Welcome to NowNowNaija! After weeks of uncertainty, major updates have arrived on the Niger school abduction. Here’s what we now know about the students and staff freed and what it means for security.

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Edo State's ambitious cultural and economic projects, including the Edo Museum of West African Art and major agro-industrial investments, are collapsing due to political conflicts. Recent land revocations tied to partisan battles have unsettled investors and halted progress.

This turmoil puts your community’s future prosperity at risk by halting job-creating projects and scaring off foreign investors. It means stalled opportunities for youth and workers depending on stable development. Without consistent policies and respect for contracts, investors see Nigeria as risky, which slows economic growth and limits jobs where you live. Political disputes interrupt the long-term plans that would help boost the local economy and protect livelihoods.

Source: Business News Nigeria
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The Nigerian government, via state forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser, has freed the last 130 students and teachers abducted in Niger State’s St. Mary’s Catholic School attack. The initial abduction on November 21 saw over 300 pupils taken by armed bandits. After earlier releases, this final operation marks the complete rescue of all victims from this major kidnapping.

This successful rescue brings relief to families long traumatized by the kidnapping ordeal and signals stronger government commitment to security in educational spaces. For you and your community, it reinforces hope for safer schools and the effectiveness of negotiations combined with security efforts. The release allows these children to reunite with their families and begin healing, while the government faces increased pressure to bring the kidnappers to justice and prevent future abductions.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

Seamfix has introduced ePass, a digital passport renewal app for Beninese citizens, enabling them to apply and renew passports online without visiting embassies. Powered by GovSmart, this service is now available in over 80 countries, improving access to essential travel documents globally.

This new service means you can renew your Benin passport completely online from wherever you are, saving time and travel costs. It also enhances security by using digital identity verification, reducing risks related to paper documents and embassy visits. For residents and diaspora, this opens seamless global access to government services with trusted identity validation, potentially accelerating travel plans and business opportunities.

Source: This Day Live
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The Central Bank of Nigeria has mandated banks to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for foreign card transactions exceeding $200 per day. This new rule covers withdrawals and online payments above $200 daily, $500 weekly, and $1,000 monthly, ensuring stronger security for foreign-issued cards in Nigeria.

This means when you make large foreign card payments or withdrawals in Nigeria, you’ll need to verify your identity through multiple steps, reducing the risk of fraud. It enhances security for tourists and Nigerians returning from abroad, while also ensuring clear exchange rates and better fraud monitoring. Banks must also improve their systems to handle these changes smoothly, which should make international card use safer and more reliable.

Source: Tribune
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What else is happening:

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off in Morocco with Nigeria’s Davido leading the opening ceremony alongside French Montana and RedOne. Their performance blended music, visuals, and symbolism, showcasing Africa’s cultural pride and global influence at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

This performance puts African music and culture center stage during one of the continent’s biggest sporting events, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a leader in Afrobeats on the world stage. For fans and communities, it elevates continental pride and shows how entertainment and sports can unite millions across Africa and beyond. The month-long tournament across six Moroccan cities will also boost local economies and international attention. It’s a reminder of the powerful role Nigerian artists play in shaping Africa's global image.

Source: Punch
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The Social Feed:

Former NFF Vice President Gabriel Chukwuma demands the resignation of the entire Nigeria Football Federation board after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He criticized the board's leadership, accusing them of mismanagement and failing to prepare the team, and warned that the current leadership has weakened Nigeria's male national teams.

This call affects every Nigerian football fan who has watched the national team struggle without success in major tournaments. If the current board remains, it could mean continued poor performance and missed opportunities for Nigerian football talents. Chukwuma’s push for younger, more capable leadership presents a chance to revitalize the sport, inspire youth involvement, and restore national pride in football heading into future World Cups.

Source: This Day Live
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Quote of the Day

“Development cannot survive where politics destroys trust; investors don’t fear risk, they fear instability.” — Chinasa Umeh