Welcome to NowNowNaija — Contractors await overdue payments as March relief nears, empowerment funds launch, revenues climb, networks falter, and strikes paralyze Abuja—glimmers of recovery clash with deep fragility, exposing how livelihoods, trust, and national momentum hang in delicate balance.

TOP STORY

A group of Nigerian contractors met with the Finance Minister, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, after facing years of unpaid debts. The Minister responded swiftly, promising to clear outstanding payments by March, which has uplifted the contractors’ spirits and eased their financial strain.

This means you might soon see improvements in local construction projects as contractors regain funds to continue their work. The timely payments can relieve many families burdened by this financial wait and stimulate related businesses. It also restores trust that government commitments on payments can be dependable, essential for economic confidence in the construction sector.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
Read more

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

Markets are moving faster than ever — but so is the noise. Between clickbait headlines, empty hot takes, and AI-fueled hype cycles, it’s harder than ever to separate what matters from what doesn’t.

That’s where The Daily Upside comes in. Written by former bankers and veteran journalists, it brings sharp, actionable insights on markets, business, and the economy — the stories that actually move money and shape decisions.

That’s why over 1 million readers, including CFOs, portfolio managers, and executives from Wall Street to Main Street, rely on The Daily Upside to cut through the noise.

No fluff. No filler. Just clarity that helps you stay ahead.

Subscribe free today.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to launch a new learning and empowerment fund aimed at boosting opportunities for Nigerian children, women, and youth. The event will take place on January 28, 2026, in Abuja, supported by partnerships including Sterling One Foundation and the United Nations. This initiative will be part of the Africa Social Impact Summit and includes programs targeting literacy, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment.

This fund could directly affect you by creating fresh opportunities for education and economic growth across communities in Nigeria. Women and youth stand to benefit from targeted financial inclusion efforts, potentially improving household incomes and job prospects. As Nigeria becomes the launchpad for the African Union’s program on women and youth empowerment, this initiative may attract more investments and partnerships aiming to reduce out-of-school rates and enhance skills development nationwide.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
Read more

What else is happening:

MTN Nigeria’s CEO revealed that the network suffered 9,218 fibre cuts in 2025, along with theft and vandalism affecting 211 sites. These issues caused significant service disruptions for the telecom giant’s over 85 million subscribers.

You likely felt disruptions in calls, internet, or mobile services throughout 2025 as MTN grappled with infrastructure damage and vandalism. These interruptions can delay communication, affect businesses, and reduce your access to digital services that have become part of daily life. Despite government efforts to protect telecom infrastructure, enforcement gaps leave service reliability at risk, meaning this challenge may continue to affect your connectivity and experience until stronger actions are taken.

Source: Punch
Read more

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced it collected N7.281 trillion in revenue in 2025, surpassing its target of N6.584 trillion by 10%. This marks a 19% increase compared to the N6.1 trillion collected in 2024. The announcement was made during the 2026 International Customs Day in Abuja.

This significant revenue boost means more funds are available for public services and government projects, potentially improving infrastructure and social programs that affect everyday Nigerians. With stronger customs enforcement, as seen in over 2,500 seizures of prohibited goods worth more than ₦59 billion, your local markets may see fewer counterfeit and harmful products. The increased revenue base could also support economic stability and create an environment conducive to trade growth, which might open new job opportunities.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
Read more

What else is happening:

Kingsley Ughelumba, father of Nigerian international footballer Calvin Bassey, has renewed his emotional appeal to reconnect with his children after nearly two decades of estrangement. The separation followed a bitter split with their mother. Despite several attempts, including visits during Bassey’s club matches, reconciliation has not been possible.

This story highlights the personal struggles behind public figures, reminding fans that sports stars also face complex family challenges. For communities and families dealing with separation, it underscores the lasting emotional toll and the desire for healing. It may inspire dialogue about support systems for athletes beyond the pitch and the importance of family reconciliation.

Source: Punch
Read more

The Social Feed:

As the 2025 January transfer window nears its close, several Nigerian footballers have secured new clubs while others are negotiating moves. Notable transfers include Emmanuel Dennis to Denmark's Brøndby and Victor Moses to Kazakhstan’s FC Kaysar, with others like Raphael Onyedika and Ademola Lookman drawing interest from major European teams.

This transfer activity affects Nigerian football fans who follow these players' careers closely and impacts the players’ opportunities for more playing time and career growth. Fans can anticipate some familiar faces shifting to new leagues, possibly enhancing their performance with more game time. The moves also spotlight Nigerian talent in the global arena, potentially inspiring young athletes and boosting national pride. The early transfer decisions may influence team dynamics in local and international competitions this year.

Source: Daily Post
Read more

Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“When trust builds between citizen and guardian, a community no longer fears its future—it protects it.”

— Chinasa Umeh