The year 2025 has been eventful across the world, marked by both positive moments and difficult periods. In Nigeria, the year came with celebrations, setbacks, and key developments that shaped national conversations.
As Nigerians get ready to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, several countries will enter the New Year earlier due to differences in time zones. Below is a look at the countries that will welcome 2026 ahead of Nigeria and the times they will do so.
Kiribati: First to Welcome 2026
Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, will be the first country to enter 2026. Kiritimati (Christmas Island) operates on the UTC+14 time zone, meaning the New Year will begin there at 11 AM Nigerian time (2 PM UAE time).
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New Zealand
New Zealand, which includes the North and South Islands, will already be in 2026 by 12 PM Nigerian time. Wellington is 12 hours ahead of Nigeria.
Fiji
Fiji, located in the South Pacific, will welcome the New Year at 1 PM Nigerian time, with celebrations centred in its capital, Suva.
Japan
Tokyo, Japan, will enter 2026 at 4 PM Nigerian time, eight hours ahead of Nigeria.
South Korea
Seoul, South Korea, will also welcome the New Year at 4 PM Nigerian time.
North Korea
Pyongyang, North Korea, will mark the start of 2026 at the same time as its East Asian neighbours—4 PM Nigerian time.
Singapore
Singapore will celebrate the New Year at 5 PM Nigerian time, seven hours ahead.
China
Beijing, China, will also welcome 2026 at 5 PM Nigerian time.
Indonesia
Indonesia, which spans Southeast Asia and parts of Oceania, will enter the New Year at 6 PM Nigerian time.
Russia
Moscow, Russia, will celebrate the New Year at 10 PM Nigerian time, two hours ahead of Nigeria.
From the Pacific islands through Asia and into Europe, the New Year moves across the world before finally reaching Nigeria at midnight.