Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Friday, 2nd January, 2026

Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Friday, 2nd January, 2026

1. 2026 Begins New Phase of Economic Growth – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that 2026 marks the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth for Nigeria, citing gains recorded in 2025 from ongoing fiscal, monetary, and structural reforms.

In his New Year message made available to Naija News, the President said the country closed 2025 on a strong economic footing despite global headwinds, noting that the difficult reforms undertaken by his administration are beginning to deliver measurable results for the economy and ordinary citizens

Tinubu said Nigeria recorded consistent GDP growth in every quarter of 2025, with annualised growth projected to exceed four per cent. According to him, the country also maintained trade surpluses, achieved improved exchange rate stability, and saw inflation decline steadily to below 15 per cent, in line with government targets.

He added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange outperformed many global peers in 2025, posting a 48.12 per cent gain and extending the bullish trend that began in the second half of 2023.

The President said Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4bn as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer for the naira against external shocks, with expectations of further improvement in 2026.

On investment, Tinubu disclosed that foreign direct investment rose sharply to $720m in the third quarter of 2025 from $90m in the previous quarter, attributing the increase to renewed investor confidence. He noted that global credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, have continued to affirm Nigeria’s economic direction.

The President referenced the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, stressing that fiscal discipline remains central to achieving long-term stability and growth.

2. Police Suspend Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has suspended the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy nationwide following an interim court order restraining the action.

Recall that the police had, on December 15, 2025, announced the resumption of enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy, with effect from January 2, 2026, citing its responsibility to ensure public safety and internal security.

However, the Force disclosed that it was subsequently served with an interim order in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, issued on December 17, 2025, which restrained it from proceeding with the enforcement pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said it had entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order.

According to the statement, the court has adjourned the case to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings.

3. Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits Against Natasha, Others

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all pending defamation lawsuits he instituted against several individuals, saying the decision followed counsel he received during a New Year Mass.

Naija News reports that Akpabio disclosed this on Thursday while speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, he had filed nearly nine defamation cases against individuals he accused of lying against him and tarnishing his reputation.

With Thursday’s announcement, Akpabio has effectively brought an end to all pending defamation-related litigations linked to the disputes.

4. Bala Mohammed Exposes Plot To Destroy His Reputation, Fingers Wike; FCT Minister Fires Back

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has alleged that some political actors are deliberately working to tarnish his image and destroy his integrity, dismissing claims linking him to terrorism financing as baseless and politically motivated.

Naija News reports that the governor made the allegation on Thursday while speaking on Sunrise Daily, on Channels Television.

Mohammed described Bauchi as one of the safest states in the North, insisting that there was no justification for associating him with banditry or insecurity.

The governor directly accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being behind alleged attempts to link him with banditry and destabilise Bauchi State.

Reacting during a “thank you” visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday, Wike dismissed Mohammed’s claims, describing them as an attempt to deflect blame for internal political problems.

5. Plateau Governor, Mutfwang Officially Resigns From PDP

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State has officially announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Naija News reports that his resignation was disclosed in a letter dated 29th December, 2025, and sent to the Ward Chairman of Ampang West Ward in the Mangu Local Government Area.

The governor cited the need for focused leadership, clear direction and improved service delivery.

Governor Mutfwang announced that his resignation is with immediate effect.

The letter, acknowledged by the ward leadership a day later, conveyed appreciation to the party for affording him the opportunity to serve within the democratic system.

Mutfwang thanked party leaders and supporters for their backing over the years, noting that prevailing political circumstances necessitated his decision.

6. No Decision Has Been Taken – NJC Clarifies Report On 34 Lawyers Failing Integrity Test

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disowned trending reports which claimed that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

The NJC, in a statement by its Secretary, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, said the reports in circulation are inaccurate and do not reflect the true position of what transpired.

According to Saleh, some candidates were unable to continue in the process conducted by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), based on adverse findings arising from petitions received by the Commission; several others did not progress further simply because they failed to meet the required qualifying score to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.

He submitted that the NJC is yet to take a final decision on the affected candidates.

7. ADC Faction Rejects Peter Obi’s Registration, Labels It Invalid

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, has disowned the reported defection and registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at the party’s Enugu zonal office.

The faction, which claims to be the authentic national leadership of the ADC, described the registration exercise as a violation of the party’s constitution and membership protocols.

Naija News had earlier reported that Obi formally joined the ADC during an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, where he called for a broad opposition coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

In a New Year statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Gombe said the party was compelled to address what it termed misleading information regarding the proper procedure for membership registration.

8. Court Orders Arrest, Remand Of Ondo Women Affairs Commissioner

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has ordered the arrest and remand of the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Seun Osamaye, over an alleged assault on Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso.

The incident reportedly occurred within the premises of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs while the magistrate was on official assignment.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the police filed charges of “assault” against Osamaye, with court documents alleging both verbal and physical abuse following a judgement the commissioner reportedly found unfavourable.

During Wednesday’s court session, Osamaye was absent but represented by her counsel, A.K. Adewusi, who informed the court that she was receiving treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

The lawyer requested a 90-minute stand down to allow time to present a medical report, a request which was granted by the presiding magistrate.

Upon resumption, Adewusi tendered a hospital report indicating that the commissioner was undergoing medical care.

However, the prosecution, led by Suleiman Adebayo, challenged the credibility of the medical document.

9. Police Arrest Anthony Joshua’s Driver

The driver of the Lexus SUV involved in the fatal accident that claimed the lives of two associates of former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been arrested.

Naija News reports that the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arrest on Thursday.

Joshua was discharged late Wednesday night from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, after doctors certified him clinically fit to continue his recovery from home.

Recall that the accident occurred on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway when the Lexus SUV conveying Joshua and members of his team rammed into a stationary truck.

Two of his close associates, Kevin Latif Ayodele, his personal trainer, and Sina Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, lost their lives in the crash.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had earlier disclosed that five adult males were involved in the accident, with two fatalities recorded, one person injured and two others escaping unhurt.

According to the FRSC, preliminary findings attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, which it described as among the leading causes of fatal accidents on Nigerian highways.

10. Chelsea, Enzo Maresca Part Ways Immediately

Chelsea and its coach Enzo Maresca have reportedly agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a post on social media on Thursday by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

Romano wrote: “ Chelsea and Enzo Maresca agree to part company with immediate effect. It’s OVER.

“Official statement to follow but all done after tension growing last 24/48h.

“Chelsea will now start working on new manager appointment.”

Earlier, the football transfer expert had stated that Chelsea and Maresca were ready to part ways ahead of Manchester City game.

He stated that their relationship is deteriorated and next formal steps are expected to follow soon to seal their division.

Chelsea later confirmed Enzo Maresca has left the club by mutual consent.

That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.