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Welcome to NowNowNaija! Lagos endured a turbulent 2025 marked by political upheaval, tragic incidents, and pressing urban challenges. This is a clear look at the events that shaped Nigeria’s megacity over the past year—and why they matter to you.

TOP STORY

Lagos Faces Unrest, Crises, and Urban Growth Challenges

In 2025, Lagos experienced major political drama with the removal and reinstatement of its house speaker, heightened fire disasters, deadly road accidents, aggressive demolitions, and strained services. The city grappled with rapid urban expansion amid governance struggles and social risks, revealing the fragile balance between control and chaos.

These events affect you directly by highlighting ongoing risks in transport safety, housing security, and public services that shape daily life in Lagos. Political instability can slow progress on vital infrastructure and social programs. Recurrent fires and demolitions threaten homes and livelihoods, underscoring the urgency for more preventive measures and fair urban policies. Understanding these challenges helps residents push for accountability and smarter growth in Africa’s largest city.

Source: Premium Times
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Market Trends at a Glance

USD/NGN

1432.75

▼ 1.66%

GBP/NGN

1929.00

▼ 1.71%

EUR/NGN

1679.57

▼ 1.23%

Gold - Oz ($)

4341.90

▲ 0.38%

Brent Oil ($)

60.79

▼ 0.10%

BTC-USD

90119.29

▲ 1.56%

ETH-USD

3117.31

▲ 3.90%

USDT-USD

1.00

▲ 0.10%

BNB-USD

878.35

▲ 1.77%

SOL-USD

132.30

▲ 4.37%

Rates shown are as of 6:00 AM Lagos time.

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Politics and Economy

Kwankwaso Eyes ADC Alliance With Atiku and Obi

As the 2027 elections approach, former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is considering joining forces with Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). While his political base moves to the APC, Kwankwaso and his loyalists are negotiating a coalition with ADC, which already includes Obi and Atiku, the second and third runners-up in 2023.

This potential alliance could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape, giving voters a stronger alternative to the ruling APC. The ADC’s growing influence means the opposition might unite to challenge the ruling party’s current dominance, especially as frustration with the status quo grows. For Nigerians, this could translate into more competitive elections and possibly new political choices by 2027. Meanwhile, defections like Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s to APC strengthen the ruling party’s grip, affecting regional political dynamics and future governance.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • A renewed feud between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara has escalated in Rivers State, with a PDP structure handed over to Wike's bloc, revealing deepening party division.

  • The Chairman of INEC urges commission staff to build an institution trusted by Nigerians and stresses collective action to improve public confidence in the electoral process.

Tech and Business

Nigeria Sees 400% Growth in Electric Vehicle Adoption

Nigeria's electric vehicle market is booming, with a 400% increase in adoption between 2020 and 2025. Industry leaders project that by 2030, electric cars could make up 10% of all vehicles on Nigerian roads. LUG West Africa plans to boost this growth by building a local assembly plant and installing over 250 EV charging points across Lagos State.

This boom means more electric vehicles will be on Nigerian roads soon, increasing demand for accessible charging stations, especially in cities like Lagos. As LUG West Africa integrates solar-powered street lighting with EV charging, you can expect cleaner energy use and more reliable charging options. These developments also promise new jobs and local manufacturing boosts, making Nigeria a key player in Africa's electric vehicle future.

Source: The Guardian
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CBN Warns Rising Loan Defaults Threaten Banks’ Health

The Central Bank of Nigeria has highlighted a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) to about 7%, breaching the 5% regulatory limit. This surge risks hurting banks’ profits, credit supply, and financial stability amid global uncertainties and the end of COVID-19 regulatory reliefs.

This rise in bad loans means banks might become more cautious about lending, which could limit credit availability for businesses and individuals. It also threatens banks' profitability and could weaken the financial system if not managed carefully. If foreign exchange shortages or credit losses increase, it could strain banks’ capital and liquidity, potentially affecting your access to loans and financial services. Keeping an eye on currency stability and financial reforms will be important this year.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

  • Class54 introduces new AI-powered tools aimed at helping JAMB and WAEC candidates better prepare for their 2026 exams, expanding access to digital learning for Nigerian students nationwide.

  • SBI Media and Tecno commit to youth empowerment initiatives by delivering two purpose-built football facilities in Lagos, showing how tech brands are driving community development beyond core business.

  • JMG Limited maintains its focus on energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure as part of a renewed growth strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term electro-mechanical solutions market.

Entertainment and Culture

Top 26 Nigerian Entertainers Shaping 2026

Nigeria's creative scene is buzzing with fresh talent and established stars setting new trends in music, film, and digital culture. From Afrobeats hitmakers like Fola Fola and Rema to Nollywood actors such as Bimbo Ademoye and Daniel Etim-Effiong, these entertainers made major strides in 2025 and are poised to influence 2026 significantly.

This new wave of artists and actors affects your entertainment choices, inspiring fresh music, viral trends, and blockbuster films. Their diverse styles and international reach mean more global recognition for Nigerian creativity, boosting cultural pride and opening up more opportunities for collaboration and growth within and beyond Nigeria. Fans can look forward to rising stars deepening their craft while big names continue shaping the country’s artistic identity.

Source: Punch
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The Social Feed:

  • Lumiegee celebrates a decade of musical evolution, with key tracks and a distinctive Afropop sound showing the global reach of UK-based Nigerian artistry in the music scene.

  • Funke Akindele’s absence at Tobi Makinde’s wedding fuels speculation about a possible rift between Nollywood stars, igniting conversation among fans and entertainment watchers.

Sports

Super Eagles Match AFCON Scoring Record After 17 Years

The Super Eagles finished the Africa Cup of Nations group stage as the top-scoring team, netting eight goals in three matches. This scoring rate matches Ivory Coast’s 2008 record, highlighting Nigeria's offensive strength. Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, and Raphael Onyedika have all contributed to this formidable attack.

For Nigerian fans, this scoring record signals a powerful team ready to make a decisive impact in the knockout rounds. You can expect exciting matches as Nigeria’s attack remains a significant threat to opponents. This resurgence boosts national pride and energizes local football communities. It also inspires young players and fans, strengthening the wider football culture across Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian
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Sports Spotlight:

  • Alex Iwobi urges his teammates in the Super Eagles to remain focused and avoid complacency ahead of their critical AFCON knockout clash with Mozambique, emphasizing determination and hard work.

  • Grassroots football receives a boost as former internationals Mutiu Adepoju and Victor Agali support the MAAF Games initiative to discover and nurture young Nigerian talent, aiming to sustain national sports growth.

  • Victor Osimhen caps a brilliant year by finishing as Nigeria’s top scorer in 2025 with 46 goals, tying international superstar Lionel Messi in the global rankings.

Quote of the Day

“A city does not collapse because it grows too fast—it collapses when leadership grows slower than its people.”

Yemi Osinbajo

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