Welcome to NowNowNaija — A mandatory levy tightens control over oil wealth as budget tensions rise and global doors open. Elections surge with participation while hidden decisions quietly shape Nigeria’s economic future and opportunities ahead.

TOP STORY

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has affirmed that the 1% Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF) levy on upstream oil and gas contracts remains a required legal contribution. This fund supports local contractors, skills training, and growth within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

If you work in Nigeria’s oil and gas upstream sector, this means every contract you engage with must include a 1% levy paid into designated accounts to support local industry development. This levy enables capacity building, financing, and sustainable growth for indigenous companies, which can create more jobs and improve local content. Companies without a valid Compliance Certificate tied to this levy risk losing access to critical regulatory approvals, potentially delaying projects and operations.

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

INEC reports that 1,587,025 Permanent Voter Cards have been collected across the six FCT Area Councils, representing 94.4% of registered voters ahead of the February 21, 2026 election. This strong turnout shows robust engagement from citizens ready to vote.

This high PVC collection rate means most eligible voters in the FCT are set to participate in the upcoming polls, strengthening democratic participation in your community. It signals that efforts to encourage voter registration and education have succeeded, impacting how your local leaders will be chosen. Ensuring you have your PVC is crucial to exercising your voting rights and influencing policies that affect your daily life and future.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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What else is happening:

Nigerian universities have achieved a major breakthrough by joining eduGAIN, a global academic identity federation. This move was made official through the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), enabling Nigerian institutions to securely access international research and education resources.

This development means Nigerian researchers and students can now connect seamlessly with global academic communities, gaining easier access to international digital services and scholarly content. It strengthens trust in digital identity systems within Nigeria’s higher education sector and fosters greater collaboration on worldwide research projects. Over time, this could boost innovation and Nigeria’s presence in global knowledge sharing, offering you more opportunities in education and research.

Source: This Day Live
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The Nigerian Senate challenged the federal government’s 2026 budget, questioning its optimistic revenue forecasts and poor track record on capital spending. They criticized the oil production targets and rising debt levels, warning that unrealistic assumptions could force a budget reduction. Meanwhile, lawmakers proposed a N1.5 trillion seed fund for the creative economy ministry to diversify the economy and create millions of jobs by 2030.

This debate affects how government spending priorities will influence your daily life and the economy’s stability. If revenue projections prove too optimistic, essential services and projects could face cuts, delaying improvements you rely on. On the upside, the push to fund the creative economy signals new job opportunities and a shift away from oil dependence, which might open fresh career paths and boost local industry growth. Watch for how these budget decisions shape public services and economic opportunities in the coming years.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

The Edo State Governor has appointed Nollywood star Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy. She will use her public influence and communication skills to bridge the gap between citizens and government policies.

This appointment brings a fresh voice to Edo State's government communication, potentially making it easier for you and your community to engage with state programs. Mercy Johnson's popularity and grassroots connections could improve how government initiatives reach everyday people, fostering greater public involvement and awareness. It also sets an example of how cultural icons can play active roles in governance, blending entertainment with civic responsibility.

Source: Daily Trust
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The Social Feed:

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, says Nigeria’s fate in the 2026 World Cup rests with FIFA. The Nigeria Football Federation has protested that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the African play-off final. While Nigeria’s active World Cup campaign has ended, the legal dispute remains unresolved.

This means you might soon see the Super Eagles reinstated for the intercontinental play-offs in March, depending on FIFA’s independent decision. For football fans and communities across Nigeria, this case holds hope of a second chance to compete on the world stage. It also highlights ongoing efforts to protect fair play in African football, impacting how Nigeria’s football future is shaped.

Source: Daily Post
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“The future we envision will not materialize by chance. It will be realized through intentional efforts to build capabilities, forge partnerships, and assume leadership on the continental stage.”

— Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe