TWN News
Weekly Briefing
January 12-17, 2026 | Nigeria News Roundup
Nigeria News Roundup
💼 Market & Finance
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced sweeping reforms to minimum capital requirements across the capital market sector, effective January 16, 2026. The new framework strengthens requirements for brokerage firms, fund managers, market infrastructure operators, and fintech entities—a move aimed at bolstering investor protection and market resilience.
Nigeria's fuel import spending plummeted by 54% to $6.7 billion, driven by successful local refining initiatives and ongoing economic reforms. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery reached a significant milestone, achieving daily offtake of 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), marking major progress in domestic crude oil refining capacity.
Dangote Cement Plc celebrated its distributors and customers with N15 billion in rewards during its 2026 Distributors' Awards Night in Lagos, recognizing outstanding performance and loyalty.
📊 Economic Policy & Governance
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) reiterated the January 31, 2026 deadline for employers across Lagos State to file annual tax returns for the 2025 financial year. Financial institutions began notifying customers of new VAT collection procedures on selected banking services, effective January 19, 2026.
A Q3 2025 NERC report revealed that over 60% of capacity from Nigeria's power plants remained unavailable, exposing deep structural challenges in the energy sector and weak power offtake infrastructure.
⚽ Sports & Culture
Nigeria's Super Eagles advanced to the AFCON 2025 semi-finals with a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria, courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. The team subsequently claimed the bronze medal in the tournament, with President Tinubu congratulating the squad on their resilience.
Nigerian artist Rema emerged as the biggest winner at the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), demonstrating the country's continued dominance in continental music.
🎓 Education & Security
Schools in northern Nigeria began reopening following a months-long closure that started after the Papiri kidnapping in November 2025. Vice President Shettima called for reintroducing agriculture in schools as a foundational culture to enhance food security and economic stability.
Bayero University, Kano expelled 60 students for examination malpractice, reaffirming institutional commitment to academic integrity.
🛡️ Security Concerns
The Nasarawa State Police Command reported significant progress in its security operations, arresting 12 suspects and rescuing seven kidnap victims between January 1 and January 17, 2026. However, security challenges persisted in other regions, with incidents reported across several states.
The Federal Government imposed a ban on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to protect critical infrastructure, including the First Niger Bridge and the newly completed Second Niger Bridge.
TWN News Special Report
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sarah Adedeji: The Face of Modern Britain
Sarah Adedeji Wins Portrait of Britain Recognition
The TWN News team is thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievement of Sarah Adedeji, whose striking portrait has been selected for the prestigious Portrait of Britain Vol. 8 exhibition. Adedeji has become a defining face of contemporary Britain, representing the nation's vibrant diversity and cultural richness.
From January 12 to February 8, 2026, digital screens across UK high streets, rail stations, bus shelters, shopping centres, and airports will display the 100 winning portraits, transforming everyday public spaces into a nationwide celebration of contemporary portraiture.
This year's remarkable collection of 100 winning images was carefully selected from a shortlist of 200 and thousands of overall submissions, spotlighting individuals who embody the spirit of modern Britain—veterans, scientists, fishmongers, ballerinas, farmers, and many more. Each portrait tells a unique, authentic story.
Sarah Adedeji's prominence in this distinguished exhibition reflects the nation's commitment to celebrating diverse identities and authentic human stories. Her work continues to challenge perceptions and demonstrates the profound importance of inclusive representation in the arts.
Congratulations Sarah, on becoming the face of the nation!
NGX Market Index
NGX All-Share Index
+2.4%
Strong market performance
NGX 30 Index
+1.8%
Large-cap stocks advancing
NGX Pension Index
+0.5%
Steady growth observed
Economic Outlook
Nigeria's economy continues to show mixed signals. While fuel import savings and refinery progress signal manufacturing strength, energy sector challenges and ongoing security concerns remain impediments to sustained growth. Government reforms in taxation and capital market regulations aim to provide stability and encourage investment.
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