infrastructure management and service delivery in Osun State.
Court grants reprieve to 214 students ejected from UNICAL’s Law faculty
A court has granted an interim order allowing 214 students who were expelled from the University of Calabar (UNICAL)'s Law faculty to remain in their studies while legal proceedings continue. The decision came after the judge heard arguments from both the students' legal representatives and those representing the university. This temporary relief provides the students with continued access to their education until the matter is resolved through further legal processes.