Welcome to NowNowNaija! Nigeria edges toward opportunity as policy stability, election readiness, and oil reforms align. Beneath optimism, fragile trust, shifting markets, and rising expectations create a delicate moment where progress depends on execution, not promises.

TOP STORY

At the European Business Chamber Nigeria Annual Conference, business leaders highlighted the need for stable and predictable economic policies to attract and retain long-term investments. While recent reforms have sparked cautious optimism, experts say only steady implementation will secure investor confidence. The discussion also pointed to Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic stability and promising capital market gains as positive signs for growth.

This means you may see more foreign and domestic investments fueling economic growth and job creation if policies remain steady and reliable. For businesses, predictable exchange rates and regulations lower risks and encourage expansion plans. The positive performance of Nigeria’s equities market offers you more opportunities for investment. With key projects like the listing of the Dangote Refinery ahead, these developments could enhance market participation and improve your financial prospects.

Source: Vanguard News
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INEC chairman Joash Amupitan assured stakeholders that the commission is fully prepared to conduct peaceful and transparent area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory on February 21, 2026. With over 1.6 million registered voters and 570 candidates across six councils, the elections are unique as the only local government polls conducted directly by INEC. Key preparations like voter registration, staff training, and use of upgraded accreditation technology are complete.

This election will directly affect your community governance and representation, making voter participation crucial. The deployment of advanced technology like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System aims to make the process more transparent and efficient, which could increase public trust in election results. Voters should be vigilant against vote buying, as authorities will prosecute offenders, helping safeguard the integrity of your vote. The peaceful conduct of these elections will reinforce democratic stability in the FCT, impacting daily life and local services.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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What else is happening:

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated public consultations to update the National Telecommunications Policy first issued in 2000. Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by March 20, 2026, to help shape a policy that addresses modern challenges like broadband expansion and spectrum management.

This update matters to you because it will influence how telecom services develop over the next decades, potentially improving network quality, access to affordable data, and overall connectivity in Nigeria. The revised policy aims to keep pace with rising data demands and technological shifts, affecting everything from your daily communications to business opportunities and digital inclusion.

Source: This Day Live
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President Bola Tinubu has signed an executive order directing all oil and gas revenues to be paid straight into the Federation Account, ending the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation's (NNPC) role in managing certain oil funds. This move suspends NNPC’s 30% exploration fund collection and redirects related fees and penalties to the federal government. The order also introduces an implementation committee and schedules a review of the Petroleum Industry Act to fix structural issues.

This order means more oil revenues will reach Nigeria’s national treasury without being diluted by overlapping fees or management layers. For you, it signals potential improvements in national budgeting and increased funds for vital services like security, healthcare, education, and energy transition projects. By minimizing wasteful spending and enhancing transparency, the government aims to stabilize the economy and better support local communities. The redirection of gas flare penalties and profits also promises stronger environmental and fiscal oversight on oil operations.

Source: This Day Live
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What else is happening:

Irish rock band U2 launched a six-track EP on Ash Wednesday responding to recent events in America, including the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents. The EP mixes songs and a poem, addressing themes of struggle and defiance, with Ed Sheeran featured on one track inspired by a soldier’s letter.

This EP offers listeners a powerful reflection on current social and political challenges, using music as a platform for awareness and protest. For Nigerian fans and the global community, it highlights how artists engage with urgent issues worldwide. The EP’s immediate release underscores a commitment to activism through art, potentially inspiring conversations about justice and resistance in your own environment.

Source: Leadership
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The Social Feed:

Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare came on early for Wolverhampton Wanderers and played a key role as Wolves battled back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Arsenal. Despite Arsenal’s early dominance and two-goal lead, Wolves fought hard at Molineux, with late goals turning the match into a thrilling draw that disrupts Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.

This result puts pressure on Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League crown and shows how even underdogs like Wolves can shake up the title race. If you’re an Arsenal fan, this result is a warning that the competition is fierce and every point counts. For Nigerian football lovers, Arokodare’s involvement highlights rising local talent making an impact in top European leagues, inspiring more support for Nigerian players abroad. It also offers hope for Wolves fans during a tough season, signaling potential brighter moments ahead.

Source: Premium Times
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“Only time can show that you can stay the course.”
— Olayemi Cardoso