TWN News Roundup 16th - 20th December 2025

TWN News

Weekly Briefing
The Week's Top Stories: Dec 16 - Dec 20, 2025

Welcome back! I'm Omotola Oluwashindara, and this week brings a bullish stock market surge as the NGX crosses 152,000 points with year-to-date gains of nearly 48%. Dangote reduces fuel prices again while Nigeria's former Chief Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad passes away at 71.

Market & Sentiment Overview

NGX All-Share Index (ASI)

▲ 152,057.38

Year-to-Date: +47.73%

Market capitalization: N96.9 trillion | Weekly gain: +1.13%

Economy & Markets

Stock Market Posts Stellar Week, Gains N1.08 Trillion

The Nigerian Exchange closed the week on a bullish note as market capitalization surged by N1.08 trillion (1.13%) on Friday, December 19. The All-Share Index rose by 1,694.33 points to close at 152,057.38, driven by strong investor interest in Union Dicon Salt, Austinlaz, Tantalizer, and 29 other advancing stocks. The year-to-date return strengthened to 47.73%, with total deals hitting an 18-year high of N10.54 trillion. The Industrial Goods Index led sectoral performance with a 4.30% gain, supported by Dangote Cement's rally.
Dangote Refinery Slashes Fuel Prices Again

Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced another downward review of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) prices this week, providing relief to consumers amid economic pressures. This marks the second price reduction in recent weeks as the refinery ramps up production and distribution nationwide.
Naira Stabilizes at N1,452 Per Dollar

The Nigerian foreign exchange market exhibited mixed stability on Tuesday, December 16, with the Naira closing at N1,452.27 per US Dollar on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). Trading activity ranged between N1,451.19 and N1,452.57, reflecting the Central Bank's ongoing efforts to stabilize the official rate.
Inflation Continues Downward Trend

The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria's headline inflation rate eased further in November 2025, following moderated consumer price pressures under the newly rebased index, offering hope for continued economic stability.

Politics & Governance

Tinubu Presents N58.47 Trillion Budget for 2026

President Bola Tinubu commenced presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja. The Federal Executive Council approved the N58.47 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, though the letter proposes repealing the 2025 Appropriation Act of N54.99 trillion and re-enacting it at N48.32 trillion.
Tinubu Approves Reconstitution of NERC Board

President Bola Tinubu approved the reconstitution of the Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) following Senate confirmation of its members on December 16, 2025, signaling continued reforms in the power sector.
Government Suspends Sachet Alcohol Ban

The Nigerian government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET-bottled alcoholic drinks, pending further consultations and a final policy decision.
Former Chief Justice Muhammad Tanko Dies at 71

Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who served on Nigeria's Supreme Court from 2007 and as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 until his resignation in 2022, passed away at 71 in a Saudi hospital. Multiple state governors and officials expressed condolences over his death.
NBA Condemns Police Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement

The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the Nigeria Police Force's decision to resume enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy from January 2, 2026, calling it "a grave affront to the majesty of the court" and "a subversion of the rule of law."

Security & Regional Affairs

Christmas Security Concerns Heighten

As Christmas approaches, fears are widespread among Nigerian Christians following past holiday massacres. President Trump's designation of Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom violations has brought international attention to ongoing attacks, particularly in the Middle Belt region. Communities in Taraba, Benue, and Plateau states report heightened anxiety as the festive season approaches.
Armed Forces Score Major Operational Wins

The Defence Headquarters updated the public on military operations from December 3-12, highlighting significant progress in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping nationwide across key regions.
Nigeria's Military Acknowledges Critical Security Gaps

Nigeria's military has acknowledged critical gaps in its ability to counter evolving security threats, as terrorism, cyber warfare, and other non-conventional dangers continue to challenge national security infrastructure.
ECOWAS Threatens Sanctions on Guinea-Bissau

The Economic Community of West African States threatened "targeted sanctions" on anyone obstructing Guinea-Bissau's return to civilian rule following November's coup attempt.

State News & Development

Edo Governor Presents N939.85 Billion Budget

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo presented a N939.85 billion 2026 appropriation bill to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, calling it the "Budget of Hope and Growth."
Katsina Governor Inaugurates Council of Emirs

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State inaugurated the state's Council of Emirs, appointing the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman, as Chairman, strengthening traditional institution governance.
Oyo State Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

Governor Seyi Makinde expressed delight that Oyo State remains a pillar of excellence in Nigeria, citing the speed of development witnessed over the past 50 years since its creation.
Fire Destroys N600 Million Worth of Goods in Gombe

Timber Sellers Association in Gombe State reported that members lost goods worth over N600 million to Monday's fire outbreak that destroyed several shops and warehouses.

Sports & Entertainment

Super Eagles Camp Swells Ahead of Egypt Friendly

The Super Eagles' camp in Cairo has grown to 22 players with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, as Nigeria steps up preparations for an international friendly against Egypt ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
JS Darinho Sports Academy: Building Future Champions

JS Darinho Sports Academy continues to nurture young sporting talent in Nigeria, providing world-class training and development programs for aspiring athletes. Learn more about their programs.
Elon Musk Becomes First Person to Top $600 Billion

Elon Musk has become the first person in history to surpass $600 billion in estimated net worth, a milestone driven by gains at SpaceX and Tesla, setting a new record for personal wealth accumulation.
Barack Obama Shares 2025 Music Favorites

Former US President Barack Obama released his 2025 music picks, featuring Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy and Olamide among the standout acts, further cementing Nigeria's global cultural influence.

Agriculture & Social Development

Emir of Kano Calls for Support for Women Farmers

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called for increased support for smallholder women farmers during the flag-off of PROgWAN training, emphasizing that this is key to strengthening grassroots agriculture in Nigeria.
Nigerian Makeup Artist Breaks Guinness World Record

Nigerian makeup artist Theresa Emegwara has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application by an individual, bringing international recognition to Nigeria's creative industry.

🎉 Special Birthday Celebrations 🎉

This week, we celebrate two wonderful friends of TWN News and cherished members of Just Good Friends (JGF)!

Lawrence

December 14th

Happy Birthday Lawrence! Your friendship and dedication to JGF are truly appreciated. May this new year bring you abundant blessings, success, and joy!

Cecilia

December 19th

Happy Birthday Cecilia! Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community. May this special day mark the beginning of a year filled with love, health, and prosperity!

On behalf of everyone at TWN News and all members of Just Good Friends (JGF), we wish you both a fantastic year ahead filled with countless blessings! 🎊💝🎂