Wednesday, December 10, 2025, delivered a flurry of major headlines across Nigeria, from a tough presidential directive on security to a high-profile corruption arraignment, alongside crucial market updates on the Naira and petrol prices.Here is a breakdown of the top stories that dominated the news cycle:
1. The VIP Police Withdrawal Order: Not NegotiablePresident Bola Tinubu used the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting as a platform to reiterate and enforce his directive for the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIPs, VVIPs, and ministers.
Presidential Stance: The President stressed that the order was “not negotiable,” warning officials against non-compliance.Replacement Strategy: To prevent security vacuums, he directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to collaborate with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to arrange for NSCDC personnel to take over the special security duties.
The NSCDC officers, he noted, are also trained and armed for VIP protection.Rationale: The move is a critical response to the rising tide of kidnapping and banditry, aiming to redeploy trained police personnel back to their core constitutional duty: protecting vulnerable citizens and communities.
2. Stella Oduah Arraigned Over Alleged ₦5 Billion FraudFormer Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, was formally brought before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday.The Charges: The Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), arraigned the former minister on five counts related to conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses.
The charges involve allegations of fraudulently obtaining sums, including ₦2.4 billion through a company under the guise of technical supervision costs in 2014.
Plea and Bail: Senator Oduah pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The court granted her bail on self-recognition but ordered the deposit of her international passport and barred her from traveling outside the country without judicial permission.Trial Date: The case has been adjourned until February 2026 for the commencement of trial.
3. Naira to Dollar: Stability Amid Seasonal PressureThe Nigerian Naira demonstrated relative stability in the foreign exchange market, despite the seasonal increase in demand typically seen in December.Parallel Market: The Dollar was trading around ₦1,455 to ₦1,465 in the black market corridor, with a slight upward pressure attributed to end-of-year import and travel demands.
Market Drivers: Market analysts believe the stability is being supported by early inflows from diaspora remittances and the sustained impact of recent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulatory changes aimed at improving market liquidity and reducing the gap between the official and unofficial rates.
4. Petrol (PMS) Price Sees Further ReductionIn good news for consumers, the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, has continued its recent downward trajectory at the pump.
Price Drop: NNPCL and other major marketers, including MRS and BOVAS, have further adjusted pump prices.
NNPCL outlets in Abuja, for instance, were reportedly selling for as low as ₦915 per litre, a ₦5 reduction from the previous price.Key Factors: Oil marketers credit the continuous price reduction to two main factors:Increased Domestic Refining: Growing output from the Dangote Refinery, which continues to adjust its ex-depot prices downward.Strengthening Naira: The relative gains made by the Naira against the Dollar reduces the cost of fuel importation and dampens smuggling incentives.
