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Benin’s Government Confirms Failed Coup Attempt

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Benin’s Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou, announced on Sunday that security forces successfully stopped an attempted coup staged by a small group of soldiers who claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from office.

According to Seidou, “A small group of soldiers launched a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions. Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”

Earlier, the soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR) appeared on state television, declaring that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic.”

However, officials close to President Talon dismissed the claims, assuring the public that he was unharmed. Talon, who has led Benin for a decade and is expected to leave office in April, was confirmed safe.

His office told AFP, “This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure.”

Authorities say full control has since been restored, and normalcy has returned across the nation.

BREAKING: Military Overthrows Government in Benin Republic

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The Benin Republic has been thrown into political tension after soldiers announced they have removed President Patrice Talon from power.

In a broadcast on state television early Sunday morning, the soldiers declared that the government had been dissolved and the constitution suspended. They also announced that President Talon is now in the custody of the military.

Colonel Tigri Pascal Takes Over

The group identified their interim leader as Colonel Tigri Pascal, who will head what they called the “Military Committee for Refoundation.”
According to the announcement, the committee will oversee the running of the country until further notice.

Why the Soldiers Say They Took Over

In their televised address, the coup leaders gave several reasons for removing the president:

  • They claim President Talon allowed security in the northern part of the country to collapse, exposing citizens to danger.
  • They accuse him of frustrating the economy, saying many businesses and ordinary citizens are suffering due to heavy taxes and strict policies.
  • They say he stopped free healthcare, a move they claim has led to many avoidable deaths across the country.

Tension in Cotonou

Following the announcement, soldiers were seen around key government buildings in Cotonou. Residents have been advised to remain calm as the situation develops.
There has been no reaction yet from officials loyal to President Talon.

UPDATE

Right now, the military has imposed a total ban on movement across the country.
Security personnel are stopping people on the roads, instructing them to return home and remain indoors until further notice.

There is also an unconfirmed rumour circulating that Russia may be involved in the unfolding situation.
So far, many citizens appear to be in subtle support of the takeover, according to early reactions from locals.

The situation is still unfolding, and more updates are expected as events continue to develop.

Germany Approves Voluntary Military Service For 18-Year-Olds

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Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, has approved the return of voluntary military service in a move aimed at strengthening national defence following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The reform is part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s wider ambition to build Europe’s strongest conventional army.

From January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire asking if they are willing to serve in the military. Completing the form will be mandatory for men and optional for women. Although the programme is described as voluntary, the government has indicated that compulsory service could be introduced if security conditions worsen or recruitment levels fall short.

The decision has triggered backlash among many young Germans, leading to plans for coordinated student strikes in close to 90 cities. Organisers argue that young people should not be drawn into military structures or prepared for war. In a statement posted on social media, they wrote that they do not want to spend months “locked in barracks” or “learning to kill,” insisting that war cannot offer a sustainable future. In Hamburg alone, around 1,500 protesters are expected to take part, with school authorities warning parents against removing students from classes for the demonstrations.

The Bundestag backed the measure with 323 votes in favour and 272 against, making Germany the latest European country to adjust its military service model. Last month, France announced a 10-month voluntary service scheme for teenagers. Germany’s Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said that from July 2027 all 18-year-old men will also undergo a medical assessment to determine their suitability for potential service, stating that universal exams would ensure Germany can mobilise quickly in an emergency.

Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, currently have about 182,000 active personnel. The government aims to increase this number by 20,000 within a year and reach 260,000 by the early 2030s. The plan also involves building a reserve force of around 200,000 troops to meet NATO targets and reinforce national readiness. To encourage participation, volunteers are expected to receive a monthly salary of approximately €2,600.

The vote took place alongside a separate debate over a controversial pension reform bill, which aims to maintain state pension levels until 2031. The bill is a core part of the current coalition deal between Merz’s conservatives and the Social Democrats, who hold a narrow governing majority.

Younger conservatives had threatened to vote against the reform, warning that the policy is financially unsustainable and would shift the burden onto younger generations. However, the Left party said it would abstain, lowering the threshold needed for the bill to pass and easing pressure on the coalition. The move appears to have prevented a potential parliamentary setback for the government.

Kenya Seals Major Health Partnership With US

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Kenya has entered into a significant five-year health cooperation deal with the United States, marking the first arrangement of its kind since Donald Trump reshaped America’s foreign assistance policies.

The agreement, valued at $2.5bn (£1.9bn), is designed to strengthen Kenya’s fight against infectious diseases, with similar frameworks set to be extended to additional African states aligned with the current US administration’s diplomatic objectives.

The direct bilateral structure is intended to improve oversight and reduce misuse of funds, though critics worry it may grant Washington continuous access to vital health systems and potentially sensitive medical records.

Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale addressed those concerns, stating that “only de-identified, aggregated data” would be shared.

On assuming office in January, Trump placed a hold on external aid during a review of public spending, dissolved the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and significantly reduced support for lower-income nations.

The change has sharply decreased the availability of some essential medicines in parts of the developing world.

In September, the administration unveiled an “America First Global Health Strategy”, tying assistance to new negotiations that officials said would reduce inefficiency while advancing US interests.

Under the Kenyan agreement, Washington will provide $1.7bn, while Kenya is expected to invest $850m and eventually assume greater financial responsibility over time.

The programme focuses on preventing and treating HIV/Aids, malaria, and tuberculosis, improving maternal health services, eliminating polio, and strengthening responses to epidemics.

During the signing ceremony with Kenya’s President William Ruto, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the pact as a “landmark agreement,” and called Kenya a “longstanding American ally”.

He commended Kenya’s leadership within the UN-supported mission confronting heavily armed criminal networks in Haiti.

“If we had five or 10 countries willing to step forward and do just half of what Kenya has done already, it would be an extraordinary achievement,” said Rubio.

The Secretary of State said the United States preferred to channel assistance through governments rather than intermediary organisations.

“We are not going to spend billions of dollars funding the NGO industrial complex while close and important partners like Kenya either have no role to play or have very little influence over how health care money is being spent,” he said.

Kenya’s leader said the funds would support national goals, including acquiring up-to-date hospital technology and expanding the country’s medical workforce.

“I assure you that every shilling and every dollar will be spent efficiently, effectively, and accountably,” Ruto added.

Despite this, some Kenyans are calling for full transparency, arguing that the document should be made public to clarify whether the US will have access to personal health information such as HIV status, tuberculosis history, and vaccination records.

“What specific data categories are being shared? Are genomic data, disease patterns, mental health data, insurance claims, hospital records, or biometrics included? If not, why is that not explicitly written?” lawyer Willis Otieno posted on X.

Well-known whistle-blower Nelson Amenya expressed the same reservations, urging the authorities to publish the pact so “we can read it for ourselves”.

Minister Duale dismissed the allegations, insisting Kenya’s medical information remains safeguarded under domestic law.

“Your health data is a national strategic asset,” Duale added.

Officials from the United States have not yet responded publicly to the concerns raised about data privacy.

According to US representatives, several other African governments are expected to sign comparable agreements before the year concludes.

Google Trends: How Senator Natasha Became Nigeria’s Top Searched In 2025

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Google has released its 2025 Year in Search report, highlighting the topics, personalities, cultural shifts, and events that shaped online curiosity in Nigeria. The data reflects how Nigerians used Google Search to follow major political developments, decode rising slang, explore lifestyle trends, and engage with entertainment throughout the year.

According to Google, the annual report captures an “unfiltered picture of what held national attention,” showing how digital behaviour mirrors social conversations, public debate, and emerging interests.

A statement issued by Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google West Africa’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, described the 2025 report as a snapshot of “what Nigerians cared about — from heated political moments to creative trends in entertainment.”

Politics Leads Nigeria’s Search Curiosity

One of the strongest trends in 2025 was the surge in political-related searches. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as the most searched Nigerian personality, reflecting her rising influence in national politics and the amount of public discourse surrounding her leadership trajectory.

Search interest also focused heavily on political tensions within Rivers State. Queries related to Governor Siminalayi Fubara increased throughout the year, as Nigerians tracked the conflict between the governor and the State Assembly, as well as his widely reported rift with former governor and political ally, Nyesom Wike.

International politics also shaped search activity, with the Israel-Iran conflict, the United States elections, and global diplomatic flashpoints driving engagement across the country.

Cultural Moments, Entertainment, and Icons

Entertainment remained a major force online. Award-winning filmmaker Kemi Adetiba ranked among Nigeria’s most searched cultural figures. Her digital footprint grew significantly following the success of her series, To Kill a Monkey, which topped the chart as Nigeria’s most searched local production in 2025.

In music, gospel hit “Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)” by Tkeyz featuring Steve Hills was the most searched song of the year, showing the continued influence of gospel and inspirational Afro-soul on streaming platforms and social media. The charts also featured tracks from Fido, Davido, Omah Lay, and emerging street-sound acts.

Nigerians also turned to Search to interpret viral slang and trending expressions. Questions such as “What is Labubu?” dominated language-related queries, alongside searches for the meaning of phrases like Achalugo, nepo baby, Sope Purr, Kelebu, and Ozempic — signalling an evolving pop-culture vocabulary influenced by online communities.

Honouring National Icons and Global Figures

Search spikes around notable deaths revealed the public’s response to moments of loss. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s passing generated one of the largest peaks in public interest, as Nigerians revisited his political career and legacy.

Other personalities who drew significant search activity include former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, Pope Francis, and international footballer Diogo Jota, reflecting widespread attention to both local and global figures.

Tech Choices and Lifestyle Trends

The 2025 report also shows how Nigerians balanced interest in premium technology with cost-conscious choices. The iPhone 17 led device-related searches, while budget-friendly options from Tecno, Infinix, and Xiaomi ranked highly – revealing a diverse tech appetite driven by innovation and accessibility.

Lifestyle and food searches demonstrated adventurous culinary interests. Nigerians frequently looked for recipes like chinchin, ginger shots, pornstar martini, Chinese rice, lasagne, asun rice, and sausage rolls, mixing local favourites with globally influenced cuisine.

Full List of Nigeria’s Top Search Queries (2025)

Below is a consolidated view of the major categories from Google’s 2025 Year in Search for Nigeria:

Most Searched Personalities

-Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
-Governor Siminalayi Fubara
-Kemi Adetiba

Most Searched Songs

-“Oluwatosin (Jesus Is Enough)” – Tkeyz ft. Steve Hills
-Joy Is Coming – Fido
-With You – Davido & Omah Lay
-Songs by Shallipopi

Top News & Events

-Israel–Iran war
-U.S. Elections
-Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Trending Devices

-iPhone 17
-Tecno Pop 10
-Redmi 14C
-Tecno Spark 40
-Infinix Note 50 Pro

Most Searched Shows

-To Kill a Monkey
-Squid Game
-Wednesday
-Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Top Language Searches

-“What is Labubu?”
-Achalugo
-Kelebu
-Sope Purr
-Ozempic
-Nepo baby

Trump To Host Peace Agreement Signing Between DR Congo and Rwanda

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‎The presidents of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are preparing to sign a peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in the region during a summit hosted in Washington by US President Donald Trump.

‎In the lead-up to the summit, fighting has intensified in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo between government troops and rebels who are widely believed to be receiving support from Rwanda.

‎DR Congo’s military accused its opponents of trying to “sabotage” the peace effort, while the M23 rebels claimed that government forces had violated the ceasefire by launching an offensive.

‎Earlier this year, the M23 captured extensive territory in eastern DR Congo during a campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths and massive displacement.

‎President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have traded heated remarks over recent years, each blaming the other for sparking the conflict.

‎In June, Trump successfully brought the two nations’ foreign ministers together to sign a peace accord, celebrating it as a “glorious triumph”.

‎Tshisekedi and Kagame are now set to formally approve the agreement, with leaders from several African and Arab nations, including Burundi and Qatar
expected to witness the signing.

‎The M23 will not attend the event, as it is currently involved in separate negotiations with the Congolese government under a Qatar-led process.

‎The Trump administration has taken the lead in mediating between Rwanda and DR Congo, hoping that settling the dispute will help pave the way for greater US investment in the area’s abundant resources.

‎Rwanda continues to deny providing backing to the M23, despite UN experts asserting that its military is in “de facto control of M23 operations”.

‎Despite the high-profile nature of the summit and the presence of the two leaders in Washington, some experts doubt the deal will bring lasting peace.

‎Bram Verelst, a DR Congo specialist at the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, told the BBC there was “currently no ceasefire in place, and the M23 rebellion continues to expand and consolidate its control”.

‎He added that “The signing ceremony is unlikely to alter this situation, though there is some small hope it could increase accountability on Congolese and Rwandan leaders to honour their commitments”.

‎Earlier this year, the M23 captured major cities in eastern DR Congo, including Goma and Bukavu.

‎In a statement, DR Congo military spokesperson Gen Sylvain Ekenge reported that the rebels had launched another assault on Tuesday targeting villages in the South Kivu region.

‎These villages lie about 75km (47 miles) from Uvira, a city on the Burundi border which has served as the provincial administration’s base since the fall of Bukavu to the rebels.

‎The M23, however, stated that the Congolese military had carried out air and ground strikes on its positions in collaboration with Burundian forces.

‎Burundi has not responded to the claim, though it currently has several thousand soldiers deployed in eastern DR Congo in support of Congolese troops.

‎Rwanda says it has taken “defensive measures” in eastern DR Congo in response to what it views as a threat from the FDLR, a militia containing participants from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

‎Kagame maintains that the FDLR must be disarmed, while DR Congo insists that Rwandan forces must withdraw from its territory.

‎Both demands form part of the peace agreement scheduled to be signed in Washington.

‎However, numerous past agreements dating back to the 1990s have failed, largely because Rwanda accused earlier Congolese governments of not dismantling the FDLR, a persistent barrier to resolving the conflict.

‎The DR Congo government has also insisted that the M23 relinquish the areas it controls, something the rebel group has so far refused in ongoing talks mediated by Qatar.

‎Qatar and the United States are jointly working to coordinate mediation efforts, with Qatar maintaining close relations with Rwanda while the US is perceived to be more aligned with DR Congo.

‎According to the US State Department in 2023, DR Congo holds an estimated $25 trillion (£21.2tn) worth of mineral resources.

‎These reserves include cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese, and tantalum, essential components in electronics, electric vehicles, mobile devices, renewable energy technology, and military equipment.

‎“We’re getting, for the United States, a lot of the mineral rights from the Congo as part of it,” Trump said ahead of the June agreement.

‎Prof Jason Stearns, a Canadian political analyst focused on the region, said the US is advocating for an economic partnership allowing DR Congo and Rwanda to work together on mining, hydro-electric power, and infrastructure projects.

‎He noted that “The logic is that it will provide the peace dividend”.

‎However, Prof Stearns added that DR Congo has made it clear it will sign the economic deal but will not “advance on that deal until Rwandan troops have withdrawn from eastern DR Congo”.


US To impose Visa Restrictions On Violators Of Religious Freedom

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The United States is tightening pressure on Nigeria over rising religiously-motivated violence, announcing imminent visa restrictions for individuals accused of undermining religious freedom.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action targets those who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out persecution based on religious beliefs, adding that the policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or groups implicated in attacks on faith communities.

Rubio linked the decision to ongoing atrocities and attacks against Christians in Nigeria and globally. His remarks followed a congressional roundtable convened in Washington where lawmakers and experts examined what they called the escalating persecution of Christians.

The discussion forms part of a wider inquiry ordered by President Donald Trump, who recently warned that the US could halt aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if attacks on Christians persist.

Pressure has intensified since Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution seeking visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and organisations deemed responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Smith cited the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and called for Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau to be placed on a special watch list under US law. MACBAN rejected the allegations and urged Congress to withdraw the recommendation, insisting the group does not represent criminal gangs exploiting the country’s worsening insecurity.

During the hearing, Smith accused the Nigerian government of complicity in religious persecution. Other lawmakers expressed deep frustration, questioning Abuja’s capability and political will to protect Christian communities and other victims of extremist violence.

Congressman Bill Huizenga criticised the Nigerian delegation for allegedly downplaying the crisis in Washington, arguing that the government is not doing enough to curb radicalised Islamist attacks.

Another lawmaker, Andy Olszewski, said Nigeria’s inability to safeguard citizens must attract accountability, stressing that governance failures cannot excuse mass atrocities.

As advocacy groups push for stronger action, tensions grew further following US calls for Nigeria to abolish Sharia law and disband Hisbah bodies in the north.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad welcomed sanctions against those fueling violence but condemned demands affecting Nigeria’s legal and cultural systems, denouncing them as interference in domestic affairs.

Responding to concerns raised at the hearing, US officials acknowledged Nigeria’s size and resources but urged a stronger focus on countering religiously targeted attacks within its broader security challenge.

They also noted delays that halted a youth peacebuilding programme in the northeast, despite its role in fostering interfaith collaboration.

The latest move comes after Nigeria was redesignated a Country of Particular Concern, a status that opens the door to further US punitive measures as lawmakers continue to call for urgent steps to prevent more mass killings.

CAC Issues Alert On 15 Illegal Companies Operating In Nigeria

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The Corporate Affairs Commission has cautioned Nigerians against engaging with individuals or organizations using certain company names and registration numbers that are not listed in its official records.

CAC made this announcement in a statement signed on Tuesday by its management and shared across its social media platforms.

“Public is hereby warned to disregard these entities and exercise the highest level of caution when dealing with individuals or organisations using the names with corresponding purported RC numbers below,” the statement read.

The commission identified the unregistered companies as Famas Services Nigeria Limited (RC 216312), Promo Dutch Investment Limited (RC 396654), Dialack Concept Nig. Ltd (RC 297772), and Purpleheart Construction and Real Estate Mgt. Co. Ltd (RC 1210548).

CAC further warned the public about M/S Loktu Enterprises (BN 373466), Loktu Enterprises (BN 400390), Badatoyak Ltd (RC 521322), Johson Nats Limited (RC 198492), Peoples Club Nigeria International (CAC/IT/41191), and Jiba Enterprise (BN 577523).

Other companies listed include Civil Engineering Solutions Nigeria Limited (RC 33001), Gabdoff Hotel Ltd (RC 112409), Amoka Group (BN 545221), BEEC Nigeria Limited (RC 30143), and S. S. Adetunji (BN 657466).

“This publication is in line with our statutory mandate to maintain an accurate, reliable companies register and to protect investors, businesses and the general public from fraudulent activities,” the CAC stated.

The commission advised members of the public to always confirm the registration status of any company or business name directly on the CAC portal before carrying out transactions.

“The CAC remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Companies Register, upholding the law, and ensuring a safe and transparent business environment in Nigeria,” the notice added.

Established in 1990 under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAC is responsible for registering all types of companies and business names, maintaining company registries across all states, and ensuring compliance with CAMA regulations.

Army Kills 8 Terrorists, Rescues 27 Nationwide

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The Nigerian Army has stepped up its nationwide counter-terrorism and crime-fighting operations, neutralising eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects, and rescuing 27 victims between 29 November and 1 December 2025.

In Borno State, troops from the 151 Task Force Battalion, 152 Task Force Battalion, and 192 Battalion conducted ambush and clearance operations that resulted in the neutralisation of four ISWAP/JAS fighters. Soldiers recovered three AK-47 rifles, four magazines, hundreds of assorted rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 working part, and a Baofeng radio.

Troops also successfully thwarted infiltration attempts around Chibok.

Across Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kogi, and Kaduna States, personnel operating under Operation WHIRL STROKE and Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued 20 victims, including women and a minor.

Arrests in these areas included suspected kidnappers, human traffickers, extremist collaborators, illegal miners, cult members, and a gunrunner.

Troops in Taraba neutralised four violent extremists in Karim Lamido, seizing weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles.

In Delta State, soldiers apprehended two suspected cultists and confiscated a locally made pistol, cartridges, and mobile phones.

In Plateau State, troops recovered 76 rustled cattle and returned them to their rightful owners.

In the South-South region, anti-oil theft operations led to the closure of an illegal refining site containing roughly 1,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

Joint operations with the NDLEA resulted in the arrest of 25 drug suspects in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

In Kaduna State, troops intercepted vehicles carrying 5,000 kg of gelatine explosives, 3,000 metres of cordtex fuse, 10 electric detonators, and 1,000 metres of connecting wire.

Investigations are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies.

One of the period’s major breakthroughs was the arrest of the alleged notorious gunrunner Shuaibu Isah, also known as Alhaji, who was reportedly attempting to receive 1,000 rounds of ammunition from associates still being tracked.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that terrorists, criminals, and their collaborators are denied any safe haven.

New CBN Cash Withdrawal Limit: What You Should Know

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Nigeria is set to take another major step toward a more digital financial system as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) unveils new cash-related policies effective January 1, 2026.

The revised framework aims to reduce the high cost of managing physical cash, enhance security, and discourage the hoarding of large amounts of currency. While the CBN continues to promote digital payments, it acknowledges that many Nigerians still rely heavily on cash for daily transactions.

The changes were announced in a circular titled “Revised Cash-Related Policies” issued on December 3, 2025, by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation.
This new directive replaces more than twenty earlier guidelines, marking one of the most significant policy overhauls since the 2022 cash redesign crisis.

What Has Changed?

Cash deposits are now completely free, with no limits and no penalties. Individuals and businesses can deposit any amount without incurring additional charges, a major relief for traders, market operators, and others who routinely handle large volumes of cash.

However, weekly cash withdrawal limits have been tightened:

  • Individuals: Up to ₦500,000 per week
  • Businesses: Up to ₦5 million per week

Withdrawals that exceed these limits attract penalties, 3% for individuals and 5% for businesses. These charges will be shared between the CBN and the processing bank.

ATM withdrawals are capped at ₦100,000 per day, and these count toward the weekly limit. All naira denominations will now be stocked in ATMs for better accessibility.

Additionally, third-party cheques above ₦100,000 can no longer be cashed over the counter and will also count toward the withdrawal limit.

The previous system that granted special waivers, allowing individuals to withdraw up to ₦5 million and corporates up to ₦10 million monthly, has been scrapped.

Banks are now required to maintain detailed monthly reports of all cash deposits and withdrawals above the approved limits and forward them to the CBN.

Who Is Exempt?

Government accounts at the federal, state, and local levels remain exempt from the new withdrawal limits.

Microfinance banks, primary mortgage institutions, and select non-interest financial institutions are also excluded from the caps.

However, embassies, diplomatic missions, and international donor agencies will now operate under the same withdrawal restrictions as the general public.

Why the Policy Matters

Nigeria has spent more than a decade trying to reduce its dependence on cash. The cashless policy introduced in 2012 sought to lower operational costs, curb corruption, and modernize Nigeria’s financial system.

There have been notable gains. In 2025, Nigeria was removed from the FATF grey list, reflecting improvements in anti–money laundering controls. Electronic payment adoption has also surged, with billions of transactions recorded in 2025.

Yet, many Nigerians still operate in cash-heavy environments. Limited internet access in rural areas and lingering distrust in digital platforms continue to slow progress.

The CBN’s new approach attempts a middle ground—promoting digital payments while accommodating the realities of the informal sector.

Experts are divided. Some view the policy as a balanced and practical adjustment. Others warn that increased cash usage could worsen inflation or raise currency in circulation at a time when Nigeria is still battling rising prices and a volatile naira.

How It Affects You

For many Nigerians, especially traders and cash handlers, the removal of deposit limits is a welcome relief. Individuals can now deposit high-value cash without fear of extra charges.

However, the ₦500,000 weekly withdrawal cap may pose challenges for people who depend heavily on cash, such as event planners, wholesalers, and market operators. Individuals who exceed the limit will pay a 3% penalty on the excess amount.

Businesses have more flexibility with a ₦5 million weekly limit, but they are encouraged to adopt digital payment channels such as PoS, mobile banking, and transfers to avoid penalties and streamline operations.

In addition, the CBN now mandates banks to refund verified cases of digital fraud within 72 hours, making cybersecurity more critical than ever.

Way Forward

The revised withdrawal policy reflects a future where cash remains relevant but no longer dominant. With full implementation expected before the end of 2025, customers are advised to consult their banks and prepare ahead.

Nigeria’s financial landscape is rapidly evolving. Understanding these changes will help individuals and businesses adapt as the nation advances toward a safer, more efficient cash-light economy.