As the curtain falls on 2025, Nigeria finds itself at a crossroads of celebration and mourning. The “Crossover Night” is a cultural and religious staple, but with record travel volumes and shifting policies, staying informed is critical for a safe transition into 2026.
1. Crossover Night & Road Safety Checklist
The FRSC and LASTMA have activated reinforced enforcement units for tonight. Key directives include:
- Avoid Illegal Parking: LASTMA warns that vehicles abandoned near worship centers or event hubs along major Lagos corridors will be towed.
- The “No Night Travel” Rule: Following the tragic accident involving Anthony Joshua, authorities are pleading with motorists to avoid the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway after dark.
- Identity Anchors: Ensure you have your NIN/ID handy; security checks are heightened tonight to manage the “Detty December” crowds in Lagos and Calabar.
- Vehicle Health: Before heading to crossover service, check your tyre pressure and cooling systems. The FRSC attributes 2025’s “ember month” crashes primarily to excessive speed and mechanical failure.
2. AFCON 2025: Round of 16 Schedule
The Super Eagles have secured a perfect 9-point run in Group C after their 3–1 victory over Uganda on December 30. Nigeria is now set to remain in Fes, Morocco, for the knockout stage.
- Confirmed Opponent: Nigeria will face a 3rd-place team, likely Mozambique (from Group F) or potentially a qualifier from Group B.
- Match Date: Monday, January 5, 2026.
- Kick-off: 20:00 (WAT).
3. The Anthony Joshua Recovery
New updates on December 31 confirm that while Anthony Joshua remains in stable condition, he has expressed “immense pain” following the crash that killed his team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. The FRSC preliminary report points to a tyre burst at high speed on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. His family is currently seeking increased access to his private hospital in Lagos as he remains under observation.
New Tax Era: January 1, 2026
Tomorrow marks the full implementation of the 2026 Tax Reforms. Despite legal challenges, the FIRS confirms that NIN is now your automatic TIN. If you are a business owner or salary earner, your financial trails will be digitised starting tomorrow.
Would you like me to help you draft a specific “First Week of January” tax compliance checklist for your business?
Concerns over Nigeria’s roads after Anthony Joshua crash
This video is relevant because it features an official FRSC safety alert for December 2025, providing the context for the road safety measures being discussed following the high-profile accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.