Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Friday, January 2, 2026

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 signals the start of a stronger and more resilient phase of economic growth for Nigeria, pointing to the positive outcomes of fiscal, monetary and structural reforms implemented in 2025. In his New Year address, the President said Nigeria ended the previous year on a solid economic footing despite global economic pressures, noting that the tough reforms undertaken by his administration are now yielding tangible benefits for both the economy and citizens.

Tinubu disclosed that the country recorded steady GDP growth in all four quarters of 2025, with annual growth projected to surpass four per cent. He added that Nigeria maintained trade surpluses, achieved improved exchange rate stability and witnessed a steady decline in inflation to below 15 per cent, aligning with government targets. The President further revealed that the Nigerian Stock Exchange recorded a 48.12 per cent gain in 2025, outperforming many global markets, while foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, providing a strong buffer for the naira. He also noted a sharp rise in foreign direct investment to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence and sustained fiscal discipline, which remains central to the 2026 budget agenda.

In another development, the Nigeria Police Force has suspended the nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy following an interim court order restraining the action. The Force explained that although enforcement was earlier scheduled to resume from January 2, 2026, a court order issued on December 17, 2025, directed the police to halt the process pending the determination of a substantive suit. Police authorities confirmed that the matter has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, while legal steps are being taken to vacate the interim order.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ordered the withdrawal of all defamation suits he filed against several individuals, including Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking during a New Year Mass in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said the decision followed spiritual counsel, adding that the nearly nine lawsuits instituted to protect his reputation have now been discontinued.

Political tensions also escalated as Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed alleged that certain political actors are plotting to damage his reputation through baseless claims linking him to terrorism financing. During a television interview, Mohammed described Bauchi as one of the safest states in northern Nigeria and directly accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating attempts to associate him with banditry. In response, Wike dismissed the allegations, describing them as a diversion from internal political challenges.

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. In a letter dated December 29, 2025, and addressed to his ward chairman, the governor said his decision was driven by the need for focused leadership, clear direction and enhanced service delivery. He expressed gratitude to the party for its support over the years, stating that prevailing political circumstances necessitated his immediate resignation.

The National Judicial Council also issued a clarification, dismissing reports that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were dropped from consideration for appointment as Federal High Court judges. According to the NJC, no final decision has been taken, explaining that while some candidates exited the process due to petitions or failure to meet qualifying scores, the Council is yet to conclude deliberations on the matter.

Elsewhere, a faction of the African Democratic Congress has rejected the reported registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing it as invalid and contrary to party rules. The group insisted that the exercise violated the ADC constitution and proper membership procedures, despite reports that Obi had joined the party in Enugu during a public event.

In Ondo State, an Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest and remand of the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, over an alleged assault on a chief magistrate during an official assignment. The court took the decision despite the commissioner’s absence, with the prosecution challenging the credibility of a medical report presented by her counsel.

Security agencies in Ogun State also confirmed the arrest of the driver involved in the fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua. The crash occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, with preliminary investigations attributing the incident to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking.

In sports, Chelsea Football Club and head coach Enzo Maresca have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect following growing internal tensions. The club is expected to announce a new managerial appointment in the coming days.

These developments headline Nigeria’s major stories as the nation steps into 2026 amid shifting political alignments, legal battles and cautious economic optimism.