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Welcome to NowNowNaija — accountability is moving from slogans to systems, elections are getting tighter, and big decisions are reshaping Nigeria’s future in real time.

TOP STORY

Performance Management Drives Nigeria’s Development Progress

For decades, Nigeria’s public service has struggled to adopt performance-based systems, hindered by job security concerns, hierarchical norms, and political patronage. These challenges slowed institutional reforms and stalled national development. Recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu committed to a performance management system linking government goals directly to measurable outcomes, signaling a new era of accountability and productivity in public administration.

You can expect more effective use of public resources as government agencies work under clear performance contracts. This focus promises improvements in service delivery, budgeting, and policy consistency that directly affect everyday life. By rewarding results and addressing underperformance, the administration aims to overcome past reform failures and foster sustainable development that benefits all Nigerians.

Source: The Guardian
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Market Trends at a Glance

USD/NGN

1452.84

▲ 0.00%

GBP/NGN

1942.21

▼ 0.44%

EUR/NGN

1705.93

▼ 0.04%

Gold - Oz ($)

4363.00

▲ 0.36%

Brent Oil ($)

60.01

▲ 0.55%

BTC-USD

86650.88

▼ 1.36%

ETH-USD

2832.47

▼ 4.44%

USDT-USD

1.00

▼ 0.03%

BNB-USD

834.58

▼ 4.61%

SOL-USD

123.39

▼ 4.54%

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

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Politics and Economy

Reps Legalise BVAS and E-Transmission of Election Results

The House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 that mandates the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation and requires real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units. The amendment also enforces strict penalties, including five to ten years imprisonment for falsifying or mishandling election results.

This change means your voting process will become more secure and transparent, reducing chances of fraud at polling units. Using BVAS and real-time result transmission can speed up election outcomes and improve trust in election integrity. However, presiding officers now face stiff penalties for any tampering, which could make officials more accountable. The new rule to cancel elections in units where BVAS fails ensures every vote counts, ultimately strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

  • Expansion of U.S. new travel restrictions threatens student mobility, family visits and business trips, raising costs and delays for many Nigerians.

  • The SGF’s suspension pauses enforcement of the proposed alcohol sachets ban and PET bottle rules, easing immediate regulatory pressure on small producers and retailers.

Tech and Business

Nigeria Likely To Miss 70% Broadband Goal By 2025

Recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows broadband penetration at 49.89% as of October 2025, falling short of the 70% target set for December 2025. While growth has been inconsistent this year, industry experts expect improvements with ongoing investments.

This slower-than-expected broadband growth means many Nigerians may still face limited internet access in the near term, affecting work, education, and digital services. The current 49.89% penetration shows that almost half the population is connected, but expanding infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remains critical. If improvements materialize in 2026 as anticipated, you could see better connectivity and more affordable, reliable internet across the country.

Source: This Day Live
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Tinubu Replaces NMDPRA Boss Amid Dangote Dispute

President Bola Tinubu has nominated new leaders for Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory agencies following the resignations of Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe. This move comes as a public clash unfolds between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and NMDPRA over downstream petroleum regulation and import licenses.

For Nigerians, these leadership changes could reshape how Nigeria manages its oil resources and domestic refining. The dispute with Dangote highlights concerns about local refining being undermined by import licensing and possible regulatory conflicts of interest. Restoring confidence in regulation could boost efforts to reduce import dependency and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, affecting fuel prices and jobs in the petroleum sector.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

  • The launch of the Ajayi Foundation will support digital transformation through training, policy advocacy, and partnerships that strengthen Nigeria's tech capacity.

  • ipNX partnered with Lagos Chamber to expand the annual ipnx robotics competition for secondary schools, boosting STEM skills and youth innovation pathways.

  • Smile Communications unveiled new Smile MINI and other plans to deliver higher data allowances and lower prices for urban and underserved Nigerian customers.

Entertainment and Culture

Davido and Wizkid Electrify GTCO End-Year Party

Davido and Wizkid surprised fans with dynamic performances at GTCO’s end-of-year party on December 16, 2025, held at Lulu Beach. Both megastars delivered hit-filled sets that energized attendees and sparked excitement online. This event offered Nigerians a rare live experience of Afrobeats’ biggest names together in one night.

For music lovers in Lagos and beyond, this unexpected joint presence brings fresh excitement to the holiday season, showing how leading artists are front-and-center in major celebrations. It also highlights how multinational companies like GTCO are making top-tier live music more accessible by hosting free or subsidized concerts. If you missed the event, you’ll get another chance to see them at upcoming festivals and shows in Lagos and Cotonou this December.

Source: Prima News
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The Social Feed:

  • M4STV names Managing Director Anthony Uyah to lead operations, signaling strategic expansion for the multimedia platform and potential new content partnerships.

  • Actress Kate Henshaw urges parents to set boundaries on children's phone and social media use to protect mental health and support healthy development.

Sports

Ahmed Musa Retires as Nigeria’s Most Capped Eagle

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player with 111 appearances, has retired from the Super Eagles after 15 years. Musa won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and is the country’s top World Cup scorer with four goals across three tournaments.

Musa’s retirement closes a remarkable chapter in Nigerian football, leaving a legacy of leadership and achievement. For fans and aspiring players, his career sets a high standard of dedication and success. His influence also boosts national pride and inspires young talents across Nigeria. Now, the Super Eagles face the challenge of filling the gap left by a legendary forward. His story encourages all Nigerians to support the team through this transition.

Source: The Nation Newspaper
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Sports Spotlight:

  • Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has arrived to complete Nigeria's 28-man AFCON roster, strengthening the team's attack before the tournament departure.

  • Nigeria will miss out on the newly increased W’Cup 2026 prize money after failing to qualify, depriving the federation of a potentially significant revenue boost.

  • John Obi Mikel has berated the NFF over AFCON preparations, warning that poor planning could undermine the Super Eagles' chances at the tournament.

Quote of the Day

“Institutions don’t fail because of lack of ideas; they fail when outcomes are never demanded.”
Ayo Teriba

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