TWN News Roundup
TWN News
The Week's Top Stories: Jan 4 - Jan 10, 2026
Welcome back! I'm Omotola Oluwashindara, and this week brings historic milestones as Nigeria's stock market surpasses N100 trillion market capitalization for the first time, while the Super Eagles kick off their AFCON 2026 campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique.
Market & Sentiment Overview
NGX All-Share Index (ASI)
▲ 162,298.08
Week-to-Date: +3.71% | YTD 2026: +4.30%
🎉 Historic Milestone: Market capitalization surpasses N103.8 trillion!
Nigeria becomes first African nation to cross N100 trillion stock market value
Economy & Markets: Historic Breakthrough
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NGX Breaks N100 Trillion Barrier for First Time in History
The Nigerian Exchange achieved a historic milestone as market capitalization soared past N103.8 trillion on Friday, January 9, making Nigeria the first African nation to cross the N100 trillion threshold. The All-Share Index closed at 162,298.08 points, gaining 3.71% for the week and 4.30% year-to-date. Industrial & Medical Gases led gainers with 10% appreciation, followed by SCOA Nigeria and McNichols. The breakthrough came on the back of strong earnings recovery across sectors, with 9M 2025 earnings per share growing 94.75% year-on-year. Market analysts at Meristem Securities maintain a positive outlook, citing reforms, improving fundamentals, and attractive valuations relative to historical averages.
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NGX Premium Index Surges 5.98% Year-to-Date
The NGX Premium Index posted impressive gains of 5.98% in early 2026 trading, outperforming the broader market. The NGX Pension Index rose 5.76% while the Industrial Index gained 4.74%. Investor sentiment remains bullish on equities, supported by ongoing reforms and the market's role as a hedge against double-digit inflation.
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Four Sectors Control 79% of Market Value
Research by Sterling Asset Management reveals that Consumer Goods, ICT, Industrial Goods, and Banking sectors accounted for 78.6% of total NGX market value at year-end 2025. Consumer Goods alone represented N23.58 trillion (23.78%), while ICT's N19.47 trillion market cap edged past Industrial Goods, signaling the growing influence of technology-linked companies in Nigeria's capital markets.
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Companies Declared N1.1 Trillion in Dividends in 2025
Listed companies on the NGX declared a combined N1.1 trillion in dividends last year, making the exchange one of the world's top-performing markets for Return on Investment. Analysts expect broader dividend distribution in 2026 as real sector companies that halted payments in previous years return to profitability.
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2026 Budget Faces "Fiscal Time-Loop" Concerns Despite Gains
Economist Dele Kelvin Oye cautioned that Nigeria's N58.47 trillion 2026 budget risks repeating fiscal mistakes despite early reform gains. While acknowledging GDP growth of 3.98% in Q3 2025, easing inflation at 14.45%, and reserves rising to $47 billion, Oye warned that 139-141 million Nigerians remain below the poverty line. He urged prioritization of job-rich growth and human capital development to achieve CBN's 2026 projections of 4.49% GDP growth and 12.94% inflation.
Security & Governance
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30 Killed in Niger State Market Attack
Gunmen attacked the busy Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Niger State on Saturday, January 4, killing at least 30 people and abducting several others. The attackers arrived on motorcycles, burning stalls, looting food, and opening fire on civilians, with women and children among the victims. President Tinubu ordered security forces to track down those responsible and secure the release of abductees.
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Nigeria to Receive $9.5 Million in Recovered Funds
The Federal Government is set to receive more than $9.5 million in recovered funds following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with international partners, bolstering efforts to repatriate stolen assets.
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Government Bans Shea Nut Exports to Encourage Local Processing
The Federal Government announced a temporary six-month ban on the export of raw shea nuts to encourage local processing and value addition, supporting the development of Nigeria's agricultural processing industry and job creation.
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Uganda Bans Live Protest Broadcasts Ahead of Elections
Uganda's government banned live broadcasts of riots and protests ahead of the January 15 election as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his nearly 40-year rule, raising concerns about press freedom and democratic space.
Politics & Regional Affairs
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Senator Dickson Dismisses Defection Rumors
Senator Seriake Dickson firmly dismissed rumors of defection, clarifying he remains committed to the PDP and has not joined the ADC or any other party. The clarification came amid speculation following recent high-profile defections to the ruling APC.
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PANDEF Endorses Oil Sector Reforms
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum formally endorsed ongoing reforms in Nigeria's oil and gas sector under President Tinubu, describing recent developments as a decisive break from years of policy drift and regulatory uncertainty in the industry.
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Supreme Court Affirms Political Parties' Independence
The Social Democratic Party hailed Friday's Supreme Court judgment affirming the independence of political parties in managing their internal affairs as a landmark victory for Nigeria's democracy and the rule of law.
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AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals Take Shape
The Africa Cup of Nations moved into its decisive phase, with Senegal, Mali, Egypt, and Morocco among teams advancing to the quarterfinals. Tunisia sacked head coach Sami Trabelsi after their elimination, ending his second spell in charge.
Sports: Super Eagles Shine
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Nigeria Crushes Mozambique 4-0 in AFCON Opener
The Super Eagles began their AFCON 2025 campaign in spectacular fashion, demolishing Mozambique 4-0 on Friday, January 10 in Marrakech, Morocco. Ademola Lookman opened scoring in the 20th minute before Victor Osimhen added a brace (25', 47'). Moses Simon sealed the rout with a brilliant strike in the 75th minute. The emphatic victory puts Nigeria in pole position in their group as they seek to go one better than their runner-up finish at AFCON 2023. Nigeria's "golden generation" featuring African Footballer of the Year winners Osimhen and Lookman now sets sights on their next match against Algeria on Saturday, January 17.
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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.
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CBN Warns Petrol Could Reach N950 Per Litre in 2026
The Central Bank of Nigeria cautioned that Premium Motor Spirit prices could rise to about N950 per litre in 2026. Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently lists gantry prices at N699 per litre, with retail prices at authorized distributors like MRS Oil standing at N739 per litre.
Culture & Entertainment
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Nollywood Bids Farewell to Allwell Ademola
Nollywood actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola was laid to rest in Lagos, with stars including Toyin Abraham and Saidi Balogun in attendance to pay their respects and celebrate her contributions to Nigerian cinema.
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Nigerian Actress Moyo Lawal Speaks on Healing Journey
Popular actress Moyo Lawal opened up about her emotional healing journey after a leaked intimate video went viral in 2023, sharing her experience of recovery and the importance of mental health support.
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PwC Projects 141 Million Nigerians in Poverty by 2026
Despite macroeconomic gains, PricewaterhouseCoopers warned in its Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 report that poverty is projected to rise to 62%, affecting 141 million Nigerians, highlighting the uneven impact of economic reforms on vulnerable populations.
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