TWN News

TWN News Roundup 9th - 13th December 2025

TWN News

Weekly Briefing
The Week's Top Stories: Dec 9 - Dec 13, 2025

Welcome back! I'm Omotola Oluwashindara, and this week brings critical regional tensions as Nigerian military personnel are detained in Burkina Faso, while at home, 100 kidnapped schoolchildren are rescued and the stock market maintains impressive year-to-date gains of over 42%.

Market & Sentiment Overview

NGX All-Share Index (ASI)

▲ 146,861.98

Year-to-Date: +42.69%

Market capitalization: N93.7 trillion | Weekly gain: +1.06%

Regional Tensions & Security

• Nigerian Military Aircraft Detained in Burkina Faso

  A Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft carrying eleven personnel made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso on Monday after detecting technical issues en route to Portugal for maintenance. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, condemned the landing as an "unfriendly act" violating international law. While Nigeria insists the landing was purely technical and the crew is being treated cordially, the incident highlights deepening rifts between AES nations and the ECOWAS bloc amid shifting West African alliances.

• Nigeria Deploys Troops to Benin After Coup Attempt

  About 200 Nigerian soldiers, alongside Ivorian troops, have been deployed to Benin following a failed coup attempt on December 7. The deployment has sparked debate domestically, with many questioning how Nigerian security forces can be effective abroad while the country continues to face significant internal security challenges.

• 100 Kidnapped Schoolchildren Rescued in Central Nigeria

  One hundred schoolchildren abducted last month from St. Mary's Catholic School in central Nigeria have been rescued by security forces. However, many students still remain in captivity, highlighting the ongoing kidnapping crisis affecting educational institutions across the country.

• NLC Announces Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity

  The Nigeria Labour Congress has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on December 17 over escalating insecurity in the country, particularly addressing recent kidnappings and banditry affecting communities across multiple states.

Economy & Markets

• NGX Maintains Strong Performance

  The Nigerian Exchange closed the week at 146,861.98 points with a weekly gain of 1.06% and impressive year-to-date returns of 42.69%. Market capitalization reached N93.72 trillion as investor confidence remains strong despite regional uncertainties. The Industrial Goods Index led sectoral performance, gaining 4.30% driven by demand for Dangote Cement.

• Education Budget Jumps to N3.52 Trillion

  Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced that Nigeria's education budget has increased significantly to N3.52 trillion in 2025 under President Tinubu's administration, representing a major commitment to developing the education sector.

• Nigeria's Trade Surplus Reaches N6.69 Trillion

  In the third quarter of 2025, Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N6.69 trillion, an increase of 27.29% compared to last year. Exports totaled N22.81 trillion, demonstrating improved economic performance and competitiveness.

• ECOWAS to Slash Air Transport Taxes

  ECOWAS announced plans to cut air transport taxes across member states in 2026, aiming to lower ticket prices and boost regional connectivity. Officials noted current taxes violate International Civil Aviation Organisation guidelines and suppress travel demand.

Politics & Governance

• Oyo Governor Approves 13th Month Salary Bonus

  Governor Seyi Makinde has approved payment of the 13th-month salary bonus to Oyo State workers for 2025, reaffirming his administration's commitment to worker welfare and maintaining positive labor relations.

• CBN Licenses 82 Bureau De Change Operators

  The Central Bank of Nigeria granted final licenses to 82 Bureau De Change operators effective November 27, 2025, marking the conclusion of a comprehensive licensing process to regulate foreign exchange operations.

• House Summons NNPCL CEO

  The House of Representatives has summoned NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari to appear before it regarding petroleum sector operations and transparency in the oil and gas industry.

• Government Bans Cash Collections by MDAs

  The federal government ordered all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to stop collecting cash from the public for revenue transactions, mandating electronic payments to improve transparency and accountability.

Education & Sports

• JAMB Flags 2,658 Illegal Admissions

  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board identified 2,658 illegal admissions conducted during the 2024/2025 academic session, taking steps to address irregularities in tertiary institution admissions.

• Nigeria Women's Football League Season Set

  The NWFL 2025/2026 season is scheduled to begin November 26, 2025, concluding April 22, 2026. Twenty clubs will participate, with six teams facing relegation. The league includes a Christmas break after four match weeks, resuming January 7, 2026.

• 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. The academy focuses on building not just skilled players, but well-rounded individuals through sports education. Learn more about their programs and training opportunities.

• Super Eagles Goalkeeper Ruled Out

  Nigeria's build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a major blow after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

International & Entertainment

• Tanzania on Lockdown to Stop Protests

  Tanzania saw heavy police and military deployments across major cities on Tuesday as the government moved to block planned anti-government protests tied to Independence Day. The government warned that any protests would be interpreted as a coup attempt.

• Shakara Festival Coming to Lagos

  The Shakara Festival is set for December 18-21 in Lagos, featuring top artists including BlaqBonez, Brymo, and Yinka Alaseyori in what promises to be a major cultural event closing out 2025.

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We wish you many happy returns from all of us at TWN News