Welcome to NowNowNaija — today’s briefing on farming reforms, healthcare strikes, digital skills, business shifts, culture, and Super Eagles momentum shaping Nigeria right now.

TOP STORY

Nigeria’s farming faces major setbacks due to late and insufficient delivery of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Over 60% of smallholder farmers struggle to get these essentials on time, hurting their harvests and income. Other countries like Kenya and Vietnam have boosted crop yields by improving input distribution, showing Nigeria the path forward.

This directly impacts you by shaping the availability and prices of staple foods. When farmers can’t access inputs quickly, crop production drops and food costs rise, affecting household budgets and market stability. Improving input delivery could help farmers grow more, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy. Investing now means more reliable harvests and better livelihoods for farming communities nationwide.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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Resident doctors in 91 tertiary hospitals across Nigeria started an indefinite strike from midnight on January 12. This action follows a breakdown in talks with the Federal Government, which the doctors say failed to honor a Memorandum of Understanding covering their welfare and professional concerns. The government attributes the dispute to structural policy challenges despite recently increasing health workers' allowances by N90 billion annually.

This strike means you may face serious delays or disruptions if you need care at major teaching hospitals nationwide. It highlights ongoing tensions between medical professionals and government over pay and working conditions. While the government is investing heavily in health worker benefits, unresolved issues about allowances and professional rights are causing unrest. This could affect healthcare access across communities until both sides reach an agreement.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with Innovius Nigeria, has launched a digital skills program to train 80 youths across Lagos State in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. The initiative focuses on practical training with laptops provided to participants, aiming to prepare them for evolving job markets.

This program opens up new career opportunities for young Lagosians by equipping them with in-demand digital skills like AI and Machine Learning. With hands-on laptops and professional guidance, participants will be ready to contribute to industries such as oil and gas, finance, and technology. The one-year post-training support also ensures sustained learning and growth, empowering more Nigerian youths to compete globally in tech fields.

Source: This Day Live
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Nigeria’s businesses kept growing in December 2025, continuing a year-long expansion despite slowing momentum. The NESG report highlights rising costs and challenges like power issues and financing constraints that weighed on performance.

This slowdown means you might notice cautious business activity and softer consumer demand in the coming months. Higher costs and uncertain policies could influence prices and job opportunities, while sectors like agriculture show promising growth. Understanding these trends helps you navigate market shifts impacting jobs, prices, and investment prospects across Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

Toyin Abraham’s comedy film 'Oversabi Aunty' has earned ₦711.5 million in just 18 days, securing a spot among Nollywood’s top four highest-grossing movies. The film, which Toyin wrote, produced, and directed, blends humor with relatable family stories that resonate widely across Nigeria.

This success highlights the growing appetite for locally produced comedies that reflect everyday Nigerian life, bringing fresh opportunities for actors and filmmakers focused on relatable storytelling. For viewers, it means more entertaining films rooted in familiar social experiences, while also boosting the profile and influence of female filmmakers like Toyin Abraham in Nollywood’s evolving industry. The film’s popularity could encourage cinemas and producers to invest further in homegrown stories that connect deeply with Nigerian audiences.

Source: Prima News
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The Social Feed:

After a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique that secured their place in the AFCON quarterfinals, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle stresses the importance of staying focused and consistent. He praised the team's control and attacking intensity, highlighting that the journey is far from over.

This win fuels national pride and optimism for Nigerian football fans as the Super Eagles advance to face Algeria in the quarterfinals. The team's high-scoring form, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, promises thrilling matches ahead. The coach's call for consistency means fans and players alike must keep their eyes on the bigger prize, enhancing unity and support throughout this crucial stage.

Source: The Guardian
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“Agriculture remains the surest path to inclusive growth and food security in Nigeria.” — Akinwumi Adesina