The opening months of the year captured the complexity of life in Nigeria, balancing optimism and resilience with tragedy, economic pressure, and social debate. January and February unfolded with events that shaped national conversations, influenced public policy, and reflected the everyday realities faced by millions of Nigerians.
Table of Contents
January: New Beginnings Amid Tragedy and Economic Signals
New Year Celebrations – Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Nigeria welcomed the new year with widespread celebrations on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Across the country, families gathered in homes and places of worship to mark the beginning of the year. Churches held crossover and thanksgiving services, while neighbourhoods lit up with fireworks, music, and small social gatherings. Many Nigerians shared their hopes, resolutions, and prayers online, exchanging goodwill messages, food items, and gifts with loved ones as the year began on a hopeful note.
Petrol Tanker Explosion near Suleja – Saturday, January 18, 2025
That optimism was shaken on Saturday, January 18, 2025, when a petrol tanker overturned at Dikko Junction near Suleja, Niger State. As residents rushed to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, it suddenly caught fire and exploded. The inferno claimed the lives of more than 70 people, with some reports suggesting fatalities exceeded 100. Scores of others suffered severe burns and were rushed to nearby hospitals. The tragedy echoed previous fuel tanker disasters in Nigeria, once again highlighting the dangers of fuel scooping and the urgent need for public safety awareness.
Nigerian Stock Market Shows Strength – January 2025
Despite ongoing economic challenges, the Nigerian Exchange recorded a strong performance throughout January 2025. The All-Share Index climbed to approximately 104,496 points, while total market capitalisation increased by about ₦1.95 trillion. Financial analysts interpreted the gains as a sign of cautious investor confidence, even as inflation, currency pressures, and rising living costs continued to weigh heavily on households.
UN Warning on Food Insecurity – Thursday, January 23, 2025
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released its 2025 humanitarian outlook for Nigeria. The report warned that roughly 33 million Nigerians could face acute food insecurity during the year. Rising food prices, persistent inflation, insecurity affecting farming communities, and climate-related disruptions were identified as key drivers of the looming crisis.
Second Tanker Disaster on Enugu–Onitsha Road – Saturday, January 25, 2025
Barely a week after the Suleja incident, another devastating tanker accident occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway. A fuel tanker lost control, rammed into 17 vehicles, and burst into flames. At least 18 people lost their lives. The back-to-back tragedies intensified public outrage and renewed calls for stricter regulation of fuel transportation, improved road safety enforcement, and better emergency response systems.
Labour Protest Threat Over Telecom Tariffs – Thursday, January 30, 2025
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced plans to stage a nationwide protest over a proposed 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs. Labour leaders warned that higher phone and internet costs would further strain workers already grappling with inflation. The union scheduled the protest for February 4, urging regulators and telecom companies to reconsider the hike.
Climate Change Forum in Abuja – Thursday, January 30, 2025
Also on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Nigeria hosted a Climate Change Forum in Abuja. Government officials, environmental experts, and civil society groups discussed strategies to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and build a sustainable green economy. Special emphasis was placed on the inclusion of women in climate action plans, with the presidency outlining Nigeria’s renewed commitment to environmental responsibility.
Attack on Farmers in Ondo State – Thursday, January 30, 2025
Tragedy struck again on Thursday, January 30, 2025, when several farmers were killed in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The attack was linked to ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders over land use and grazing routes. The incident underscored the persistent security challenges in rural communities and the need for lasting solutions to agrarian conflicts.
Rise in Money Supply – January 2025
Economic data released in January 2025 showed that Nigeria’s broad money supply rose to ₦110.8 trillion, representing a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by increases in both foreign and domestic assets, raising concerns about inflationary pressure and the continued weakening of the naira’s purchasing power.
February: Protests, Mourning, Culture, and Political Controversy
Telecom Protest Called Off – Tuesday, February 4, 2025
February opened with mounting labour tension as workers prepared for the planned telecom protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. However, following discussions between the government, regulators, and labour leaders, the protest was suspended. Authorities agreed to review the tariff increase, easing immediate fears of nationwide demonstrations.
Zamfara Islamic School Fire – Thursday, February 6, 2025
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, a tragic fire broke out at an Islamic school in Kaura Namoda district, Zamfara State, in north-western Nigeria. The blaze claimed the lives of at least 17 children and left several others injured. The incident sparked nationwide grief and renewed calls for improved safety standards in informal and religious learning centres across the country.
Valentine’s Day Celebrations – Friday, February 14, 2025
Despite economic hardship, love was in the air on Friday, February 14, 2025. Surveys indicated that about 76 percent of Nigerians participated in Valentine’s Day celebrations. Many bought gifts such as food items, clothing, and perfumes for their partners, showing that even in difficult times, personal relationships and small moments of joy remained important.
Return of Benin Bronzes – Wednesday, February 19, 2025
A historic cultural milestone was reached on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, when the Netherlands agreed to return 119 stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. The artefacts were looted by British forces during the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom—128 years ago. This marked the largest single repatriation of the treasured artworks and followed more than five decades of diplomatic efforts by Nigeria to reclaim its cultural heritage.
Senate Sexual Harassment Allegation – Thursday, February 20, 2025
Nigeria’s political landscape was shaken on Thursday, February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and discriminatory treatment. She alleged that her refusal to submit to inappropriate advances led to her marginalisation within the Senate. The accusation triggered intense national debate on sexual harassment, gender equality, and the barriers faced by women in Nigerian politics.
Fatal Bus–Tanker Crash in Niger State – Saturday, February 22, 2025
Tragedy struck again on Saturday, February 22, 2025, when a passenger bus collided with a fuel tanker in Niger State. Fourteen people were killed and six others injured after the bus driver reportedly attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre at high speed. The accident renewed concerns over reckless driving and weak enforcement of traffic regulations.
Rise of “No Gree for Anybody” – February 2025
Throughout February 2025, the Pidgin and Gen Z slang phrase “No gree for anybody” gained nationwide popularity. Meaning “do not allow yourself to be taken advantage of,” the expression spread rapidly across social media and daily conversations. It captured the mood of resistance, resilience, and frustration among young Nigerians facing economic pressure and social challenges.