04/12/2025
Nigeria News updates 4/12/2025.
Nigeria recorded major political, security, and economic developments today. The Senate has confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence after a five-hour screening session. His appointment comes as the country pushes for stronger security reforms following rising nationwide threats.
Lawmakers also passed a crucial bill seeking to classify kidnapping as terrorism and introduce the death penalty for offenders. The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, has moved to the Judiciary and Security committees for further legislative work.
On the international front, the United States has announced new visa restrictions for Nigerians linked to violations of religious freedom, especially cases tied to alleged Christian persecution. The policy targets both government and non-state actors.
Meanwhile, presidential aide Daniel Bwala insists the Federal Government has not negotiated with terrorists in recent abduction cases, dismissing claims of ransom payments. He emphasized that the Tinubu administration maintains a strict no-negotiation policy while intensifying security pressure against kidnappers.
In economic news, the Central Bank of Nigeria has scrapped cash deposit limits and raised weekly withdrawal thresholds to ₦500,000 for individuals and ₦5 million for businesses, effective January 1, 2026. The CBN says this update aligns cash policy with current economic realities and enhances financial operations nationwide.
Stay tuned for full details and analysis.
